THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Kentucky was a multi-battalion operation in Quang Tri Province conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps in the area south of the of the highly contested Demilitarized Zone between North and South Vietnam. Kentucky was one in a series of operations to secure the Con Thien area from the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and ran from November 1, 1967, until February 28, 1969. During the month of January 1968, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, occupying the northeastern edge of the Kentucky area of operations, sustained numerous “friendly fire” incidents. In one of his monthly chronologies, battalion commander LTC Robert C. Needham reported: "On thirteen separate occasions a total of 54 friendly artillery rounds were received in or near the inner perimeter of (strong point patrol base) A-3 and Hill 28 (600 yards north of A-3)." On January 5th, a white phosphorous shell landed inside the 3rd Battalion's perimeter. The 9th Marines and the 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines investigated the matter which resulted in the relief of the battery commander. Six days later, the battalion was on the receiving end of six 105mm rounds within its wire, followed on the 13th by twenty-four rounds. At the same time, a short round fell on Hill 28 and killed two, Marine rifleman LCPL Delmer Anderson and Navy corpsman HM3 Larry D. Wells. Six others were wounded. Other friendly fire incidents occurred on January 15th and 19th. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Defining Year, 1968” by Shulimson]

I remember leaving and returning to Camp Lejeune on weekends with Delmar. I would drive to Cincinnati and drop him off at his mother's home, near the Brent Spence bridge in Covington. Very well mannered guy. Blessed to have known him.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

As long as you are remembered you will never die....

I was at your funeral. Your family grieved for your loss, but were so proud of the brave young man who gave his life for his country. I wish you had had a chance to come home and tell us stories of the war and to live out your life. All these years later, and I still remember your/our sacrifice. RIP Delmer.

DEAR LANCE CORPORAL ANDERSON,
THANKS FOR BEING A MARINE GRUNT. SEMPER FI. ON THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND OF LABOR DAY, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THOSE OF YOU WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO CELEBRATE. REST IN PEACE