THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Apache Snow (May 10 – June 7, 1969) was a joint U.S. Army and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) military operation designed to keep pressure on the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) units in the A Shau Valley in Thua Thien Province, RVN, and prevent them from mounting any attacks on the neighboring coastal provinces. The A Shau was an important corridor for the NVA and Viet Cong (VC) who frequently used the valley to transport supplies from Laos into South Vietnam as well as employing it as staging area for attacks. Previous sweeps of the A Shau in the preceding year had resulted in over 2000 enemy casualties but were unsuccessful at removing the NVA. As planned, Apache Snow would combine a force of ten battalions. The initial assault force consisted of troops from the 187th, 501st, and 506th Infantry Regiments of the 101st Airborne Division, the 9th Marine Regiment, and the ARVN 1st Division. Two days before the operation began, Fire Support Base Airborne, an artillery firing position created to support combat operations in the A Shau, was constructed seven kilometers (4.3 miles) southeast of Hue. Displeased with this development, the NVA attacked the firebase at 4:40 AM on May 27th, with ten 60mm mortar rounds impacting within its perimeter. Counterbattery fire was returned at the suspected firing positions with unobserved results. The enemy fire killed five Americans and wounded six others. The lost personnel included (from 2-506th): PFC Donnie R. Harley, PFC William A. Seigle, PFC David L. Tessmer, and PFC Robert C. Yates. All four infantrymen were posthumously promoted to Corporal. One of the evacuated wounded, SP4 Michael E. Gerber, an engineer from the 326th Engineer Battalion attached to A-2/506th, succumbed to his injuries. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

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POSTED ON 9.3.2022

POSTED BY: John Fabris

do not stand at my grave and weep

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.

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POSTED ON 9.16.2021

POSTED BY: Dennis Wriston

I'm proud of our Vietnam Veterans

Specialist Four Michael Eugene Gerber, Served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, United States Army Vietnam.

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POSTED ON 1.15.2021

POSTED BY: RUSSELL ELY

Gerber

I often think of you, Mike. I was new in country when you got hit. Quinn brought your gear back to Eagle. I was just stunned.
Russell Ely, 326 Engineers.

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POSTED ON 12.1.2018

POSTED BY: Lucy Micik

Thank You

Dear Sp4 Michael Gerber,
Thank you for your service as a Pioneer. 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.

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