THE WALL OF FACES

My father, Col. Richard Cohen, served with Michael’s father, Col. Eugene Field, in the 8th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division during the Korean War. Col. Field was the Regimental Commander; my father was his Operations Officer. The Fields were legends in our household growing up. Col. Field was one of the last horse soldiers in the US Army. When Michael was young he was like a son to my father and the members of Col. Field’s staff. I recall meeting Michael and his sister, Pat, as a child; & vividly recall the day we got the news of his untimely death. When the Monument opened I visited to pay my respects and traced Michael’s name on a piece of paper for my father. Best wishes to his family who may read this remembrance. Robert Cohen (Princeton, NJ)

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Michael Finlay Field

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: Captain
Battalion: 1st Squadron
Division: 1st Cavalry Division
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 4735 (August 19, 1967)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Michael Finlay Field (ASN: 0-90798), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Field distinguished himself on 27 May 1967, by exceptionally valorous action while serving as Commander of a team of UH-1B helicopters, CH-13 scout helicopters and one air transported infantry platoon during a reconnaissance mission near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. As Captain Field conducted a low level aerial reconnaissance over the area, he received intense enemy automatic weapons fire from two locations. He immediately placed deadly rocket and machine gun fire on the enemy positions which successfully neutralized the enemy fire. Captain Field then air assaulted his infantry platoon into the area and directed them toward the enemy locations. The lead squad was immediately engaged by heavy automatic weapons fire from covered emplacements and sustained two serious casualties. Captain Field recognized that the platoon was surrounded by an enemy company and immediately requested a reaction force to relieve the encircled platoon. He also began to deliver suppressive fire and adjust artillery fire on the enemy positions which enabled the infantry platoon to withdraw and organize a defensive perimeter. Due to Captain Field's action, enemy casualties for the operation surpassed 100 killed. Although his aircraft was under continuous enemy ground fire and sustained six direct hits, Captain Field left the embattled area only after his fuel supply was dangerously low and his ammunition was completely exhausted. Captain Field's gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Dear Major Michael Field,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander (Pilot) and West Point graduate. It is Labor Day weekend, and we remember you 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.

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” remember one of Nick Rowe's USMA 1960 classmates - and brother Paratrooper - MAJ Michael Finlay Field, on what would’ve been his 81st birthday - 7 August 2018.