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.

We did not know each other - but I noticed your home town. I grew up 20 minutes from Ottawa. So many faces of handsome, brave, wonderful service members who didn't make it past 20... it makes me so sad. It makes me want to give my life my all. I wish I could get to know you sir and pay my respects. I believe you're with God in heaven and maybe we'll meet someday.

SEMPER FI

Dear SN William Diamond,
Thank you for your service as a Seaman. It is Mother's Day, and I wish you all were here with your moms. 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.

On September 15, 1967, River Assault Squadron-11 (RIVRON-11), Naval Task Group 117.2, was proceeding up Ba Rai Creek, about 47 miles southeast of Saigon in Dinh Tuong Province, RVN, to insert elements of 3/60th, 9th Infantry Division, when the flotilla was ambushed along a two-mile stretch from well-prepared fortifications and dense foliage on both banks of the creek. At the time of the ambush, the task group was conducting reconnaissance by fire. During the ensuing four-hour battle, the river assault craft came under heavy fire, with eighteen boats receiving battle damage. In fighting its way past the entrenched, hardcore Viet Cong 263rd Main Force Battalion, the task group inserted a blocking force which prevented the VC exfiltration from the area. Despite the heavy barrage of fire from 57mm recoilless rifle, rocket-propelled grenades (B-40 and B-41), automatic weapons and small arms fire, not a single boat was placed out of action. Three Navy crew members were killed in the attack, including EN3 William H. Little from Monitor M-111-2, GMG3 Richard A. Cheek from Monitor M-111-3, and SN William T. Diamond Jr. from Tango Boat T-111-6. Another 77 sailors were wounded. Two soldiers were also killed in the action, SGT Richard E. Glaesman and SSGT Lowell D. Holden from A Company, 3/60th. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]