THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your cousin Michele Wood Ritter is touching and reflects her eternal love for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Operation Adams was a 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) 47th Regiment operation to protect rice harvests in Phu Yen Province, RVN, from the 18B and 95th North Vietnamese Army regiments. The operation was carried out from October 26, 1966 to March 30, 1967. A little after midnight on March 9, 1967, a platoon from Company A, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry was in a night defensive position in the vicinity of Hill 86, six miles northwest of Tuy An, when it was attacked by a 100-man Viet Cong (VC) force. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the Americans before a relief force could reach them. The attack on the platoon began when the VC charged their position, tossing grenades and satchel charges, initiating a fight which lasted about a half hour. Ten U.S. were killed in the battle. The rescue party, a mechanized unit, while headed to the besieged platoon, had mines discharged against them and suffered three killed. Total casualties were thirteen dead and twenty-seven wounded. The lost personnel included (from 3/12th) were PFC George J. Bojarski, PFC Charles P. Brown, PFC Richard A. Jurcak, PVT Gus Stovall Jr., SP4 Lloyd M. Kuehn, PFC John M. Mansfield, SP4 Oscar W. Pierce, PFC John H. Roth, PFC Robert J. Sommerer, and SP4 Larry J. Waddell; and (from A Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry) SSG Ambrosios S. Jurado, SGT Angel Ortiz-Rodriguez, and SP4 Edward J. Haburey. Enemy losses were put at five killed. In the days following this action, 3/12th Infantry had a series of small actions in the vicinity of Hill 86 resulting in forty-seven VC killed. Personal belongings of some of the Americans killed on Hill 86 were found on VC bodies, identifying them as the same force which attacked Hill 86. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, “Lessons Learned, Headquarters, I Field Force Vietnam, April 1967” at swampfox.info, and “U.S. Platoon Battered In Battle Near Tuy Hoa.” Pacific Stars & Stripes, March 11, 1967]

Dear PFC Richard Jurcak, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Halloween is in 3 days. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Ricky, your memory will always be cherished by your family. Your cousin Claire O'Connor DeChants remembers you for your sunny disposition and your love of horses, music and motorcycles. You had the sweetest smile and an enormous zest for living. Our family has mourned your loss terribly. We have tried to keep your memory alive for the generation of cousins who never had the privilege of meeting you. Thank you for your service to our country and for the ultimate sacrifice you made. May your memory forever be for a blessing.

With Love, Your cousin, Michele Wood Ritter

Dear PFC Richard Alan Jurcak, 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.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter