THE WALL OF FACES

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…..

Fire Support Base Den was an artillery support base located near Xo Xu (also known as Vo Xu) in Binh Thuy Province, RVN. On the early morning of April 18, 1970, FSB Den was hit hard by a coordinated ground and rocket attack by elements of the 33rd North Vietnamese Army Regiment. The enemy fired 82mm mortar, small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades (RPG). The Americans returned fire with unit weapons and received supporting fire from Light Fire Team helicopter gunships and a orbiting U.S. Air Force Fairchild AC-119G Shadow gunship. With the help of nearby artillery installations, they killed eight of the attackers and captured two. They also recovered two enemy RPG launchers and four AK-47 rifles. During the fighting, one American was killed, 1LT James F. Deeble, a Forward Observer serving with C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 40th Artillery, 199th Infantry Brigade. Another twenty-two U.S. were wounded during the attack. Three of the artillery unit’s 155mm self-propelled guns were damaged, one heavily, and the other two moderately. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear Lt James Deeble,
Thank you for your service as a Field Artillery Unit Commander. Your 48th anniversary just passed, so sad. 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.

James' father was Dick Deeble, a local home builder who developed the neighborhood I grew up in. The family house was next door to ours. Dick named the streets after his family (Fern Lane, Gayle Lane, Thomas Drive, and James Lane). We grew up on James Lane and my mom still lives there.

First Lieutenant James Frederick Deeble, Served with Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 40th Artillery Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade.