Honoring Navy SEAL Billy Wayne Machen: A Tribute in Gilmer, Texas
Gilmer, Texas (September 1, 2024) -On August 19, 1966, Petty Officer 2nd Class Billy Wayne Machen, a Navy SEAL from Gilmer, Texas, sacrificed his life during a mission in the South Vietnamese jungle. He became the first Navy SEAL to be killed in the Vietnam War, but his bravery and dedication live on, especially through efforts in his hometown to keep his memory alive. This October, Gilmer will honor his legacy with the dedication of the Camp Billy Machen Memorial Park, featuring a tribute that involves the Commemorative Air Force (CAF).
Born in 1938, Machen enlisted in the Navy in 1957, first serving on a destroyer and a submarine. He later joined the elite Underwater Demolition Team, the precursor to the Navy SEALs, following extensive training. His dedication to service was unwavering, ultimately leading him to Vietnam, where he faced his most harrowing challenge.
The Mission and Ultimate Sacrifice
On August 19, 1966, Machen’s SEAL team was assigned to locate enemy boats in the treacherous Rung Sat Special Zone, known as the "Forest of Assassins." Machen, the team’s point man, sensed danger and expressed his hesitation before entering the jungle. His instincts proved correct as they were ambushed by North Vietnamese forces.
Facing a critical decision, Machen chose to confront the enemy alone, allowing his fellow SEALs to escape unharmed. Although mortally wounded, Machen survived long enough to be carried by his comrades, Roger Moscone and Nick Benzschawel, over 500 yards. His final words were a message to his wife, Carol: “Tell her to kiss the baby,” referring to his newborn son, Samuel, whom he had never met.
Machen’s sacrifice earned him posthumous recognition, including the Silver Star for valor. His selflessness laid the foundation for the Navy SEALs’ creed to never leave a teammate behind, a motto that resonates across all military branches today.
Commemorative Air Force’s Role in Memorializing Machen
In his hometown of Gilmer, efforts to preserve Machen’s memory have been spearheaded by retired Air Force Captain Steve Dean, who was both a friend and a classmate of Machen’s. Dean is leading the development of Camp Billy Machen Memorial Park on the very land where Machen grew up. The park will serve as a lasting tribute to the fallen hero, and the dedication ceremony on October 17 promises to be a powerful event.
The CAF Lone Star Wing is playing a key role in this tribute. The CAF, known for preserving and flying historic military aircraft, will honor Machen with a dramatic flyover during the park’s dedication ceremony. CAF aircraft from their Unit in Marshall, Texas will soar over the site, symbolizing the strength and spirit of the military. In addition, two Vietnam-era helicopters will transport veterans to the ceremony, enhancing the historical significance of the event.
This flyover by the CAF reflects their deep commitment to honoring American military heroes and ensuring that their stories are never forgotten. The involvement of the CAF aligns with their mission to preserve the legacy of military aviation and to educate the public on the sacrifices made by servicemen like Machen.
A Memorial to a Hometown Hero
The dedication of Camp Billy Machen Memorial Park will take place during the East Texas Yamboree, an annual festival that draws thousands of visitors to Gilmer. Along with the CAF flyover, the ceremony will include music from the Gilmer High School Band, a Navy SEAL Honor Guard raising the SEAL flag, and various military honors. The park itself has been designed with symbols of Machen’s Navy SEAL service, including six oak trees representing SEAL “Hell Week” training.
Steve Dean’s dedication to preserving Machen’s legacy is personal. Like Machen, Dean’s brother was also killed during the Vietnam War, and Dean is passionate about ensuring that stories like theirs are remembered. The Camp Billy Machen Memorial Park will stand as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and the heroism of one of Gilmer’s own.
A Legacy of Sacrifice
Through the efforts of the CAF and the community, Billy Wayne Machen’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His bravery and sacrifice exemplify the best of the U.S. military, and the dedication of this memorial park ensures that his story will never be forgotten.
Photo Credit: Jordan Green Original Story by Longview News Journal
