THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your daughter Cynthia on behalf of your family is moving. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Sp4 Richard Johnson, Thank you for your service as a General Construction Equipment Operator. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On February 26, 1969, North Vietnamese Army regulars attacked Cu Chi Base Camp, Hau Nghia Province, RVN, headquarters of the American 25th Infantry Division. Defense of the base was shared by members of the 554th Engineer Battalion, which suffered ten killed in the early morning attack. SP4 Richard M. Johnson, a general construction equipment operator from D Company, 554th Engineer Battalion, was enroute to the showers at dawn when he was shot and killed by NVA infiltrators. SP5 David C. Jackson, an asphalt equipment operator, and SP5 Leon R. Goodale Jr., a mason, also from the 554th, were killed by enemy rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire when the NVA infiltrated the company area. Other members of the 554th manning bunkers died in Hotel Sector on the base when sappers attacked Bunker 66 with satchel charges. SP4 Larry C. Koski, a plumber, and SP4 John R. Tennant, an electrician, were killed, and a third man was wounded. A reaction force from C Company went to man secondary positions behind Bunkers 70-73. When its 5-ton dump truck stopped to unload 1st Platoon personnel, two rocket-propelled grenades were fired at pointblank range, killing four: PFC Jerry L. Alferink, an electrician, SP4 Van H. Pearson, a water treatment specialist, and SP4 Henry L. Quigley and SP4 Iria D. Barnett, both plumbers. Five others were seriously wounded. NVA who had deployed themselves between Bunker 69 and 70 in drainage ditch were assaulted by members of A Company. SSST Hobart E. Covington, an asphalt equipment operator, and another crossed the perimeter road to their front and fired at the enemy. The NVA returned AK-47 fire and hit SSGT Covington. A lieutenant braved enemy fire and crossed the road to come to Covington’s aid. Engineers then threw several hand grenades at the enemy position, and with covering fire, were able to evacuate Covington. He later died of his wounds. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and selfcraft.net]

Our fathers died on the same day. Their names are together. Always remembered.

Loved and Remembered by His wife Linda, daughter Cynthia, and grand children Colt & Sara. Wish we could have known you Dad. :O)