THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Operation Junction City was a joint United States and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) military action to locate the elusive “headquarters” of the Communist uprising in South Vietnam, the Central Office of South Vietnam (COSVN). The 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, began participation in Junction City on D-Day+1 (February 23, 1967) when it was airlifted from the headquarters of the 1st Infantry Division at Lai Khe to Suoi Da in Tay Ninh Province, RVN. There it had a two-fold mission: to serve as the reserve battalion for 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and provide a portion of the Suoi Da defenses. The battalion was scheduled to move out the next day to secure National Highway QL-4 in its assigned sector and conduct search and destroy operations. In the early morning hours of February 24th, the battalion received approximately 120 rounds of enemy 82mm mortar, killing three (including a company commander) and wounding four. The lost personnel included CPT Rodney L. Rieger and 1LT Thomas Edward M Gray Jr. from Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 1/16, and PFC Steven Kirby (posthumously promoted to Corporal), an infantryman with A Company, 1/16. Six hours later, after evacuating the wounded and completing preparations for the upcoming operation, the 1st of the 16th was airlifted to positions along QL-4 north of Suoi Da. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operation Junction City Vietnam 1967 Battle Book” Advanced Battle Analysis, U. S. Army Command and General Staff College, 1983]

Dear Lt Thomas Gray,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander. 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.

Dear 1LT Thomas Edward M Gray Jr, 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

*