THE WALL OF FACES

PFC Michael D. Gentry was an infantryman and SP4 Danny J. Shores a Cannon Fire Direction Specialist, both serving with Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC), 23rd Infantry Division (Americal), U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. Before deployment to Vietnam, the two men were put through in the Unattended Ground Sensor Operator’s course at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center at Fort Huachuca in Arizona. Following their arrival in-country, they were assigned to Americal’s Target Mission Force in Quang Ngai Province, RVN. Gentry and Shores placed ground sensors throughout the province while accompanied by platoon-sized Americal combat units. A variety of sensors were used, including infrared, seismic, and magnetic, which were buried beneath the soil. Each had an attached camouflaged antenna which transmitted a signal when movement was detected. Back on a firebase or LZ (landing zone), the signal was monitored on a computer with the data passed onto a field artillery unit which then attacked the target with a fire mission. On October 6, 1970, Gentry and Shores were on a sensor placement mission when they reportedly tripped a friendly Claymore mine outside the perimeter at LZ Stinson, located 12 kilometers (7.2 miles) southwest of Binh Son. Both men sustained fatal blast and fragmentation injuries. Three days later, a memorial service was held in their honor at Chu Lai Base Camp conducted by battalion chaplain LTC Teddy R. Pope Jr. Gentry and Shores were posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for merit. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Laddie Tabor (September 2023)]

Private First Class Michael Dale Gentry, Served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Each year in October my wife, children and grandchildren remember you and Danny Jean Shores on the anniversary of your deaths. I was also part of G-2, Target Mission Force out of Chu Lai. Although we were in the same unit I'm not sure we ever met, perhaps only briefly at the compound. I was honored to be a representative of TMF at your Memorial Service in July. You are not and have never been forgotten by me or my family.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from yur high school classmates are moving and reflect their admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear PFC Michael Gentry,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. 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.