THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Deckhouse IV (September 15-18, 1966) was conducted by the Special Landing Force (SLF) Battalion Landing Team (BLT) of 1st Battalion, 26th Marines in the eastern Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Quang Tri Province, RVN. U.S. intelligence indicated that a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) unit was moving into the area between Con Thien and the DMZ. Reconnaissance in force of the area from September 7th–13th made intermittent contact with NVA units. Deckhouse IV planned to use a larger reconnaissance in force in the same area utilizing the SLF floating reserve. During the first three days of Deckhouse, the Marines were involved in several engagements while they pursued their objectives. On the last day of the operation, heavy fighting in the hamlet of Gia Binh claimed the lives of several Delta 1/26 Marines. A morning advance into the hamlet was conducted with 2nd Platoon on point. The plan was for one squad to advance towards the center of the village along the main trail flanked by the other two squads. The physical setting was challenging, with hedgerows limiting movement; a previous day's probe towards the center of the village revealed a series of trenches, tank traps, and fighting positions. Late in the morning, Delta made heavy contact and received automatic weapons fire from both sides of the road and the front. The NVA fought from prepared positions and 2nd Platoon took many casualties. Several Marines were killed in the initial exchange of fire, including the 2nd Platoon commander, 1stLt Gerald Geoghegan. There was much confusion on both sides, with the NVA calling out to each other while the Marines did the same. The company was pinned down and called for supporting arms. The eight-inch guns of the Navy cruiser USS Saint Paul (CA-73) covered its withdrawal. Seven Delta Marines were killed in fighting at Gia Binh. They included PFC David R. Beattie, 1stLt Gerald D. Geoghegan, PFC Herschel P. Helm Jr., PFC Thomas C. Jonozzo, Cpl Stephen P. Miller, PFC Danny R. Rundle, and PFC Florentino J. Santana. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Never forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

Without people like you our great nation would not exist. Rest in peace PFC. Helm, i salute your brave soul. Semper Fidelis!

Dear PFC Herschel Helm,
Thank you for your service as a Machine Gunner. Today is the 44th anniversary of the end of the war. 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.