THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us.

At approximately 1:15 AM on May 12, 1969, Quan Loi Base Camp, also known as LZ Andy, received a rocket barrage followed by a ground probe and sapper attack on the south side of the base perimeter. The enemy was able to penetrate the wire in the area between Bunkers 62 & 70. Several of the bunkers received direct hits from B-40 rocket-propelled grenade rounds and satchel charges. A 175mm artillery tube of the 1st Infantry Division was destroyed and an A Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry 4.2” mortar pit suffered a direct hit, resulting in several U.S. killed and wounded. The sappers also got inside the wire on the north side of the perimeter, utilizing the attack on the south as a diversion for the sappers on the north side. An hour after the attack began, tracked vehicles from 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 22nd Infantry Regiment from Firebase Thunder IV arrived to reinforce the base. They were followed by the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment a little while later, which reinforced the area around bunkers 62 & 70 with armored personnel carriers and troops. A final barrage of rockets landed about 6:00 AM after which time the enemy withdrew. A sweep of the area around the perimeter at first light revealed an assortment of ammunition and explosives on a trail which lead to a location where rifles, grenade launchers, satchel charges, and other weapons were found. Also, the rally point used by the enemy before the attack was found where uniforms, sandals, web gear, wallets and documents were discovered. The results of engagement were twelve Viet Cong killed, sappers who were found stripped down to their shorts. Friendly casualties were fourteen Americans dead and over ninety wounded. The lost U.S. personnel were SP4 Charles C. Case, PFC Gary A. Corrie, PFC David E. Demings, SP4 Earnest T. Freeman, PFC Donald W. Garrett, SP4 Ronald L. Gray, SP4 James W. Harter, PFC Lawrence D. Harvey, SP4 Robert D. Lewis, SP4 Raymond F. Norvell, SP4 Cecil W. Queen, SP4 Charles G. Stultz, SP4 Thomas A. Whitby, and SP4 Bobby J. Yewell. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear PFC David Demings,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Today is the 43rd anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. 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.

Thank you PFC Demings for your leadership and courage under fire.

Dear PFC David Eugene Demings, 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