THE WALL OF FACES

At 0827 hours on May 12, 1970, members of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 11th Artillery, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, were securing a landing zone approximately three miles southwest of Duc Pho, Quang Ngai Province, RVN, when a booby-trapped 155mm round with several small arms rounds attached detonated. Eight personnel were killed in the blast and another eight were wounded. A total of three dustoffs (medical evacuation by helicopter) were required to remove the dead and wounded, the first and second completed at 0844 and 0850 hours, and the third at 1038 hours. The carnage from the explosion was devastating. One of the wounded suffered traumatic amputation of both legs above the knees and amputation of left arm; another lost both legs below the knee. There were several others with assorted fragmentation wounds, and one with hearing loss. The names of those killed included SSGT Charles D. McMahan, SP4 Terrance L. Hood, SP4 Robert L. Lemons, SP4 Greg E. Weightman, PFC Robert E. Green, 2LT Robert H. Johnson, CPL Robert Childress, and PFC David L. Palmer. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and 6-11artillery.org]

Samuel F.B. Morse High School, San Diego, CA. Class of 1965. This year we will be celebrating our 50th Graduation Anniversary in San Diego. Our class was at the forefront of the Vietnam War. We will gather later this year, reune, party, reminiscence, commiserate, but above all honor and remember all those who are no longer with us. Terry will be there in spirit and be remembered. He gave his life to afford us this privilege of Freedom and to preserve it for future generations. Lest we forget! God Speed,Terry.

Dear SP4 Terrance Lee Hood, 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

Terry Hood and Fred Salazar

(Photo Credit: Bill Johnston)

Rest in peace with the warriors.

Terry Hood and Fred Salazar on Hill 285 just days after our terrible battle on that hilltop.