THE WALL OF FACES

Hill 327 was located on a ridge two miles southwest of Da Nang Air Base in Quang Nam Province, RVN. Nicknamed “Division Ridge,” it was the headquarters for the 1st Marine Division. On the early morning of March 28, 1967, some Marines from A Company, 7th Engineer Battalion were conducting a refresher course before heading out to clear a minefield. The commanding officer (CO) of A Company decided that the engineers should be shown how to disarm a mine. This, on reflection to those present, seemed pointless as enemy mines located by patrolling Marines were never disarmed, and instead, blown in place. No Viet Cong devices were available, so an armed U.S.-made M16 “Bouncing Betty” bounding anti-personnel mine was used. During the demonstration, the mine accidently detonated, killing thirteen Marines and wounding one. The lost personnel included LCPL Thomas C. Bekiempis, LCPL Stanley Davidheiser Jr., LCPL Larry C. Dye, PFC Otis R. Ellis Jr., LCPL Anthony Hawkins, CPL Daniel R. Laird, 2LT Glenn M. McCarthy, LCPL Eugene J. Payne III, CPL Ronald W. Porter, CPL Glenn W. Shafer, LCPL Don L. Shockley, CPL Howard S. Stevens, and CPL Verrell D. Stiles. The dead were loaded onto a M35 6×6 cargo truck and transported to a Marine medical dispensary for later transfer to Graves Registration. Two days after the incident, the CO was relieved of his command. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Classroom Mine Kills 13.” Pacific Stars & Stripes, March 30, 1967; also, information provided by Terry Moser (October 2001) at thewall-usa.com]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

I was also with 7th Engineers at the time of the tragedy. I did not know Stanley or the others that died that day but I know the dangers they faced with land mines throughout the country. May we never forget the bravery of Stanley and the other young men who died that day.

Dear Lcpl Stanley Davidheiser,
Thank you for your service as a Combat Engineer. Your 51st anniversary just passed. We are celebrating Passover and Easter. It is a time of joy, and may that be yours in heaven. 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.