THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just seven days before your 20th birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Operation Hawthorne was a military operation from June 2 to 21, 1966, to relieve elements of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) 42nd Regiment, 22nd Division under siege at Tou Morong, northeast of Dak To in Kontum Province, RVN. Three battalions of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, a battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), and two Civilian Irregular Defense Group companies took part in the operation. On June 6th, the garrison at Tou Morong was relieved and withdrawn while the 1/327th and Company A, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment and Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 320th Artillery Regiment remained at Tou Morong and the surrounding area. That same afternoon, A Company, 1/327 Infantry was sweeping a ridge between hills 1063 and 1073, a mile and a half northwest of Tou Morong, when they ran into a reinforced company of North Vietnamese Army regulars. The Americans called in artillery, but a short round landed on their position, killing five paratroopers and wounding five more. The lost personnel included PSGT Varl E. Fulford, SP4 Michael J. Galbraith, PFC Eddie Green, PFC William D. Hopson, and SGT Franklin W. Smith. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, wikipedia.org, and “‘Short Round’ KiIls 5 U.S. Paratroops.” Pacific Stars & Stripes, June 14, 1966; also, “Stemming the Tide: May 1965 to October 1966” by John M. Carland]

Specialist Four Michael Joseph Galbraith, Served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Without people like you our great nation would not exist. Rest in peace SP4. Galbraith, I salute your brave soul.

Mike another Memorial Day is upon us and many of your friends are asking about you. Rest In Peace my friend knowing that you will never be forgotten and that we think of you often. You paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. God Bless you and God Bless America.