THE WALL OF FACES

Specialist Four John William Cook Jr., Served with Company B, 34th Engineer Battalion, 79th Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade, United States Army Vietnam Engineer Command, United States Army Vietnam.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. It saddens me so few have left remembrances for you here....surely you deserve better. May you rest in eternal peace.

At approximately one-half hour past midnight on February 29, 1968, a convoy composed of sixteen Philco-Ford vehicles and four military police jeeps was ambushed on Highway 316, approximately one mile south of Thu Duc in Gia Dinh Province, RVN, by an unknown enemy force. Friendly losses were two killed (one U.S. military and one Local National, nine wounded (five U.S. military and four Local Nationals), five trucks destroyed, and two trucks and two jeeps damaged. The lost American was SP4 John W. Cook Jr., a driver who suffered fatal burns while at the wheel of one of the convoy vehicles. He was one of two John William Cooks who died on February 29, 1968 (Leap Year Day) from injuries sustained in combat in Vietnam. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 1st Logistical Command, Period Ending April 30, 1968]

Dear Sp4 John Cook,
Thank you for your service as an Electrician. Today is your 69th birthday. Happy Birthday. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Thank you Spec 4 Cook for your leadership and courage.