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….

Petty Officer First Class Oliver Earl Durham, Served aboard PBR-629 (Patrol Boat River 629), River Division 531 (RIVDIV-531), Task Force 116 (TF-116), United States Naval Forces Vietnam (USNAVFORV).

I served with Oliver "Bull" Durham the whole time I was in country. He was a great boat captain until that fateful night. That's Bull on the left and me on the right. I have some pictures and film (now on CD) if any family members wish to contact me.

Dear YN1 Oliver Durham,
Thank yo for your service as a Yoeman 1st Class. Independence Day is approaching, and we remember your sacrifice. We remember all you who gave their all. 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.

Last Known Activity
The night, 27 November, we were not so fortunate. LTJG Bradford M. DIXON and Chief Kenneth L. CARWILE had a four boat patrol again with DURHAM's boat (629), MINICK's Boat (639), and PBR 101 with Boatswain's Mate Frank D. HENNING as commander, Boatswain's Mate Seaman Larry D. GARAMILLO, Gunner's Mate Donald R. MORRIS, and Engineman Kenneth W. FREEMAN as crew and one of the ASPBs.

The boats went into an ambush with the VC spread along both banks for 800 yards. All boats came under heavy rocket and machine gun fire at the same time. All three PBRs were hit and returned fire immediately continuing until the area was cleared. DURHAM's boat (29) took one hit and as he fought to control the boat it took another resulting in the boat beaching.

LTJG DIXON, in HENNING's boat, which was not badly hit, and the ASPB went immediately to the assistance of PBR 629 and helped suppress fire. It was at this time we found that Oliver E. DURHAM, YN1 had made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I know of no words which can express the feelings we experienced at the loss of this fine man. I'm sure that I speak for every man in the Division in that we all wished there was some way we could stand as one with his family. DURHAM was the epitome of the spirit of River Division 531 and we intend to carry on with that spirit. DENNIS and THRASH were also wounded and have been evacuated out of Vietnam and are doing well.