THE WALL OF FACES

During the late summer and early fall of 1970, following its withdrawal from Cambodia, the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) conducted combat operations in War Zone III. Primary activities included interdicting enemy infiltration routes along the border with Cambodia, targeting main force, local force, and enemy headquarters, and locating and destroying enemy ammunition caches. Beginning September 1st, elements of Third Brigade deployed into Binh Thuy Province, RVN, to assume the mission of the destruction of the 33rd North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Regiment and local Viet Cong (VC) forces. At 10:20 AM on October 16th, D Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry observed and engaged six individuals at 12 kilometers (7.2 miles) southwest of Xo Xu (Vo Xu). The enemy returned fire with small arms. The Americans requested supporting arms including artillery and helicopter gunships. Fighting lasted 25 minutes, resulting in three NVA/VC killed. Two U.S. infantrymen, PFC Wilfredo Gavilan-Torres and SP4 John D. Livingston, were lost in the engagement; four others were wounded. The lost D Company soldiers received posthumous promotions, Gavilan-Torres to Corporal and Livingston to Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 1st Calvary Division, Period Ending 31 October 1970” at archive.org]

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your cousin Hugo Rodriguez is touching and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Corporal Wilfredo Gavilan-Torres, Served with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

On the remembrance of your 70th Birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH