THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Fresh Start (January 29 – April 30, 1970) was an 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment land clearing operation along Route 246 in Tay Ninh Province, RVN. Land clearance missions sought to erase sections of the jungle to deny the enemy concealment and cover. Rome plows (Caterpillar D9 tractors) with specially equipped blades were used to clear timber and brush. Mechanized infantry units provided security during the operations. On February 25th, Rome plows and armored cavalry assault vehicles (ACAV’s) from B Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry had cleared 203 acres north of Highway 246. That evening, they set up a night defensive position along the highway approximately four miles east of Landing Zone Cindy; however, the overnight laager had one less tracked vehicle than they began the day with. Earlier, an ACAV without belly armor hit a mine on 246 at Bo Tuc, four miles southeast of Katum Airfield. The blast killed driver PFC Jesse C. Frey. Frey sustained injuries to the head, left leg, arm, and shoulder with a compound fracture to his left femur. His remains were removed to the 25th Medical Battalion field hospital at Tay Ninh Combat Base and turned over to Graves Registration personnel. Frey was posthumously promoted to Corporal and awarded the Bronze Star medal for meritorious service during his three months in Vietnam. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. May you rest in eternal peace.

Corporal Jesse Clifford Frey, Served with B Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Cpl Jesse Frey,
I hope your photo is put here because this is a wall of faces and yours should be here. Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. 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.

Jesse is buried at Rose Hills Memorial Park,Whittier,CA.