1/1 MARINES MEMORIAL SERVICE

1/1 MARINES MEMORIAL SERVICE

Following the return of 1/1 (1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division) from their recent deployment to Afghanistan, a Memorial Service was held at Camp Pendleton in honor and memory of Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Clayton R. Beauchamp, Fleet Marine Force, U.S. Navy.

After conclusion of the service, family, Marines & Sailors of Doc Beauchamp's Bravo Co., the balance of the Battalion, and guests paid final respects at the Battle Cross of HM2 Beauchamp. Doc Beauchamp served as a much admired and deeply respected Corpsman with Bravo Co., 1/1.

(The Battle Cross is a symbolic replacement of a cross on the battlefield or at the base camp for a service member who has been killed in action. Made up of the inverted rifle with bayonet attached stuck into the ground, helmet on top, dog tags sometimes hanging from the rifle and the boots of the fallen next to it. Its purpose is to show honor and respect for the fallen at the battle site. The practice dates back to the American Civil War. Today, it is an immediate means of showing respect for the fallen among the still living members of the unit.)

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