THE WALL OF FACES

On February 20, 1969, elements of the 9th Infantry Division’s 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry and 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry were on the first day of a two-day operation in Kien Hoa Province, RVN, when they made contact with an enemy force of unknown-size four miles northeast of Giong Trom. The action began at 11:00 AM when gunships of Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry spotted and killed two enemy soldiers running into a wood line. When the gunships began receiving heavy automatic weapons fire, they called in airstrikes which destroyed seven enemy bunkers. Company B, 3-60 were close by conducting a sweep, and after being lifted into the area of contact, killed one Viet Cong (VC). The 3-5 gunships swept southeast ahead of the infantrymen, killing five more enemy. When Company B, 3-47 was inserted south of 3-60, they came under heavy automatic weapons fire. Surrounded, they ditched into canals and dikes for cover. Enemy snipers around their position were engaged with M60 machine guns. The battle continued until nightfall, the besieged B/3-47 reinforced on their left flank by A/3-47 and B/3-60 on their right. A Regional Forces Company was used as a blocking force, completing a cordon around the enemy. Artillery, gunships, and airstrikes pounded the area throughout the night and next day. An all-day sweep turned up ninety VC dead and scattered weapons and clothing. It was later determined the enemy force was the 516th VC Battalion. Interrogation of captured prisoners revealed the 516th was enroute to Ben Tre to lay siege on the city during a planned Winter-Spring Offensive but had been completely surprised by the U.S. forces. As a result of the contact, the attack failed to materialize. U.S losses were nine killed and ten wounded. The lost personnel included (B/3-47): PFC Michael D. Adams, PVT Billie J. Mc Clure, SP4 Larry T. Ross, and 1LT Allen C. Yeomans III; (HHC/3-47) medic PFC Marvin A. De Vault; and (B/3-60): SP4 Quenton L. Christensen, SGT Junior F. Roniger, SP4 Herbert H. Stauffer, PFC Clarence Robinson Jr. (died of wounds 02/21/1969). De Vault was posthumously promoted to Corporal. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “MRF pounce on VC bunkers, kill 90.” The Old Reliable (9th Infantry Division publication), March 5, 1969]

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

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

Forever 18.

HOOAH

DEAR PFC ADAMS,
MY GRANDSON WAS BORN ON YOUR BIRTHDAY, ALTHOUGH MORE THAN A HALF CENTURY LATER.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, AND REST IN PEACE.

Private First Class Michael Drue Adams, Served with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.