THE WALL OF FACES

Private First Class John Leslie Downing, Served with Company C, 43rd Signal Battalion, 21st Signal Group, 1st Signal Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

I serves with sp/4 Downing in Charley Company, 43rd sg in kontom. Rest in piece my brother.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your cousin Brian (Don) is moving and reflects the anguish experienced by so many who lost loved ones in this war. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

On May 5, 1968, a U.S. 4th Infantry Division truck convoy was ambushed on Highway 14, eight miles south of Kontum City in Kontum Province, RVN. The 9:40 AM attack began when enemy gunners fired small arms, B-40 rockets, and mortars from both sides of the highway. Ten minutes later, the enemy launched a ground attack from the tree lines along the road. Tanks from the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) 3rd Armored Cavalry reacted immediately and began firing into the ambush. ARVN armored personnel carriers arrived at 11:00 AM, forcing their way into the tree line on the westside of the road and overran the enemy command post. ARVN Rangers and CIDG troopers reinforced the ground action, and U.S. Army helicopter gunships and American and Vietnamese Air Force tactical airstrikes and artillery supported the ground forces. The battle ended at 2:30 PM when enemy broke contact. A total of 121 enemy combatants were killed. American losses were eight killed and twenty-eight wounded. The lost U.S. personnel included SP4 Donald A. Campbell, SP4 John R. Crouse, PFC John L. Downing, SP4 Harold T. Henesy, SP4 William J. Safrit, SP4 Tommy L. Shehorn, PFC Larry D. Williams, and SP4 Jerry A. Wyman. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Thank you, Uncle John. I’ve never had the opportunity to meet you but one day I can’t wait to shake your hand. Thank you for giving your life to protect our country. God bless you!