THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Marilyn Templeton is moving. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Firebase Support Base Ross (also known as Hill 51) was a U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) base located in the Que Son Valley, 16 miles southwest of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam. On January 6, 1970, under the cover of monsoon rains, the Viet Cong 409th Battalion assaulted the 1st Marine Division/7th Marine Command Post at FSB Ross with a mortar and ground attack. The action began at 1:21 AM with a sapper attack supported by 82mm mortar and rocket-propelled grenade fire. The enemy sapper elements were able to penetrate the outer defenses in four areas of FSB Ross (north, northeast, southeast, south, and west). Each of the enemy soldiers reportedly had numerous Chicom grenades and satchel charges attached to their body. They threw these as they passed the outer perimeter Marine defensive positions. The enemy was observed to move through their own mortar fire as they pressed the attack. The VC sappers were dressed in black or green shorts, some with t-shirts and others bare above the waist. All were bare-footed, and many wore green bandanas. By 4:00 AM, over 200 mortar rounds had impacted on FSB Ross. Although the enemy appeared to be disorganized in their assault, after penetrating on the initial assault, they broke through the Marine defenses adjacent to the counter-mortar radar installation throwing Chicoms and satchel charges. They were successful in rendering this equipment inoperable and killing the entire Marine crew. Simultaneously, VC units entered the defenses near the artillery battery by cutting through protective wire around the position. This was accomplished under the cover of 82mm mortar and RPG fire. All enemy soldiers were killed before they could reach the gun pits. As enemy mortar and RPG fire continued, the Americans fired illumination flares in tandem with 105mm howitzer and 155mm howitzer. Pre-registered counter-mortar grids were fired from adjacent fire support bases including FSB Ryder and FSB Baldy plus those batteries located on FSB Ross. “Spooky” AC-47 gunships were on station but were not used because of a low cloud ceiling. By daylight, the enemy was gone, and a sweep of the battle area revealed 38 VC dead with three POW’s captured and numerous weapons and ordinance recovered. Fifteen Marines were killed defending FSB Ross and 62 wounded, 39 of which required medical evacuation. The lost Marines included SGT William M. Adair, CPL Clifford C. Blend Jr., PFC Kenneth W. Boward, PFC Richard F. Brant Jr., LCPL William L. Campbell Jr., PFC Gary H. Garner, LCPL Russell E. Gilbrech, PFC John J. Hargreaves, PFC Charles L. Hartung, PFC Mickey L. Hawkins, CPL Joseph A. Lozano, SGT Beryl G. Peters, SGT Julian R. Rodriguez, CPL Frank M. Walker, and LCPL Dean A. Wilderspin. Several structures and vehicles on the base suffered varying degrees of damage. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and Command Chronology, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), January 1970]

Dear Lcpl Russell Gilbrech,
Thank you for your service as a Motor Vehicle Operator. Your 70th birthday was 3 days ago, happy birthday. Happy Advent. 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.

Lance Corporal Russell Earl Gilbrech, Served with the Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

This Memorial Day Weekend, we remember LCPL Gilbrech as a patriot who gave all for freedom and liberty. May we live our lives in such a way as to be worthy of his sacrifice.