Page 161 - Images: We were...We are

Daniel Torres Perez - NOTES FROM THE VIRTUAL WALL

On 24 Apr 1967, two platoons from Bravo 1/9 Marines were directed to investigate
several cave sites on Hill 861, some five miles northwest of the Khe Sanh Combat
Base. The B/1/9 patrol engaged a large enemy force north of Hill 861, thereby
prematurely triggering an attack on the combat base. The "Hill Fights" of 1967 had
begun. Fourteen men men were killed in the engagement, 13 from Bravo Company,
1/9 Marines:

x A Co, 3rd Antitank Bn:
o 1stLt Philip H. Sauer, Coronado, CA

x B Co, 1st Bn, 9th Marines:
o Cpl James G. Pomerleau, Waterville, ME
o LCpl Ronald L. Barber, Umatilla, OR
o LCpl Wayne R. Barth, Lodi, CA
o LCpl Justino E. Castro-Ramos, Ponce, PR
o LCpl Daniel T. Perez, New York, NY
o LCpl Jack L. Sutton, Crossville, TN
o LCpl Robert M. Wainz, Freeport, NY
o Pfc Ralph W. Carter, Chicago, IL
o Pfc Raul Casarez, Malinta, OH
o Pfc Douglas B. Hamilton, Springfield, MO
o Pfc Daniel J. Heffernan, Chicago, IL
o Pfc Kent A. Leonard, Mesilla Park, NM
o Pfc Raymond L. Twomey, Miami, FL

There is a fairly detailed description of the events in Ray Stubbe's compilation of
official records and personal naratives of those involved.

6 May 2004

Eulogy for a Veteran

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 diamond glints of snow;
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush;
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds encircled flight.

Section III 125