THE WALL OF FACES

A STAB was a Strike Assault Boat, a small craft designed for the purpose of inserting, supporting, and extracting small units. The boats traded armor and fire power for shallow draft and speed. The STABs went to work in Operation Barrier Reef which was the 43-mile east-west Grand Canal, from the northern Mekong River village of An Long, on the west, eastward to Tuyen Nhon on the Yam Co Tay (river) for eleven months in 1970. On April 3, 1970, while waiting for authorization to open fire, a STAB in a waterborne guard post (WBGP) on the Grand Canal was preemptively attacked by the enemy. It was a smothering attack of machine gun and anti-tank (B-40) rockets which resulted in the instantaneous deaths of three boat crew members, gravely injuring a fourth member of the crew, and minor injuries to the embarked patrol officer. These sailors did not have an opportunity to return the enemy fire. The three lost sailors included EN3 Edward J. Baker, GMG3 George R. Crabtree, and FN Joseph D. Johns. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and warboats.org]

Dear GMG3 George Ronald Crabtree, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

George is buried Fentress Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Fentress Co, TN. BSM PH

George

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you George Ronald Crabtree, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and most holy sacrifice, given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Mate, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND