THE WALL OF FACES

I just learned his actual name today after meeting him over 50 years ago. I was just in country and trying to find out how to get to my first unit. "Doc" overheard me and told me he was the medic for 2nd Plt and he would let me know when a resupply bird was going to C Co. Several days later Doc Hopper and Sgt Marhefka were killed in a firefight. They were the first casualties I saw in my tour. I will never forget meeting Barry. He was one of the best. RIP Doc.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Operation Geneva Park was a security operation in Quang Ngai Province, RVN, during March 18, 1969 to February 28, 1971. The operation was conducted by the 198th Light Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division (Americal) in cooperation and coordination with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) 6th Regiment, 2nd Division to secure major lines of communications and the destruction of North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) units threatening Quang Ngai city and Chu Lai Base Camp. In late 1969, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry searched for elements of the 78th Rocket Battalion in the “Rocket Pocket,” an area commonly used by the enemy for standoff attacks against Allied installations near Chu Lai. Saturation patrolling, extensive night ambushes, preplanned air strikes, scheduled artillery fires, and sensor devices severely inhibited enemy attempts to shell the Chu Lai base complex. In late 1969/early 1970, there was only one indirect fire attack launched against the Chu Lai Base Camp. Eight 122mm rockets were fired on January 25, 1970, causing only minor damage and one casualty. C Company,1-6th Infantry, having observed the enemy launch site, deployed Second Platoon on a combat assault into the area where they engaged several VC. Tall grass obscured the enemy, and as the two groups made contact, the VC opened fire from foxholes with small arms. The burst of gunfire killed instantly medic SP4 Barry V. Hopper and infantryman SGT Duane J. Marhefka. Marhefka had been in Vietnam only twenty days and reportedly was on his first combat mission. His brief fighting experience posthumously earned him a Combat Infantry Badge. Enemy losses were three killed with three weapons captured. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, “Operational Report—Lessons Learned, Americal Division, Period Ending 31 January 1970” at archive.org; also, information provided by Joe Murphee (July 2001) at thewall-usa.com]

Specialist Four Barry Vorrath Hopper was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He
was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Merit for his sustained meritorious service. He served as a Medical NCO (Combat Medic) and was assigned to 2ND PLT, HHC, 1ST BN, 6TH INFANTRY, 198TH INFANTRY BDE, AMERICAL DIV.
See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org/detreq2.php

Dear Sp4 Barry Hopper, Thank you for your service as a Medical NCO. Thank you for the lives you saved. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.