THE WALL OF FACES

On May 3, 1970, river patrol boats PBRs 8126 and 8129 of U.S. Navy’s River Patrol Division 553 were ambushed during a heavy rainstorm by a company-size enemy force while enroute to waterborne guardposts in Kien Giang Province, RVN. The lead boat, PBR 8126, was attacked with a 57mm recoilless rifle round, a B-50 rocket-propelled grenade, and heavy small arms fire. The intensity of the rainstorm prevented U.S. Navy Black Ponies OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft or Seawolves attack helicopters from providing immediate air cover. On a return sweep through the ambush area, two B-40 rockets exploded close aboard the forward boat. About 30 minutes after the initial attack, an OV-10 placed a brief air strike in the area before the weather forced it to return home. PBRs 8131, 8130, 8134, and 8135 set an ambush three kilometers south of the contact area in an effort to cut off the enemy's escape route. The elusive enemy escaped with no further action. During the attack one American sailor aboard PBR-8126, BMC Oscar A. Day, was killed, and two were wounded. The boat reportedly sustained engine damage. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and U.S. Naval Forces, Vietnam, Monthly Historical Summary for May 1970]

Dear BMC Oscar Day,
Thank you for your service as a Chief Boatswain's Mate. 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.

We have found that he is buried at Pleasant Mound Cemetery, Colton,NY..

Your dad was my best friend. I miss him. We lost a good man...
Jaime

I am trying to locate a friend of his who was with him when he passed. Joe Salas.