Sgt. Grit, In your last letter, Gysgt John D. Foster wrote:
"In late 1967, our platoon (Echo 2/9) was returning to Camp Carroll after a long op in the bush."
I don't know if the Gunny, knows where Camp J.J. Carroll got it's name, but the timing of his letter could not be better. (Happy Birthday Marines) The hill was know to us who operated out of there earlier as The Artillery Plateau. It was renamed and dedicated to Captain Carroll on the Marine Corps Birthday in 1966 following Operation Prairie. The attached photo may be hard to read, so I'll type it so all can know the history.
Camp J. J. Carroll
Dedicated 10 November 1966 In Honor Of
Captain James Joseph Carroll. USMC
Company K 3D Battalion, 4th Marines
Who Heroically Led His Company In Combat Against The Enemy
During Operation Prairie From 17 September Until 5 October
1966 When He Was Killed In Action In The Attack On Hill 484
5 Miles West Of This Site
He Died As He Lived – A Gallant Leatherneck
I took this picture shortly after the sign was erected, and have many other photos of the mud, tanks on the perimeter, the Army's 175MM cannons and the Marines 105's and 155's. I don't know how long the sign "Survived", but I thought all who served there, like the Gunny, would like to see it for the first time, or one more time. We all have memories November 10th from over the years, but this one stands out for me.
S/Sgt T.B. Dudley 1993818 RVN 1963-66-67