THE WALL OF FACES

On November 6, 1966, the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division air assaulted into four landing zones in the jungle near Phong Cau, fifteen miles northwest of Tuy Hoa, in Phu Yen Province, RVN. The strike force was stalking the 5th Battalion, 95th North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Regiment which had been reported operating from a complex of base camps in a saddle formed by Hills 450 in the north and 350 in the south. During the 7th and 8th of November, the battalion encountered sporadic, light contact. Early on the afternoon of the 8th, the battalion turned towards Hill 450 where the reconnaissance platoon confirmed its occupation by enemy forces. Late on the morning of the 9th, as the battalion moved into position, elements of the reconnaissance platoon and B Company surprised a platoon-sized NVA element as it descended the hill. The enemy withdrew towards Hill 350. Supported by an airstrike and fires from a battery of 155mm howitzers, Company B assaulted Hill 350 and secured the position. By nightfall, the battalion had completed encirclement of the enemy position. Throughout the 10th, the battalion fought off probing actions by the NVA and slowly closed the ring around Hill 450 until the entire force was deployed in a circle around the hill. A captured prisoner confirmed that the enemy's 5th Battalion was still on the hill. During the night, the enemy attempted and failed to break out of the trap five times. On the morning of the 11th, accompanied by psychological operations broadcasts to the trapped NVA, the strike force kept up the pressure. This effort culminated with an assault of Hill 450 by B and C companies. Simultaneously, A Company swept the northern slope of the position. After some initial resistance, the position was secured. Seventy-five enemy soldiers were killed or captured during the final assault. Blood trails, parts of bodies, and prisoner reports indicated that many more had died. U.S. casualties during the operation were six killed and fifteen wounded. The lost personnel included PFC George E. Bryant, PFC William L. Cyr, SGT David K. Deen, PFC Robert J. Donovan, SP4 Otis E. Jackson, and PFC Randle Kinney. [Taken from the virtualwall.org and “Blind Man's Bluff: A Look at the Tactical Reconnaissance Capabilities of the U.S. Army's Light Infantry Division” by MAJ Albert Bryant Jr.]

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Dear PFC William Cyr,
Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Indirect Fire Infantryman. It is the first day of Spring. Happy Spring! 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 PFC William Louis Cyr, 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

William is buried at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Missoula,MT. BSM PH