THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Sam Houston (February 12 - April 5, 1967) was a U.S. Army 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division operation in the Plei Trap Valley in Kontum Province, RVN. In early February 1967, intelligence reported that two divisions of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) were operating in the Plei Trap Valley near the Vietnam-Cambodia border with a third enemy division believed to also be nearby. The area of the operation was some of the most difficult jungle terrain in all Southeast Asia, with almost continuous jungle and thick, dense undergrowth making movement and visibility extremely difficult. On March 16th, the 2nd Brigade air-assaulted into the area of Plei Doc, approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) northwest of the Duc Co Special Forces Camp. The landing zone where 155th Assault Helicopter Company UH-1 helicopters carrying the 1-12th Infantry set down was unknowingly occupied an estimated NVA platoon. The enemy triggered several command-detonated mines, destroying one UH-1D and damaging seven others. Five U.S. troops were killed with 13 wounded. The NVA then engaged the infantry with rifle and machine gun fire before breaking contact. American air and artillery fire was brought to bear on the fleeing NVA, killing ten enemy combatants. The lost U.S. personnel were (B-1/12) PFC Elbert F. Blackburn, SP4 Clark A. Miller, and SP4 Michael J. Monahan; and (155th AHC) SGT Keith D. Griffin and SP5 James G. Patterson. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Sergeant Keith Dirk Griffin, Served with the 155th Assault Helicopter Company, 52nd Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

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.

Dear Sgt Keith Griffin,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. 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 SGT Keith D Griffin, 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.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter