THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just six days after your 21st birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Jack........Honoring you on your birthday....Never forgotten.......God Bless

Dear PFC Jack Golden,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. 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.

PFC William O. Austin, PFC Bryan M. Chilcote, PFC Jack D. Golden, PFC William G. Martin, SGT John P. Pellegrino, and PFC Richard C. St. Amand were infantrymen serving with B Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, the “Black Lions” of 1st Infantry Division. In October 1968, Bravo Company, along with the battalion, were conducting a RON, a Remain Over Night search and destroy operation in Bien Hoa Province, RVN. The operation involved patrolling their area of operations by day, then setting up an overnight defensive position. In the morning, they would head out again after conducting a “mad minute,” a practice where the Americans opened fire with all available weapons at the trees, bushes, ant hills, and anything else in front of their position to kill any snipers or other infiltrators. On October 13th, the Black Lions ran into NVA (North Vietnamese Army) or Viet Cong fortified bunkers. An intense firefight broke out, and they became pinned down. Artillery support was called in, and the Americans eventually pulled back, firing as they retreated. During the engagement, Austin, Chilcote, Golden, Martin, Pellegrino, and St. Amand were killed. Later, a helicopter came over and dropped water, picks, and shovels so the Lions could dig in for the evening. The night was quiet, but no one slept. The next morning, October 14th, a helicopter returned, and the fallen troopers were put on the chopper with the picks and shovels. Because of the cramped cabin space, three GI’s pulled off the line were forced to sit on the bodies of the dead during their flight back to camp. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Joe Kordzikowski (October 2017)]

Jack, I was there with Bravo Company. The first day of a R.O.N. we found the enemy. We were pinned down and had to call in artillery. You fought bravely, we fell back, choppers dropped picks and shovels and we made a defensive perimeter for the night. The next day we loaded up the choppers myself and two others from Bravo Co. boarded the chopper with you. We were going on R&R you were going home. Jack I'm sorry for any disrespect I may have shown by our positions, there wasn't much room on that Huey, please forgive me. I remember that day often, I'm so sorry. Rest in Peace Black Lion.