THE WALL OF FACES

During June 1970, A Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines was assigned to the Combined Unit Pacification Program (CUPP). As a CUPP company, it was broken down into squads, each of which was paired with a local Vietnamese militia to protect a particular village. Their combined actions centered around territorial security and training the militia, and the merging of Marine firepower and military skill with the militia's intimate knowledge of the local people and terrain. On June 11th, a village protected by A-1/7 CUPP squads was viciously attacked resulting in 74 civilian deaths and dozens wounded. One CUPP Marine, LCPL Stephen J. Geer, was killed. The attack began at 2:00 AM when the Ba Ren Bridge and the Thanh My village located on the south bank of the Ba Ren River, eight kilometers southeast of Dien Ban in Quang Nam Province, RVN, came under an intense 60mm and 82mm mortar barrage attack. The attack lasted approximately 1-1/2 hours, forcing the villagers to flee from their homes into protective bunkers. Under cover of the mortar fire, two company-sized sapper attacks were launched against the southern end of the village. The enemy sappers penetrated the perimeter wire and ran through the village tossing explosive satchel charges and grenades into the family bunkers. Three CUPP squads and Regional Forces soldiers at Thanh My were deployed throughout the area and were totally engaged at the onset of the attack. The CUPP units employed artillery, flare ships, and unit weapons causing the enemy to break contact. Corpsmen with the CUPP squads immediately started treating the wounded, and by 8:30 AM, a MEDCAP consisting of Navy doctors and corpsmen from the 7th Marines was in progress. Apart from the civilian deaths, one Vietnamese cadreman, one Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) official, and one Vietnamese National Policeman were killed. U.S. casualties were one Marine killed (Geer) and nine Marines and one Navy corpsman wounded. Geer was posthumously awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for heroism during the defense of Thanh My. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “III MAF Command Chronology, June 1970” at ttu.edu]

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 sunlight 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.

Lance Corporal Stephen James Geer was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his sustained heroism in action. He served as a Rifleman and was assigned to the 1ST PLT, A CO, 1ST BN, 7TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV.
See https://marines.togetherweserved.com/

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

Semper Fi, Marine.

Dear Lcpl Stephen Geer,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Happy Thanksgiving. 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.