THE WALL OF FACES

Throughout the month of August 1968, the 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade was assigned the mission of securing National Route QL-19 through the Soui Ca Valley near Camp Radcliff in Binh Dinh Province, RVN. Several intelligence reports were received of Viet Cong (VC) and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) moving through the area. Indications were that the enemy was planning to attack highway and bridge sites along QL-19. At 2:45 AM on August 24th, Bridge 26 came under heavy ground attack from the south by an estimated reinforced platoon. The enemy fired small arms, automatic weapons, M79, and rocket-propelled grenade rounds. The initial volley of rocket fire struck the command bunker at the bridge, killing the platoon leader and two enlisted men from Scout Platoon, A Company, 1/50th. Supporting fire was called into the area, and friendly artillery rounds began falling eight minutes after the attack began. The enemy overran the western end of the bridge within six minutes as fighting, including hand-to-hand combat, took place between elements of a Scout Platoon and VC on the bridge. Wounded were carried to Bridge 25 to be evacuated. Bridge 26 was retaken and secured at 3:30 AM. The attack resulted in three U.S. deaths and six wounded out of the eleven men on bridge security detail. The lost personnel included platoon leader 1LT Daniel O. Abernathy, PVT Albert R. Gutierrez Jr., and SP4 Thomas F. Herkins. Their remains were removed to the 17th Field Hospital at Camp Radcliff where they were turned over to medical personnel. Both enlisted men received posthumous promotions: Herkins was promoted to Sergeant, and Gutierrez was advanced to Private First Class. Ten enemy satchel charges were found on the bridge. No enemy bodies were located, but large pools of blood and heavy blood trails were found on and near the bridge site. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “History of 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 1 July 1968 – 30 September 1968” at ichiban1.org]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace PFC. Gutierrez, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

Dear PFC Albert Gutierrez,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Today is your 72nd birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. 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.