THE WALL OF FACES

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) was a U.S. Army mechanized infantry unit which conducted reconnaissance, surveillance, and security missions. Arriving in Vietnam in September 1966, it utilized armored personnel carriers and medium tanks and could attack or defend with either mounted or dismounted infantry. Beginning August 13, 1970, 3rd Squadron, 11th ACR commenced combat operations in Military Region III within Binh Duong, Bien Hoa, and Long Khanh provinces. Missions included search and clear, reconnaissance in force, Rome plow (land clearing) security, and pacification and resource control in conjunction with the Vietnamese National Police. At 6:45 PM on August 30th, a 3rd Squadron mechanic from L Troop, SP5 Billy R. Hunter, was critically injured in a weapons mishap at Fire Support Patrol Base Coral, located eight kilometers (4.8 miles) northwest of Tan Uyen in Binh Duong Province. Reportedly, another individual’s .45 caliber pistol had misfired, and Hunter was attempting to correct the malfunction. In the process, the weapon discharged, striking him in the chest. Hunter was transported by helicopter to the 24th Evacuation Hospital at Long Binh Post where medical staff applied life-saving measures to mitigate the damage inflicted to his chest, liver, and abdomen. Despite their best efforts, Hunter expired at 1:45 AM the following morning from kidney and respiratory failure. He was 19 years old. Hunter’s brother, LT David Hunter, an Army helicopter pilot serving in Vietnam, was summoned to Long Binh. After his passing, the brother asked that the casualty notification officer be cautioned to use great care when informing the family of his brother’s death as their mother, Mrs. La Josie Hunter, had a “hypersensitive” nature. LT Hunter was granted permission to escort his sibling’s body home to Michigan. Back in Vietnam, members of L Troop gathered for their own memorial service in Hunter’s honor performed by the unit’s chaplain. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Bobby Joe Skeens (February 2024)]

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

On the remembrance of your 70th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Thank you for your service, Billy, from everyone at Western High School. I am so sorry you didn't make it home, but know you are in a better place than all of us. God has you now and you are safe.

On the remembrance of your 69th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH