THE WALL OF FACES

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 Capital Times
Madison, Wisconsin
19 Jul 1967

On July 15, 1967, elements of the 919th Engineer Company, 11th Armored Cavalry, were tasked with repairing a bridge on National Highway QL-1 near Soui Cat that had been washed out by monsoon rains. During the course of the road march to the work site, an enemy claymore mine was detonated against the Command Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle (ACAV) resulting in the death of the Company Commander, CPT Donald J. Crocker, FSG Everett A. Herritz, PFC Harry A. Kelley, and PFC Donald Paskowitz. After a search of the immediate area failed to disclose any enemy soldiers, the remaining elements of the Company pushed on to complete their mission in spite of their loss. The following day the repairs were completed, and this vital supply route was once again open to traffic. Crocker was subsequently awarded the Bronze Star medal in connection with this mission. He was also posthumously promoted to Major. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and Unit History, 919th Engineer Company (Armored) 13 April 1966 - 31 December 1967 at vva.vietnam.ttu.edu]

Dear Msgt Everett Herritz,Thank you for your service as a Combat Engineer. It is almost Memorial Day when we honor you. Please watch over the USA, it still needs your courage. Rest in peace with the angels....

On July 15, 1967, a convoy comprised of elements of the 919th Engineer Company, 11th Armored Cavalry, was on a mission to repair a bridge which had been washed out by torrential rains. The bridge was on the main supply route to the Gia Ray Rock Quarry and a fire support base located in Gia Ray, Long Khanh Province, RVN. Several engineer units within the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment participated in the operation. As the convoy was enroute to their objective, an enemy Claymore mine was detonated to the rear of the lead vehicle. Four persons were killed by the blast. They included the Commanding Officer, CPT Donald J. Crocker, combat engineer MSGT Everett A. Herritz, and radio operators PFC Harry A. Kelly and PFC Donald Paskowicz. Crocker was posthumously award the Bronze Star medal for valor and promoted to Major. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]