THE WALL OF FACES

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Dear Lcpl James Gilch,
Thank you for your service as a Motor Vehicle Operator. 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.

On July 21, 1966, Companies A and B and the Recon Platoon of 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, departed Cu Chi Base Camp for a search and destroy operation in the western end of the Filhol Rubber Plantation in Binh Duong Province, RVN. Several preselected objective areas were searched. At 1600 hours Company B became engaged in a fire fight. During the course of the fight, one of the M113A armored personnel carriers (APC) moved to attack from the right flank when a command-detonated mine was exploded. There were several cases of TNT and C4 explosives inside the carrier. When the mine detonated, it set off the explosives. The only thing left of the APC was the floorboard and the driver’s steering sticks. There were seven Bobcats in the APC at the time of the explosion. Most of their body parts were located and recovered from around the area. Some were not found. By 1700 hours Company A had closed with Company B and the units moved out of the area at 1800 hours heading for their base camp. It was noted in a medical evaluation report that there was difficulty identifying the remains of the seven men, who were mutilated when their track exploded. It suggested a careful search for remains should be made if tactically possible. After further searching, the positive identification of all remains was achieved. The seven lost Bobcats included SP4 David L. Berry, PFC James X. Gilch, SP4 Richard D. Gill Jr., PFC Samuel G. Harris, SP4 Leo E. Hinterlong, SSGT Wilberto C. Sanchez, and SP4 Larry Van Clief. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and bobcat.ws]

Dear PFC James Xavier Gilch, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Rest in peace with the warriors. (Photo Credit - Joseph James Gilch )