THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Edward Cox is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Dear Lt Gordon De Garmo,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander with the 1st Cavalry. 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.

1LT Gordon E. De Garmo was an infantry unit commander serving with C Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. PFC Wayne J. Rogers and PFC Richard L. Hammett were infantrymen also assigned to C Company. In late November 1968, both C and D Companies were combat-assaulted into the vicinity of Katum Airfield in Tay Ninh Province, RVN. Their mission was to move to a pre-selected grid and look around. The operation was described as a "transmitter of unknown origin missions" which had been passed down from Brigade or Division. Upon insertion, the two companies moved from the landing zone and found the grid. They encountered well-used trails, almost roads, covered by the canopy. They also located communication wire, fighting positions, and lots of evidence that the enemy was in the vicinity. They spliced the commo wire and the Kit Carson scout (former Viet Cong combatant) with them informed the company commander the NVA knew they were there and were tracking them. D Company (Rain Cloud) was having a similar experience in very heavy jungle cover about hundred or so yards to the right of C Company. On the morning of the November 27th, De Garmo’s squad, including Hammett and Rogers, was to check out a trail leading away from their night defensive position. They requested a scout dog and handler. When the Bright Knight dog team arrived, they started down the trail. The dog immediately went on alert and the handler, SP4 Theodore A. Sweatt from the 25th Infantry Platoon Dog Scouts, advised not to proceed until they had some backup. De Garmo insisted they press on, and after rounding a bend in the trail, the squad was ambushed by machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and Chicom claymores. The dog handler and first two squad members were shot. Those not killed in the attack were crying for a medic. After being radioed forward, the medic arrived and immediately began assisting the wounded when he was shot through the legs. De Garmo and the radioman were pinned down in the middle of the trail, trying to see where the enemy was firing from. When De Garmo raised up slightly from his position, he was killed instantly from a round to the head. Another round barely missed the RTO’s head, leaving him temporarily deaf in his left ear. The besieged squad remained pinned down through the night. The medic had faked death when the NVA pulled out the following morning, stepping over his body and continuing down the trail. Apart from De Garmo, Rogers, Hammett, and dog handler Sweatt were KIA in this action. De Garmo had been in country less than 30 days, and with C Company only about 5 days. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, thewall-usa.com, c1-8cav68.org]

Dear 1LT Gordon Earl De Garmo, sir

As an American, 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, and for those who love you.

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

Curt Carter

If you have any additional information about this hero or are a relative, please contact the Foundation at [email protected] or 1-800-648-8387.