THE WALL OF FACES

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]

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Seaman William Theodore Diamond, Jr. (NSN: B-501477), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 15 September 1967, during action against communist insurgent (Viet Cong) forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. As fifty-caliber gunner aboard Armored Troop Carrier 111-6 (ATC-111-6), a unit of River Assault Flotilla ONE, operating in support of the 2d Brigade, 9th United States Army Infantry Division, Seaman Diamond participated in a riverine assault against the Viet Cong stronghold in the Cam Son Secret Zone. His unit's task was to transport and land embarked army troops, as well as to provide beach cover-fire upon landing of these troops. While proceeding up the Rach Ba Rai River to the designated landing zone, the assault force units were suddenly subjected to withering enemy automatic weapons, recoilless rifle, and rocket fire from heavily fortified positions on both banks of the river. With automatic weapons fire hitting all around his gun mount, Seaman Diamond calmly and accurately took the enemy positions under fire. When the first of six enemy B-40 anti-tank grenades struck his boat, wounding him and causing his gun to jam, he took immediate action to clear his weapon and continued to lay down an effective base of suppressing fire until he was fatally wounded by another enemy rocket round which scored a direct hit on his gun mount. Due in no small part to Seaman Diamond's actions, and the enemy fire which he drew as a result of the effectiveness of his own weapon, the troops embarked in ATC 111-6 were landed successfully and without casualty at the designated landing site. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of intense enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Board Serial 494 (January 18, 1968)

Action Date: September 15, 1967

Service: Navy

Rank: Seaman

Company: Armored Troop Carrier 111-6 (ATC-111-6)

Regiment: River Flotilla 1

Dear SN William T Diamond Jr, 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

SN William Diamond USN... My shipmate and fellow crew member and most of all my friend, I think of you every day and how I miss you... I think of the times we spent talking and singing while on river patrol... I will always have a heavy heart for your loss...

You gave your life for your country and for this we Salute You.