THE WALL OF FACES

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

On November 17, 1966, three companies from the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, began reconnaissance in force operations in the southwestern corner of Pleiku Province along the Cambodian border in support of Operation Paul Revere IV. The companies were air assaulted into widely dispersed landing zones, and after four days of searching and reconnoitering, the 1/5th was scattered about their area of operations. On November 21st, Company C was situated in an ambush posture along a well-used trail they had discovered the previous day. During the morning, its three platoons resumed patrolling a short distance from the border. Small groups of enemy soldiers were observed, and the platoons maneuvered to gain fire superiority. Second Platoon was soon in contact. As Third Platoon moved across low ground beneath a hill to reach Second’s location, they were ambushed by a superior-size force. They took cover and immediately returned fire. In a few moments, Third Platoon was taking heavy fire on three sides. While trying to fight their way to higher ground, the platoon was nearly wiped out. Only two men survived, one by smearing blood from his own wounds on his face and playing dead. The enemy moved in, killing the wounded, and picking up all their weapons and radio. Second Platoon was also heavily engaged in a wooded area; its First Squad was completely wiped out. In total, C-1/5 lost 33 men killed in action. They included SFC Bobby W. Letbetter, SSG Charles K. Malone, SSG Max M. Woodsmall, SGT Theodore A. Alkire Jr., SP4 Norman C. Farris (awarded the Bronze Star), SP4 Eugene E. Mitchell, SP4 James E. Smythe, SP4 Wilbert Stewart Jr., SP4 Lester E. Unger Jr., SP4 Donald G. Vernon, PFC Gary D. Byford, SP4 Louis Castillo, PFC Eduardo Chavez, PFC John M. Dalton (awarded the Silver Star), PFC Carlito L. Dorsey, PFC John L. Godfrey, PFC Ralls Hawkins, PFC Charles L. Hicks, PFC Harvey Johnson, PFC Marion E. Johnson, PFC Carroll H. Jones, PFC Arnold R. Krasnoff, PFC Gamaliel Marcano-Diaz, PFC Larry D. Naasz, PFC Joseph L. Rabon, PFC Edward J. Scahill, PFC Joseph Scicutella, PFC Samuel W. Smith, PFC Andrew L. Stephens, PFC Clifford R. Stout, PFC Alvin B. Tucker, PFC George A. Turner (Forward Observer from B/1/77th Arty), and PFC John F. Waden. Eleven others were wounded. Enemy losses were reported at 145 killed, many by airstrikes and artillery while withdrawing from the battle area. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, virtualwall.org, and ttu.edu]

Dear PFC Charles Hicks, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Today is the day that was originally set aside as Memorial Day when we honor you all. Please watch over the USA. It stills needs your courage. Rest in peace with the angels.

Private First Class Charles Lee Hicks, Served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.