THE WALL OF FACES

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace EN2. Heintz, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family. Fair winds and following seas!

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

The 57-foot mine sweep boats (MSB’s) were the backbone of U.S. Navy Vietnam minesweeping forces and maintained Saigon’s vital link with the South China Sea at Vung Tao. Although most sailors referred to this route as the Saigon River, technically a series of rivers, this route was officially named the Long Tao shipping channel. On September 22, 1966, MSBs were attacked on the Long Tau River southeast of Saigon resulting in the first combat death on a minesweeper. MSB’s 14 and 15 were making their third pass along the waterway when MSB-15 experienced an explosion on the forward starboard side at the turbine stack. At the same time, MSB-14 observed three explosions within fifty feet of its position. Light smoke trails were seen behind the projectiles which were determined to be 57mm recoilless rifle fire. Heavy automatic weapons fire from both banks followed the initial attack, and the MSBs returned the fire until they were clear of the ambush area. One crewman on MSB-15, EN2 Ronald A. Heintz, was fatally injured in the attack, and nine others were wounded. The large number of casualties were attributed to the presence of a second crew on the boat who were being indoctrinated. A total of ten Purple Hearts were awarded as a result of the day’s action. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “The Long Tao Sweepers - MSB’s in Vietnam 1965– 1970” by Edward B Sinclair]

Petty Officer Second Class Ronald Arthur Heintz, Served aboard MSB-15 (Mine Sweeping Boat 15), Mine Squadron 11 (Detachment A), Task Force 116 (TF-116), United States Naval Forces Vietnam (USNAVFORV).

Never forgotten.

Semper Fortis