THE WALL OF FACES

On November 30, 1970, a 19th Engineer Battalion convoy headed for Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province, RVN, attempted to cross the monsoon-swollen Suoi Dau River at the Highway QL-1 bridge. Several of the heavy trucks in the convoy like 6x6’s and ten-ton semis were able to safely traverse the rising waterway. However, when the convoy commander’s ¼-ton jeep tried to get across, the current carried the vehicle away. The driver, SP4 Frederick L. Fields, drowned trying to rescue the commander. Fields’ body was found the next day several hundred yards downstream. The convoy commander, a lieutenant, was able to save himself when he grabbed at some overhanging tree branches and pulled himself from the water. A second engineer, SP4 Robert G. Moore, also drowned the same day after the water tank truck he was driving disappeared into the swift-moving current. His vehicle was found after the water had receded, sitting in a rice paddy, however, there was no sign of Moore. His body was later recovered. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Rodney Skinner (November 2018) and Robert Cobb (February 2010 at vvmf.org)]

Dear Sp4 Frederick Fields,
Thank you for your service as a Combat Engineer. It is Labor Day, 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.

I , Rodney G. Skinner was in D Co. 19th and there the day Field's passed. He was a brave man and a nice guy. RIP brother.

Thank you Spec 4 Fields for your leadership and courage.

Dear SP4 Frederick Lee Fields, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter