THE WALL OF FACES

I never had the opportunity to meet you as I was born in 1970. I am your nephew Howard Hartung, son of Gloria (your sister). My mother told me all about you and how I reminded her of you as I was growing up. I also would serve in the US Army as an infantryman. I served with the 82nd Airborne and fought in the Persian Gulf War. To honor you I named my youngest son Jacob Samuel Harrison Hartung. I have never met you, but if I am worthy I will one day meet you in heaven where I can finally shake your hand. Thank you for your sacrifice Uncle Sammy, God Bless You and the United States of America. Your nephew, Howard Hartung.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your sister Gloria is touching and reflects her enduring love for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Lai Khe Base Camp was a Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and U.S. Army base, located along Highway 13 (“Thunder Road”) to the northwest of Saigon. It was the Headquarters for the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division. Late in the afternoon of February 4, 1966, near sunset, a platoon-sized patrol consisting of 32 men departed the camp on foot to conduct a night ambush mission in the area to west of the base. Most of the personnel were from 3rd Platoon, A Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry of the 1st Infantry Division. After clearing the perimeter, the point element crossed the Saigon River. As the command group, including some officers and the Forward Observer and radiomen, were preparing to cross, two U.S.-made M18A1 Claymore anti-personnel mines were detonated in a sandbar. The blasts killed ten Americans and wounded another nine. The explosions could be heard within the base, and when Battalion couldn’t establish radio contact with the patrol, a reactionary force raced over to their location. Helicopters were launched, and medivacs soon landed to remove the dead and wounded. It would take over four hours to completely police-up the ambush site as members of A Company worked in the dark to remove weapons and equipment. The lost personnel included PFC Antonio Barbosa-Villafane, PFC William A. Bason II, PFC Samuel L. Dellos, SGT Arnold E. Ison, SP4 Stephen E. Laier, SSG Paul R. Setzer, SSG Frank R. Stamper, SSG Charles E. Strader, SP4 John H. Thompson, and SP4 Stanley J. Thompson. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Jose Rafael Sierra September 2019)]

Private First Class Samuel Lee Dellos Jr., Served with the 3rd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear PFC Samuel Dellos,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. It has been too long, and it's about time 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.