THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Landing Zone Leslie (also known as Firebase Leslie or Hill 138) was a U.S. Army and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) base located in the Que Son Valley southwest of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam. The base was located along Route 534, approximately twenty miles northwest of Tam Ky. On the early morning of January 3, 1968, the North Vietnamese Army’s 3rd Regiment, 2nd Division attacked four U.S. firebases in the Que Son Valley, launching ground attacks against Leslie and Firebase Ross. At Leslie the NVA penetrated the base, attacking bunkers with flamethrowers and satchel charges before being pushed out in the afternoon. Losses were 15 U.S. killed. The lost Americans included (from 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry) SGT Charles T. Cooke, CPL Arnold L. Coonrod, PFC Dennis D. Dautremont, SSG Billy J. Ellis (MIA), SGT Ronald D. Goulet, SSG Juan A. Guzman, PFC Robert R. Lindbergh, SSG Rodney A. Price, CPL Darwin E. Ray, SGT Jesse E. Rodriguez, SGT Jerry L. Smith, and CPL Melford W. West; (from B Battery 1/21 Artillery) MSG Edward K. Robison and SGT Morgan E. Stewart; (from 11th Pathfinder Company) SGT John M. Brimm; and (from G Battery, 29th Artillery) CPL Clarence Robinson. SP4 Ellis was on radio watch when the landing zone came under heavy mortar and small arms attack. Other members of Ellis' unit stated that he had been hit in the initial barrage as they went to seek cover. While in a protected position, these individuals saw an ammunition bunker explode. After the engagement, no trace of Ellis could be found. From witness statements, it was assumed that Ellis had probably crawled into the ammunition bunker that exploded. Sixty-three NVA were reportedly killed. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, pownetwork.org, and wikipedia.org]

Dear Sgt Charles Cooke,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry. 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.

Dear SGT Charles Thomas Cooke, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

Charles is buried at Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor, Alleghany County, VA.