THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Byrd (August 25, 1966 – December 1, 1967) was a security operation conducted by the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) 44th Regiment in Binh Thuan Province, RVN. The southern provinces of Military Region II and the northern provinces in Military Region III formed the Viet Cong (VC) Military Region VI where intelligence reports suggested four VC battalions and approximately six district VC companies were operating. On April 5, 1967, the 2nd Company, 3rd Battalion, 44th ARVN Regiment engaged an estimated company-sized unit (reported by a captured enemy prisoner of war [POW] to be the 82nd Company, 540th Main Force Battalion) in extremely well-prepared defensive positions near Song Mao, 32 kilometers (19.8 miles) northeast of Phan Thiet city. The mixed VC and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) unit utilized excellent fire discipline, wiping out the ARVN point squad in the initial moments of contact. C Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment responded and met heavy resistance from well-camouflaged bunkers and trenches. Helicopter gunships, ariel rocket artillery, Scout ships, and airstrikes were called in, but each attempt to advance met with determined resistance on the part of the VC. Finally, at the company commander's request, the ARVN unit was extracted at 1:00 PM followed shortly thereafter by C-2/7. The following morning, C-2/7 was reinserted into the area to regain contact, but the VC had withdrawn during the night. Friendly losses during the engagement were three U.S. and ten ARVN killed with 20 U.S. and 10 ARVN wounded. The lost Americans included SP4 Lewis E. Avery, SFC Guy A. Byrd, and PFC George T. Subert. Material losses were several Allied weapons lost during the fighting. The engagement was the first time during Operation Byrd the Task Force encountered VC in prepared defensive positions. The captured POW stated his unit's mission was to liberate the surrounding area, and that they should be prepared to fight to the last man if engaged. During interrogation, the POW admitted expecting to be killed any moment after capture, and, at the very least, soon after the interrogation was terminated. Humane treatment coupled with firm interrogation reduced his fear, but it demonstrated the effectiveness of anti-U.S. propaganda employed by NVA and VC units. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Combat After Action Report - Op BYRD, Headquarters, 2d Bn, 7th Cav, 1st Air Cav Div, P

Never forgotten.

GARRYOWEN

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

As long as you are remembered you will always be with us.

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

On the remembrance of your 80th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH