THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. May you rest in eternal peace.

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

On behalf of all the paratroopers who served with you in the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) and all who followed, we offer our respect and remembrance of your ultimate sacrifice. May you never be forgotten and your family and friends take comfort in your valor in serving.

DEAR SPEC 4 BACKES.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A GRUNT. PEOPLE ARE DECORATING AND PREPARING FOR HALLOWEEN. IT IS BECAUSE OF YOU WE CAN. REST IN PEACE

SP4 Bruce R. Backes was the radio telephone operator (RTO) for the Platoon Leader, Lt. Harry Wilson, during the Battle of An Boa in Binh Dinh Province (May 5-7 1968). At noon, on May 5, 1/50th “A” Company forces were attacked and outnumbered 10 to 1 by a regiment of the North Vietnamese Army. “A” Company forces were overrun and took heavy casualties when Charlie Company was called in to reinforce the besieged Alpha Company. Upon arrival, the enemy, who had fallen silent to allow the “C” Company troops to enter the ambush zone, opened fire with an intense and sustained barrage of small arms, automatic weapons and B-40 rocket fire from three sides. Bruce was mortally wounded in the neck while keeping pace with the platoon leader as he positioned the third platoon troops for battle. Fierce fighting ensued on both 1/50th Companies and additional reinforcements from “B” Company, 1/50th Infantry and “B” Company, 1/69th Armor were called in to battle the huge enemy force. [Taken from ichiban1.org]