THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Cochise Green was a security and pacification operation conducted by the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Binh Dinh Province, RVN, from March 30, 1968 to January 31, 1969. Inside the province were the Soui Ca Valley and “Oregon Trail,” busy infiltration routes used by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) to move men and materials west from the Ho Chi Minh Trail to the Bong Son and Phu My coastal plains. U.S. efforts to interdict enemy movement along these routes included aggressive patrolling by ground forces and the construction of firebases to provide artillery fire support for infantry operating against the enemy interlopers. Also, along National Route QL-19, Strong Points were established with armored personnel carriers (APC’s) in a ready-reaction posture to respond to calls for assistance. The Viet Cong (VC) and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) were displeased with these developments they viewed as impediments to their own tactical objectives. Subsequently, throughout the province, the enemy launched frequent ambushes against Allied units and repeatedly mined the roadway along QL-19. On the early morning of January 15, 1969, the 1st Platoon of A Company, 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry, with one M48 Patton tank from 69th Armor attached, made contact with an enemy force carrying small arms, 60mm mortars, rocket-propelled grenades (RPG’s), and anti-tank grenades. The entire element received intense fire with two APC’s hit by RPG’s. A/1-50th deployed two more platoons against the enemy which immediately broke contact by attempting to withdraw. During the battle, two APC’s were destroyed, one M48 tank damaged, and two U.S. killed and eleven wounded. The lost personnel SGT Scott J. Bailey and PFC Austin R. Chenoweth. Chenoweth was posthumously promoted to Corporal. Ten enemy were killed in the engagement, one captured, and an assortment of weapons recovered. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “History of 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 1 January 1969 – 31 March 1969” at ichiban1.org]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Father Rene Guesnier is especially touching. 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.

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.