16 May 2005 Even though I did not get to meet David, because he was taken from us before I was born, I have these wonderful letters he wrote to my Mom. I got to know what a great, giving, and thoughtful person he was through those letters and stories I've been told. I also get to know him every time I look in the mirror ... there he is in me. "Thank You" to my father and all the other service people then and now. From his daughter. E-mail address is not available.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 03 March 1968 an LCPL patrol boat was sunk in the Cua Viet River about 3 miles east of Dong Ha. The incident is reported in the US Naval Forces Vietnam History: "[the boat], sweeping close to the west bank of the Cua Viet River channel, approximately 2-1/2 miles northeast of Dong Ha, hit an estimated 500-pound mine. The craft, which was flipped upside down by the force of the explosion, suffered extensive damage to its bow and starboard side, and was later designated a total loss. Six crewmembers were killed and one was severeluy wounded as a result of the incident." and the 1st Searchlight Battery (USMC) Command Chronology: "3 Mar 1968. While proceeding west from the Naval Supply Activity, the patrol boat with 1st Platoon's searchlight and crew was sunk with all hands by an unknown type mine. Two men from the battery were KIA." The 6 men killed in the incident were 1st Searchlight Btry, 12th Marines LCpl Alfred W. Speyer, Hyannis, MA Pfc Richard S. Ginder, Yakima, WA Det Cua Viet, NAVSUPACT Danang, USNAVFORV BM3 Gary A. Larsen, Irene, SD EN3 Randall L. Young, Worthington, MN SN David A. Carli, Vallejo, CA SN Michael J. Farris, Lincoln, MO As noted, the LCPL was flipped over by the blast, trapping the bodies of three men within the wreckage. They were recovered when the wreck was searched by divers on 08 March.

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