THE WALL OF FACES

PFC Mark A. Chmiel was an infantryman serving with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. His unit was based at the sprawling Cu Chi Base Camp northwest of Saigon, RVN, the 25th Infantry Division’s headquarters from January 1966 until February 1970. A Company was rarely at Cu Chi, however, as they were constantly deployed in field camps from which they conducted sweeps of the area along the Saigon River, searching for Viet Cong base camps. On the afternoon of January 23, 1967, PFC Chmiel was on a platoon-sized patrol where they were returning to the location of a previous day’s contact with the enemy. In order to expedite their arrival at the location, the lieutenant in charge decided instead of circumventing the shore of a river swollen by the tide, they would enter the water and move directly across it. They placed their packs and rifles in two sampans they found on the shoreline and began working their way across. As they entered deeper water, Chmiel reportedly panicked and tried to scramble onto the sampan when he lost his grip and went into the river. A medic attached to the patrol, PFC Arthur L. Dancy, either attempted to help Chmiel or was pulled under by him. Both men disappeared from sight and were not seen again. The incident caused considerable commotion, with yelling back and forth bringing unwanted attention to the patrol. When it was clear the two men were lost and would not be found, the mission was terminated, and helicopters arrived to pick up the patrol. The next day, the same platoon returned to search for the missing men, arriving on tanks providing security. The tide had dropped the water level significantly, and after a short search, both Chmiel and Dancy were found where they were last seen. Their remains were placed in body bags on the tanks and brought back to their field camp where they were flown out on medivac aircraft. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Larry Wilkinson (June 2020)]

Dear PFC Arthur Dancy,
Thank you for your service as a Medical NCO. Thank you for the lives you saved. Your 71st birthday is coming up. Happy birthday. Easter is coming up. Happy Easter. 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.

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Arthur.

Dear PFC Arthur Lee Dancy, sir

As a fellow North Carolinian, 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, for those who love you, and for his son.

With respect, and the best salute that a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter (son of Sgt. Ardon William Carter, 101st Airborne, died February 4, 1966, South Vietnam)

You have your life for your Country and for this we Salute You. Arthur was one of 17 children and was an avid outdoorsman. He trapped, hunted and fished and he could live off of the land if he wanted. His Father Sam had a farm in Pinetops.