THE WALL OF FACES

PFC Dan “Red” W. Archer Jr. served with C Company, 1/35th Infantry. Red was killed July 15, 1967 in a classic fire and maneuver battle. The following is a personal account of the incident: “(The battle) went on for about six hours, more or less. He was one of two guys killed in my platoon that day. Red was laying down some fire when I ran out onto a trail to try to drag two wounded guys back. I never made it. Got pinned down and wounded. Red was killed I think by the same NVA regular who shot me through the back of the helmet. The rascal was up in a tree above and behind us both. Red never gave up. He was on the right of the firing line. Another machine gunner gave up and came running back to assist with the wounded, including me. Like Abe Lincoln said, that boy had nervous legs, he couldn't help it. Red Archer did not have nervous legs. He laid down a devastating line of fire into some NVA bunkers on top of a mountain that day. He was shot from above and from the back just like I was. I made it, Red didn't. An hour or so into the battle they dragged Red back to me. I'd never seen a dead American soldier, I was pretty new to the war. Red was deathly pale, not breathing. I couldn’t figure out where he'd been shot, but the guys showed me, they'd pulled off his shirt to bandage him. Red was hit just above the belt line in or very near the spine. He went quickly. I understand the family didn't allow black friends to be kept out of the church the day of the funeral. He would have liked that I'm sure. Red was an only son who didn't have to go to war. He chose to do it. As a youngster he had a magnetic way with the neighborhood kids who'd gather around him to talk. I wish I'd been there to learn his secret. God bless you Red Archer, you are not forgotten.” (Narrative by Ed "Doc" Gerson) [Taken from 6thofthe31st.com]

Dear PFC Dan Willie Archer 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

I did not know PFC Dan Archer but I served with the 25th Infantry Division (1-27 Infantry Wolfhounds) from 1969-70. I salute your Service and Sacrifice. May you find the peace of the Lord and your family and friends as well.

Dani s buried at Forest Hill Cemetery- East in Memphis, Shelby co, TN.

Taken from the website:

http://www.cacti35th.org/regiment/kia/kia_details.php?person_id=200&battalion=1st