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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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