THE WALL OF FACES

An Hoa Combat Base was a sprawling complex of bunkers and barbed wire set on a low hill overlooking the Vu Gia River, thirty-five miles southwest of Da Nang in Quang Nam Province, RVN. An 11th Marines artillery unit was located at An Hoa, providing fire support for the 1st Marine Division forces operating throughout the region. On the early morning hours of August 19, 1969, the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) launched a sapper attack against the base which succeeded in penetrating the perimeter defenses of Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines. The attack commenced at 2:30 AM when an estimated fifteen NVA made their way inside the battery area, firing small arms and throwing satchel charges and hand grenades. An enemy force outside the perimeter fired ten to fifteen 60mm mortar rounds and fifteen to twenty rocket-propelled grenades. One sapper threw a grenade down the muzzle of a 105mm howitzer, damaging the tube and breech block. The attack was successfully repulsed by 5:30 AM. At first light, nine NVA bodies were found. The artillerymen sustained one killed, PFC Jerry J. Curtis, and ten wounded, five of which were medivacked. Three Marines were recommended for Silver Stars and ten for Bronze Stars for gallantry in action as a result of the morning’s battle. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Command Chronology (11th Marines), August 1969” at ttu.edu]

Private First Class Jerry James Curtis, Served with Battery E, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from fellow soldier Bill Beason are touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

Curley, It's been nearly 50 years since that night at An Hoa Combat Base. But, it seems like yesterday we laughed and talked about returning back to the world. I've often wondered why it was you and not me. I've never forgiven myself. You were the first to befriend me in 'Nam. We were just good ole country boys thrown into that war. I'm still at a loss for words, but my memories of you are not lost and will remain with me until the day I die. And then we will be reunited and live in peace, my friend. Semper Fi, brother. Cpl James W. Beason, An Hoa 69-70

Curly. It took me almost 50 yrs to find you. Shame on me, I just knew you as Curly. You were the one that I looked up to on gun 6. Everything I needed to know you was always there for me. Checking azmiths, deflection, and sighting in the gun. Will always remember you Buddy. RIP.