THE WALL OF FACES

At approximately 1:00 AM on May 18, 1969, elements of the U.S. Army 54th Artillery Group at Husky Compound, a defensive position one mile east of Xuan Loc, Long Khanh Province, RVN, came under a ground assault by an unknown-size enemy force firing AK-47’s, automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenades, and tossing satchel charges. The attack was preceded by a mortar barrage. The enemy, later identified as part of the North Vietnamese Army’s 5th Division, penetrated a portion of the 54th’s perimeter but were driven out by the artillerymen. The artillery troops defended their position against the assaulting enemy with their own rifle and automatic weapons fire and the use of their artillery cannons, lowered for point-blank for delivery at close range. Helicopter gunships responded to the fight, and tactical air support along with AC-47 gunship cover was provided. As the action continued, an element of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in tanks and armored personnel carriers moved to the area and engaged the enemy force. Fighting continued until approximately 6:00 AM when the enemy disengaged. Later policing of the battlefield revealed 24 enemy dead, some of whom were killed on the perimeter barbed wire. U.S. casualties were 14 killed and 39 wounded. The lost Americans included SP5 Larry J. Budde, CPT Allen R. Culpepper, PFC Henry F. Evans, SP5 Robert L. Freeman, CPL Larry L. Holmes, SP5 John J. Laskowski, SSG Kenneth E. Lockhart, CPL Gary D. McCray, PFC Ronnie E. Parker, SP5 Patrick L. Rice, CPT Norman P. Singer, SGT Dana M. Sykes, and SP4 Garry L. Uplinger. One U.S. Naval personnel, CE2 Philip L. Grieser from Seabee Team 1013, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 10 (NMCB-10), was killed by shrapnel. CPT Singer, a battalion surgeon, was killed by an incoming enemy mortar round while rendering first aid to personnel who were in a perimeter gun pit. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 5th Battalion, 2nd Artillery, Period Ending October 31, 1969]

Dear SP5 Robert Lee Freeman, 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

Specialist 5 Robert Lee Freeman was born on April 2, 1948 in Harlan, Kentucky to Mr. and Mrs. Olin Gilbert. Robert is a 1966 graduate of Willow Run High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He also attended Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan. Specialist 5 Freeman entered the Army in April of 1967. Robert began his tour of duty in Long Khanh Province, South Vietnam on April 9, 1969 serving as a Cannon Fire Direction Specialist with Headquarters, Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 35th Artillery, 54th Artillery Group, II Field Force. Robert was killed as a result of enemy heavy arms fire on May 18, 1969 after serving 'In-Country' for one month and nine days. Robert Lee Freeman is survived by his parents and a sister. He lived 21 years, 1 month and 16 days. He is resting in Knollwood Memorial Park in Wayne County, Michigan. Rest in peace with the warriors.

Robert is buried at Knollwood Memorial Park in Plymouth,MI. BSM PH

ONE OF MICHIGANS FALLEN SONS

Today we honor ROBERT LEE FREEMAN and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our country. Rest in peace Robert, and know you are not forgotten.