PFC Redford Swain, USMC

In honor of PFC Redford Swain (USMC, LSU-34, USS Trenton), who lost his life on active duty, 17 January 1977, in Barcelona, when the liberty boat (LCM-6) he was on struck a freighter and capsized.

PFC Swain was born on January 14, 1953, in Newville, Alabama. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 25, 1974. PFC Swain died three days after his 24th birthday.

CPL Joe Frank Perdue, USMC

Remembering CPL Joe Frank Perdue, (USMC, CO C BLT 1/6, USS Guam), who lost his life on active duty, 17 January 1977, in Barcelona, when the liberty boat (LCM-6) he was on struck a freighter and capsized.

CPL Perdue was born on February 4, 1956, in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 9, 1974. He died two weeks before his 21st birthday. CPL Perdue was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery, Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama.

PFC Leroy V. Peake, USMC

In memory of PFC Leroy V. Peake (USMC, HMM-264, USS Guam), who lost his life on active duty, 17 January 1977, in Barcelona, when the liberty boat (LCM-6) he was on struck a freighter and capsized.

PFC Peake was born on February 4, 1958, in Birmingham Junction, Alabama. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on December 28, 1975. He died at age 18.

 

LCPL Milton Ballard, USMC

Remembering LCPL Milton Ballard (USMC, LSU-34, USS Trenton), who lost his life on active duty, 17 January 1977, in Barcelona, when the liberty boat (LCM-6) he was on struck a freighter and capsized.

LCPL Ballard was born on December 11, 1956, in Northport, Alabama. His mother was Ada Mae Ballard.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps on December 1, 1975. He was 20 years old when he died. He left behind a widow, Carol Ballard, and young son, Milton Ballard, Jr. LCPL Ballard was laid to rest in Cedar Oak Memorial Park, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

 

SGT Willie Sam Crayton, USMC

 In memory of SGT Willie Sam Crayton (USMC, LSU-34, USS Guam), who lost his life on active duty, 17 January 1977, in Barcelona, when the liberty boat (LCM-6) he was on struck a freighter and capsized.

SGT Crayton was born on December 31, 1951 in Jackson Gap, Alabama. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on January 13, 1971, and served in Vietnam. He was 25 years old when he died. SGT Crayton was laid to rest in Armour’s Memorial Garden, Alexander City, Tallapoosa County, Alabama.

A total of 124 sailors and marines from the USS Guam and USS Trenton were on the liberty boat that night. Forty nine lost their lives.

It’s been 39 years since the collision. We’re searching for survivors, next of kin and their families as we plan and prepare for the 40th anniversary in 2017.