May 1, 2005 So very few know that LCpl Charlie Castillo never got to hold his newborn baby boy, now a grown man. They do not know that Charlie's Father and Uncle were both disabled veterans, paraplegics confined to wheelchairs because of devastating wounds inflicted upon them in Korea. That Charlie's younger brother, J.C., joined the U.S. Army and retired honorably as a MSG SGT. That Charlie left two sisters who love their brother deeply. I have known the Castillo family for 38 years and I have never heard them complain about their patriotic chore. For many years when I entered the Castillo home, and that was often, there was a picture of Charlie with his fatigues and helmet on. Next to the picture was a printed citation and a Purple Heart. And of course every mother and father's symbol of sorrow, a neatly folded American Flag. Many years have passed, but our collective obligation to honor Charlie's memory has not. His brother and I will continue our quest to understand his sacrifice at Con Thien on September 21, 1967. We will study it, and we will learn from it. We will ask tough questions if we have to. And, with earnest hope, we will gently close this chapter in history and smile when we think of him. I thank the Castillo Family for their sacrifice, and their courage. I thank you, J. C., for your 20 years of service to our nation. And most of all, I thank you, LCpl Charles Mike Castillo, for what you gave our Nation: Your last full measure of devotion. Sincerely and Respectfully, Mark Faucett 401 McDermott #1107, Deer Park, Texas 77536 markfa@worldnet.att.net

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 21 September 1967 the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, engaged NVA regulars in a ferocious battle just east of Con Thien a few kilometers south of the Demilitarized Zone. Thirty-three Marines and sailors died in the fighting. Lance Corporal Castillo probably was part of an artillery Forward Observer team, but The Virtual Wall cannot determine which 2/4 company he was with. The Marines are notoriously sensitive to awards for valor. An idea of the nature of the fight is gained by considering that six of the dead were awarded high honors for their courage: one Medal of Honor, two Navy Crosses, and three Silver Stars.

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