THE WALL OF FACES

War drew us from our homeland
In the sunlit springtime of our youth.
Those who did not come back alive remain
in perpetual springtime -- forever young --
And a part of them is with us always.

On the late morning of March 13, 1968, a U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division convoy was traveling between Kontum and Dak To on Highway QL-14, eight miles north of Pleiku in Pleiku Province, RVN, when it was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army force estimated at 300 soldiers. The convoy had 150 vehicles formed from three engineer companies: the 509th Panel Bridge and the 70th and 585th Dump Truck. The enemy attacked from behind foliage on both sides of the road utilizing small arms, automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade fire, and claymore mines. Satchel charges were thrown at the trucks in hopes of destroying them. The Engineers fought back with unit arms, however, as an Engineer convoy, Companies 509, 70 and 585 were not equipped with the best weaponry. They were outgunned–and stuck–in a fight that lasted over five hours. During the battle, the convoy was supported by U.S. Army helicopter gunships and Air Force tactical air strikes. The Americans were able to inflict forty-eight enemy deaths and suffered thirteen U.S. killed and seven wounded. The lost engineers included PFC William E. Dean, SP4 Raymond P. Dobrzynski, PFC David L. Hampton, PFC Walter E. Handy, 2LT William J. Hondel, PVT Russell E. Hupe, 1LT Kosmas P. Kapetanopoulos, SP4 Drek A. Landes, SP4 Glen H. Mosley Jr., PFC Alvin J. Munson, SP4 Larry D. Sherman, SP4 Joseph R. Wenzler, and SP4 William P. Worley. Damage to convoy vehicles was moderate. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vvmf.org, and “Seeking a photo, he uncovers a fallen soldier’s final hours.” uwm.edu/news, May 19, 2015]

Dear Lt Komas Kapetanopoulos, Thank you for your service as a Combat Engineer Unit Commander. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is All Souls’ Day, a day we remember all of you. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

It's been 50yrs since you've paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. My father, Specialist Richard Ruiz of Los Angeles, CA. was never the same after he lost you. Two years ago, I lost my Dad. Before his passing, I promised him that I would leave his ashes with you at The Wall. On the eve of Welcome Home Vietnam Vets Day of 2017, I did just as promised. While it was as emotional for me as it was the day we buried him at Riverside National Cemetery, I believe my Dad is now resting and at peace.
Thank you to all who served; now it's time to honor.
"Welcome Home" and God Bless America!

First Lieutenant Kosmas Peter Kapetanopoulos, Served with the 70th Engineer Company, 937th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade, United States Army Vietnam Engineer Command, United States Army Vietnam.