CPL. BILLY CARROLL BOLTON
Born
on Sept. 20, 1946
From VICTORIA, TEXAS
Casualty was on Jan 30, 1968
in QUANG NAM, SOUTH VIETNAM
Panel 35E - - Line 66
Curtis
Eidson and Billy Bolton (right), TET '68
Cpl. Billy
Bolton served with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, India
Company. He was Killed In Action during the TET Offensive of 1968
during a battle the I/3/5 Marines call Operation ALAMO. His name stands
proudly on the India
3/5 Wall of Honor. Semper fi, Brother Marine. We will never forget.
Operation Alamo
"My
best friend, I carried him out of the field.
A true American, and a true Son."
This
hero died in my arms. He was, and is, my best friend. He will
never be forgotten. My eyes are full of tears at this, and I
know my humbleness will be forever. I would that I had the words to
express what I feel toward this Marine and his family, but I do not.
I can only say what was in my heart when I carried him out of the
field 'sorrow deep.' No pain has ever been so deep.~ Curtis
Eidson
Billy
(left) and Mark Brady
Infantry Training '67
Camp Pendleton, CA
Thoughts
from a Friend
Billy
and I met during boot camp. I have many fond memories of our time
together. I was with him from boot camp through all our training and
when we got to Okinawa we were sent in different directions. From
what I have read at this site from his friends in India Company he
was loved by them as much as by those of us who knew him earlier.
I have never forgotten him and the memories are still as clear today
as if it were yesterday.
Mark
Brady
Carl
Blankenship, Billy Bolton, Bob "Slick" Mowery, Webb,
I/3/5
The
Brave One
Billy
C. Bolton was a good friend, Marine, and most of all the "Bravest
Man" I've ever known. He was a warrior in the purest meaning
of the word. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. No matter
how bad things got, I would look at Billy and draw strength from him.
He would have a calming effect on me and everybody around him.
Billy
had a very "Cool" demeanor about him, no matter how much
chaos was going on around us. His eyes would just say, "Don't
worry, everything is going to be all right." A trait of a good
leader.
Billy
was a religious man. I never heard him speak ill of anyone, not even
the enemy. I know my life was made richer in just the short time I
knew him. It has made me a better person. Like the third verse of
the Marines Hymn: If we're ever fortunate enough to look on Heavens
Scene, we will find the streets are guarded by one particular "Great
Marine." That Marine is Billy C. Bolton. I will never forget
him.
So
long "Brave One"
Bob Mowery
India 3/5
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Nam
Buddy
Billy,
we only knew each other over there in Nam, but you have been a friend
of mine for life. I and Curtis and Slick miss you deeply. I hold our
India Company fallen MARINES deep in my heart. You will always live
in my heart until we are guarding heaven's gates together. Tell all
I said Hello. You are missed deeply, and loved forever. You well never
be forgotten, my brother.
SEMPER
FI! MY FRIEND
Jerry Bain
India 3/5
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