THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Allen Brook (May 4 - August 24, 1968) was a U.S. Marine Corps operation on Go Noi Island, located approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of Da Nang, RVN, and to the west of National Route QL-1. The island was a Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army stronghold and base area. On May 18th, M Company, 3/27 Marines was airlifted from Cau Ha Base Camp to reinforce I Company, 3/27 who were engaged with a strong enemy force. After being set down, M/3/27 disposed of their extra gear and moved up on their bellies to the sounds of the fighting. Explosions and tracer fire guided them to the battle area. The company spread out in an exposed area in front of a tree line with only paddy dikes, scrub brush, and elephant grass for cover. Moving slowly, they advanced into a hail of rifle, machine gun, rocket-propelled grenade, and mortar fire coming from well-concealed bunkers. As they closed on the enemy position, the withering fire trapped the Marines, and unable to advance or withdraw, they called in 105mm artillery and 81mm mortar fire, marching it back in forth on the bunkers fifty yards to their front. In this way the battle continued over the next several hours. A 1st Platoon machine gunner crawled forward to reach a critically wounded LCPL Donald B. Jones lying in an exposed area. As the Marine tried to drag him back, Jones’ utility belt dug into the sand. A second Marine, CPL Richard C. Abbate, came forward to assist and began removing the belt. The rescuers were suddenly raked by fire. Both men wounded, Abbate fatally after taking a round to the face. An hour later, air support arrived and dropped several cannisters of napalm on the enemy position. When the fire slackened, more Marines came up and pulled the three back to the landing zone. The one wounded and two dead (Jones had expired) were placed on a medivac and flown to Da Nang. When Allen Brook concluded, U.S. losses amounted to 172 killed with another 1124 wounded. Enemy losses were placed at 917 enemy killed (body count). [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, wikipedia.org, and information provided by Gerald E. Mallon, L/Cpl. USMC Retired (May 2023)]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Lcpl Donald Jones, Thank you for your service as an Automotive Mechanic. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Tomorrow is actually Columbus Day. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Lance Corporal Donald Byron Jones, Served with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear LCPL Donald Byron Jones, 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, Sir

Curt Carter