THE WALL OF FACES

Task Force Oregon (TFO) was a U.S. Army division-sized unit composed of three separate infantry brigades active in Quang Ngai and Quang Tin Provinces, RVN, from April to September 1967. Headquartered at Chu Lai Base Area, TFO allowed the 1st Marine Division to move north to Da Nang to support the 3rd Marine Division in northern I Corps. TFO undertook offensive operations in conjunction with the 1st Cavalry Division against North Vietnamese Army units in the western mountains and local Viet Cong battalions operating on the coastal plains. On July 10, 1967, during combat operations nine kilometers (5.4 miles) southeast of Duc Pho in Quang Ngai Province, a supporting TFO tank from C Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division hit a mine near the hamlet of An Thach. Four men died after sustaining blast, burn, and fragmentation wounds. They included SGT Arlan D. Gable, MSG Edward K. Kea, driver SP4 Fred A. Kelley, and PFC Claude P. Miller. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Combat Pperations: Taking the Offensive, October 1966 to October 1967” by George L. MacGarrigle]

Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.

Dear Msgt Edward Kea, Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Veterans’ Day is next week. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Never forget the time we served on the same tank. You were my Platoon Sgt. and I thought you were one of the nicest men I had ever met. You served your country with honor and gave your life in its defense. I wish you could have made it home to enjoy your family in peace but it was not to be. As long as I live you will be in my thoughts.

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Honolulu, Hawaii
Photo Credit - J & K ( Find A Grave Website )