THE WALL OF FACES

Second Lieutenant William Douglas Dickson, Served with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Carole is moving and reflects her love for you. May you rest in eternal peace.

Carole: I am the helicopter pilot who recovered your husband's body on Christmas Eve so many years ago. I have a touching story if you would like to hear it. You may contact me at my wife's email address listed above.

Dear Lt William Dickson,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander. Yesterday was the 43rd anniversary of the last battle of the war. 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.

PFC Vernie H. Powers was a member of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. On December 24, 1967, PFC Powers was an acting squad leader in an element of a platoon-sized patrol on a mission to establish an ambush in Kontum Province, RVN. During movement to the ambush site, about 20 miles west-southwest of Dak To, Powers' squad made contact with three North Vietnamese soldiers, killing one. The platoon then received automatic weapons fire from Hill 900, resulting in the death of the platoon leader, 2LT William D. Dickson. Powers was wounded by a gunshot above the eye. Witnesses, who included the platoon medic, reported that Powers bled heavily from the mouth and nose, and despite the medic's efforts, he apparently died. Because of increasing enemy fire, the platoon withdrew from the area, leaving Powers, whom they believed to be dead, behind. The platoon called for air strikes and artillery on their former position for about one hour. When elements of the platoon returned after the artillery and air strikes, PFC Powers' body could not be found during a thorough search. 2LT Dickson’s remains were recovered. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, pownetwork.org, and redwarriors.us]