THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

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 sun 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.

As long as you are remembered you will never die....

Fire Support Base 25 was located in Kontum Province, approximately 2 1/2 miles northeast of Ben Het in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. In early 1968, FSB 25 was being threatened by an estimated battalion-sized element of the 66th NVA Regiment. The enemy was able to endure American air strikes and artillery fire in their bunkers while trail watchers observed FSB 25. High-speed approaches from their fortified positions allowed them to reach fighting positions as soon as the bombardments ended. At 1230 hours on January 23, 1968, A & C Companies, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry, conducted a sweep from FSB 25 to nearby Hill 800 to clear a ridge from which they were receiving rocket and recoilless rifle fire. Moving against the enemy positions, the fire was so intense that A Company got pinned down. Suffering numerous casualties, both companies withdrew to the firebase. An intense mortar barrage was then launched against the base. The withering fire hailed on top of bunkers, causing several more casualties and secondary explosions to which a great fire raged, threatening to detonate over 2000 rounds of 4.2-inch mortar rounds. The enemy also hurled white phosphorous rounds which set crates of ammunition on fire. With no water on the hilltop, soldiers scrambled to put the fires out by shoveling dirt on the burning crates. All the fires were extinguished after about 45 minutes. The bombardment resulted in seven American deaths. They included SP4 Hilaire A. Andry Jr., SP4 James M. Berge, SP4 James I Buchner, SP4 Ronnie J. Eskew, SP4 John F. Lobsinger, SP4 Donald G. MacIntosh, and PFC Joseph S. McKinney. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Apache Recon: Because of the Brave” by Michael l. Moomey]

DEAR SPECIALIST 4TH ANDRY,
THANK YOU FOR BEING AN ARMY GRUNT. REST IN PEACE.