THE WALL OF FACES

On April 13, 1968, in a no-name operation literally called “No Name No. 2,” the 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 1st Marine Division ran into two North Vietnamese Army (NVA) companies in a fortified hamlet along a small canal north of QL-1 a few miles east of the Hue Citadel in Thua Thien Province, RVN. At 8:21 AM, B-1/27 received heavy automatic weapons, small arms, rocket-propelled grenade, and mortar fire. Taking casualties, the Marines returned fire and attempted to close with the enemy when they were pinned down. Artillery was called onto the NVA positions as Companies A and D joined the fray. A-1/27 ran into heavy fire from the east while D-1/27’s advance was slowed by mines and booby traps. As A-1/27 closed, enemy fire intensified, halting then pinning them down. Artillery fire failed to suppress the NVA fire. Ontos M50 tracked vehicles were deployed to assist the beleaguered battalion. The Marines continued to return fire and regroup, trying to rescue pinned down elements. At 2:07 PM, a landing zone was established, and casualties were medivacked. When all companies were finally able to withdraw, 26 Marines were dead and 37 wounded with a reported 62 enemy killed. The following day, Easter Sunday, the Marines retrieved their dead, bringing them out in ponchos. They were amazed at the enemy's battlefield discipline, noting the NVA had gathered up all their spent cartridges from the trench where they fought for five hours against the Marines. Despite reporting dozens of dead, the Marines found only two enemy bodies. The lost U.S. personnel included: (from A-1/27) SSGT Glennis R. Kellams (posthumously awarded the Silver Star), CPL Kenneth M. Watson, LCPL Richard L. Embrey, LCpl Stephen J. Hinds, PFC Raymond Armstrong, PFC Frank W. Atherton, PFC Robert C. Healey, PFC Kenneth L. Hinnant, PFC Larry C. Hopper, PFC Jerry A. Snipes; (from B-1/27) 2LT Alan A. Kettner, CPL James E. Hodge, LCpl Terry L. Fuhrman, (died of wounds 04/14/1968), LCpl Alfred V. Whitmer, PFC Roger A. Boomsma, PFC Douglas L. Long, PFC Barry D. Lord, PFC Paul L. Whitthorne, PFC William W. Wilson, PVT Ray T. Comfort; (from C-1/27) CPL Joseph C. Reid, PFC Donald L. Mansfield, and PFC William G. Parker; (from H&S-1/27) SSGT Fred J. Hayes (posthumously awarded the Silver Star); and Navy corpsmen HN3 Robert L. Dodsworth and HN Richard E. Cawley. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, virtualwall.org, and “U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Defining Year, 1968” by Shulimson, Blasiol, Smith, and Dawson]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Lcpl Richard Embrey,
Thank you for your service as an Engineer Equipment Operator. 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.

Dear LCPL Richard Lynn Embrey, 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, Sir

Curt Carter