THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Junction City (February 22 – May 14, 1967) was conducted by U.S. and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) forces to locate the elusive “headquarters” of the Communist uprising in South Vietnam. During the month of February, U.S. forces had only one significant encounter with the enemy. On the late morning of the 28th, the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division was conducting reconnaissance of the dense jungle east of Route TL-4 near Prek Klok in Tay Ninh Province when a platoon from B Company became heavily engaged with a large, well-armed Viet Cong force. As the contact developed, it became apparent that B/1-16 Infantry was engaged with a battalion-sized VC force (later identified as the 101st NVA Regiment) and was in danger of being overrun. Supporting arms of airstrikes and artillery fire were directed onto the enemy positions. B/1-18 Infantry and the remainder of 1-16 Infantry were airlifted to a landing zone near the contact to reinforce the besieged B/16 Infantry. Contact was broken at 4:20 PM. Enemy losses were put at 167 killed (body count) with one prisoner captured. American losses were 25 killed with 27 wounded. The lost U.S. personnel included 1LT David M. Anthony (posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal), PFC Richard I. Bermejo, PFC Robert J. Calvillo (posthumously promoted to Corporal and awarded the Bronze Star medal), PFC Juan Casiano, SP4 Charles Combs, PFC Steven W. Couch (posthumously awarded the Bronze Star medal), SP4 Russell W. Dickens, PFC Kenneth M. Edwards, SSG John H. Graham, PFC Larry C. Harris, PFC Michael J. Heal (posthumously promoted to Corporal), SP4 Budd E. Hood, PFC William W. Hood, PFC James F. Lamn (posthumously promoted to Corporal), SFC Matthew Leonard (posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor), PFC Patrick N. Lyons, PFC Ralph D. McNew (posthumously promoted to Corporal and awarded the Bronze Star medal), PFC Stanley G. Miller, SP4 Danny R. Parkulo, PFC Lee E. Reukauf, SSG Douglas A. Rix, PFC Harry T. Satterfield (posthumously promoted to Corporal), PFC John A. Seravalli (posthumously promoted to Corporal), SP4 Hubert O. Th-uot (posthumously awarded the Bronze Star medal), and SP4 Robert D. Yorker. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, 1 February 1967 - 30 April 1967” at archive.com]

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...

Lt. Anthony was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his exemplary courage under fire while serving with B Co, 1st Bn, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Even though we never met, we grew up in the same area. A local bridge will be named in his honor. It's in Juniper, Ga at the county line of Talbot and Marion. We all would like to thank those responsible for making this possible.

DEAR LIEUTENANT ANTHONY,
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN AN ARMY INFANTRY UNIT COMMANDER. I DO HOPE SOMEONE WHO SERVED WITH YOU WILL CONTACT YOUR SON. REST IN PEACE.