THE WALL OF FACES

One more year I come to say that he continues to be remembered. Sometimes I look at my father, who in 1970 was 21 years old and I see everything that you have not been able to experience, there are 54 years in which many things have happened. except one; May you be forgotten. RIP.

One more year I come to remember that when I came into this world, you gave your life for what you believed was right and it was your duty.
My tribute to your sacrifice.
Thank you so much.
Andoni.

Operation Geneva Park was a security operation during the Vietnam War in Quang Ngai Province, RVN, from March 18, 1969 to February 28, 1971. The operation was conducted by the 198th Light Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division (Americal Division) in cooperation and coordination with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) 6th Regiment. The mission was to secure major lines of communications and the destruction of North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Vietcong (VC) units threatening Quang Ngai or the Chu Lai Base Area. Allied forces performed aggressive patrolling and sweep operations during Geneva Park. Mines and booby-traps were a significant threat and caused numerous casualties. For most of the duration of Geneva Park, the 1st and 5th Battalions of the 46th Infantry were assigned to the 23rd Infantry (Americal) Division. On July 30, 1970, C Company, 5-46th was receiving a resupply in a daytime defensive position on a hill five miles southwest of Tam Ky Airfield in Quang Tin Province, RVN, when a booby-trapped 155mm artillery was detonated. The blast killed four U.S. and wounded sixteen others. The lost personnel included SFC Donald E. Auten, PFC Jerold Franklin, SSG Dale E. Sathoff, and PFC Edward J. Whitton. Also killed was a Vietnamese Kit Carson Scout assisting the Americans and a Vietnamese interpreter. Three other Vietnamese interpreters were seriously wounded. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, Americal Division, Period Ending 31 July 1970” at dtic.mil]

Jerold, I just submitted what I believe to be the last photo of you before we lost you on that fateful day at the end of July in 1970. You were one of the really good guys in our company. Always a smile and willing to give your fellow grunt a helping hand. RIP my brother.

Jerold, you are sorely missed. You were older than I, however, we became friends. Although I had many brothers, I considered you as one too. I only knew you for a few short years, but it seems like a lifetime now. You were kind to all whom you met. Thank you for your kindness and gentle nature. You are forever in our hearts. The Almighty only loaned you to us for awhile and we thank Him for that. Don