THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Sgt Neil Hans,
Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Your 81st birthday was 3 days ago, happy birthday. It is now Lent. The war was years ago, but we all need 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.

On November 1, 1965, the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division was conducting search and destroy operations in the Ia Drang Valley south west of Plei Me in Pleiku Province, RVN. At 7:20 AM, scouts from B Troop, 1/9 Cavalry spotted a dozen North Vietnamese Army soldiers which they took under fire. An Aero Rifle platoon was dispatched to the area while a larger group of NVA, estimated at 30 strong, was spotted near the American position. Using scout aircraft as guides, the 30-man Aero Rifle platoon made contact with an NVA element near a streambed, killing five and capturing four. Moving on, the platoon captured an aide station believed to be at least regimental in size with all its supplies and equipment. The NVA challenged the American encroachment around their hospital, and a battle raged through the day between three platoons of 1/9 Calvary and the enemy. Assaults were repulsed over and over by just the weapons carried by the American troopers since the enemy pressed so close as to preclude the use of tactical air or aerial rocket artillery support. Reinforcements of five more platoons were airlifted into the area late in the afternoon. The destruction of the aid station was a major find for the Division and also provided the opportunity for the destruction of enemy forces. Enemy losses were put at 99 KIA (by body count), 183 total KIA estimation, with 208 WIA. Furthermore, the capture of documents yielded maps that revealed enemy supply and march routes. These were converted into intelligence that led to additional interdictory bombings by the U.S. Air Force. American losses were 10 fatalities. They included SGT Neil R. Hans, PFC Rodney C. Harris, SGT Ralph W. Onana, PFC James V. Pottkotter, PFC Alton E. Baker, PFC Jesus R. Bermudez, SP5 Charles R. Davis Jr., SP4 Thomas D. Duncan, SGT Daniel D. Harden, and SP4 James Hoover. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and extracts from 1st Cavalry Division reports for November 1, 1965]

Dear SGT Neil Ronald Hans, 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

Contributed by Patty Miller

Neil, Although we never met,
I just want you to know you are
not forgotten. You gave the ultimate
sacrifice, your life for what you believed
in. Sleep well my friend, and thank you
for protecting the freedoms we enjoy
today.