THE WALL OF FACES

The 25th Infantry Division began 1970 with an assault on Nui Ba Den Mountain (Black Virgin Mountain) in Tay Ninh Province, RVN, the suspected headquarters for part of the Viet Cong’s Provisional Revolutionary Government. The mountain was also a staging area for attacks on the provincial capital, Tay Ninh City. During Operation Cliff Dweller IV, U.S. troops swept the mountain’s rugged northeastern slope. The 1st Brigade’s 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, provided most of the men, with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor, and part of the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, waiting at the bottom of the slope as a blocking force. Before dawn on January 4th, tanks and infantry took up positions at the foot of Nui Ba Den. At 8:00 AM, helicopters began delivering the 3rd Battalion’s Companies B and C to the summit. Soon afterward, other helicopters deposited the battalion’s reconnaissance platoon on the mountain’s northern shoulder from which they could observe the progress of Companies B and C and block any attempts by the enemy to escape in that direction. Descending the precipitous slope was slow work, and both companies had to stop for the night less than halfway down. Rain overnight soaked the rocks, further impeding the infantry’s movement the next morning, but the troops reached the foot of the mountain unscathed. Continued searches the following day uncovered some caches but contact with the enemy remained light. On the morning of January 8th, however, the enemy opened fire from concealed positions, leading to steady contact until the operation terminated on January 11th. The Americans killed 159 North Vietnamese at a loss of five dead and fifty-five wounded. The lost personnel included (A-3/22) PFC George M. Hines (posthumously promoted to Corporal) and SP4 John E. Nierer (posthumously promoted to Sergeant); (E-3/22) PFC James R. Rutledge Jr. (posthumously promoted to Corporal); (A-2/34th Armor) SP4 Harlan K. Gammons Jr. (posthumously awarded the Bronze Star medal); and (B-4/23) SP4 Danny J. Petersen (posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor). [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “The Drawdown: 1970-1971” by Andrew J. Birtle & John R. Maass]

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 21st birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Specialist Four Harlan Kenneth Gammons Jr., Served with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, United States Army Vietnam.

Specialist Four Harlan Kenneth Gammons, Jr. was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Merit for his sustained meritorious service. He served as an Armor Crewman and was assigned to A CO, 2ND BN, 34TH ARMOR, 25TH INF DIV.
see http://www.virtualwall.org/dg/GammonsHK01a.htm

Dear Sp4 Harlan Gammons,
Thank you for your service as an Armor Crewman. 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.