THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from family members are poignant and attest to their enduring love for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

On November 17, 1966, three companies from the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, began reconnaissance in force operations in the southwestern corner of Pleiku Province along the Cambodian border in support of Operation Paul Revere IV. The companies were air assaulted into widely dispersed landing zones, and after four days of searching and reconnoitering, the 1/5 was scattered about their area of operations. On November 21st, Company C was situated in an ambush posture along a well-used trail they had discovered the previous day. During the morning, its three platoons resumed patrolling a short distance from the border. Small groups of enemy soldiers were observed, and the platoons maneuvered to gain fire superiority. Second Platoon was soon in contact. As Third Platoon moved across low ground beneath a hill to reach Second’s location, they were ambushed by a superior-size force. They took cover and immediately returned fire. In a few moments, Third Platoon was taking heavy fire on three sides. While trying to fight their way to higher ground, the platoon was nearly wiped out. Only two men survived, one by smearing blood from his own wounds on his face and playing dead. The enemy moved in, killing the wounded, and picking up all their weapons and radio. Second Platoon was also heavily engaged in a wooded area; its First Squad was completely wiped out. In total, C-1/5 lost 33 men killed in action. They included SFC Bobby W. Letbetter, SSG Charles K. Malone, SSG Max M. Woodsmall, SGT Theodore A. Alkire Jr., SP4 Norman C. Farris (awarded the Bronze Star), SP4 Eugene E. Mitchell, SP4 James E. Smythe, SP4 Wilbert Stewart Jr., SP4 Lester E. Unger Jr., SP4 Donald G. Vernon, PFC Gary D. Byford, SP4 Louis Castillo, PFC Eduardo Chavez, PFC John M. Dalton (awarded the Silver Star), PFC Carlito L. Dorsey, PFC John L. Godfrey, PFC Ralls Hawkins, PFC Charles L. Hicks, PFC Harvey Johnson, PFC Marion E. Johnson, PFC Carroll H. Jones, PFC Arnold R. Krasnoff, PFC Gamaliel Marcano-Diaz, PFC Larry D. Naasz, PFC Joseph L. Rabon, PFC Edward J. Scahill, PFC Joseph Scicutella, PFC Samuel W. Smith, PFC Andrew L. Stephens, PFC Clifford R. Stout, PFC Alvin B. Tucker, PFC George A. Turner (Forward Observer from B/1/77th Arty), and PFC John F. Waden. Eleven others were wounded. Enemy losses were reported at 145 killed, many by airstrikes and artillery while withdrawing from the battle area. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, virtualwall.org, and ttu.edu]

Dear PFC John Godfrey,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 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.

Hey, "Big" Johnny--

Memorial Day weekend and I just wanted to take a few moments to remember you and acknowledge your sacrifice. I have so many memories from when we were youngsters. Remember "Little Darlin'" by the Diamonds?Those were some fun times.

RIP, old friend, and know (if you can) that "Little" Johnny was thinking about you today.

Precious John, With another Memorial Day upon us I want to salute you my brother,and tell you how very much we all love and honor your bravery and sacrifice. You gave your ALL.We really have missed you all these years. We now lost another loved one very prematurely and unexpectedily. Your darling daughter has recently joined you in Heaven and I'm sure you was there to greet her with open arms. We will all gather again some bright and happy day. I love you Big John.