THE WALL OF FACES

My Mom, Joanne Cordeau McCarthy, always spoke so very fondly of you. I wish I was able to know you. We will never forget what you did to protect us all.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

Thank you for your service in the war it is appreciated

On March 7, 1968, a M113A armored personnel vehicle (APC) commanded by 1LT Richard D. Bahr from C Company, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, was enroute to Cai Lay in Kien Tuong Province, RVN, when it was destroyed by a mine. The explosion created a crater ten feet deep and at least as wide in the road where Bahr’s vehicle had been traveling. The thirteen-ton APC was shredded by the blast. When a reaction force of tracked vehicles from Binh Phuoc arrived at the scene, they were shocked to find the track had been reduced to twisted pieces sticking out of the smoking crater. The mine, estimated at 500lbs. of high explosive, was so powerful that the vehicle’s big diesel engine and forward compartment were blown forty feet in opposite directions. Troops from the reaction force fanned out to search for Bahr and his five-man crew. The driver was found about twenty feet from the crater where he had been blown clear of the wreck, his body still in one piece. The other soldiers, however, were not immediately found, and it quickly became clear that they had been blown into pieces. What discernable remains could be located were gathered up and carried to a firebase in Binh Phuoc and turned over to Graves Registration. The lost crew included Bahr plus SGT Edward R. Cordeau, SP4 Kraig S. Hogan, PFC Theodore T. Leo, PFC Ben McCoullough Jr., and PFC Lewis B. Wilson. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and the book “American Soldier” by Tommy Franks]

Dear Sgt Edward Cordeau,
I hope your photo is put here because this wall of faces needs yours. Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. 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.