THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Grouser I was a 3rd Marine Division search and destroy operation conducted by the 1st AmTrac Battalion to eliminate North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) forces in the area south of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from the South China Sea coast west to Jones Creek, and south to the Cua Viet River. The operation began at 6:45 AM on September 1, 1967, when twenty-nine tractors from 1st AmTrac carrying a Marine infantry company (F/2/3) crossed the Cua Viet River to confront the estimated three NVA companies operating on the other side. The plan was to maneuver the dismounted AmTrac and F Company “grunts” with tank and infantry tactics, establish fire superiority, and destroy the enemy. After progressing about two miles up the coast, the Marines were taken under enemy 100mm artillery fire near the abandoned hamlet of An My. At this point, heavy 82mm mortar and automatic weapons fire was received, accompanied by small arms fire. The mortar locations were located by an aerial observer and fixed-wing airstrikes were placed on the enemy positions. The Marines advanced by fire and cleared the area. Twenty NVA confirmed kills were reported. The artillery barrage killed one Marine, CPL Scotty L. Keyes from B Company, 1st AmTrac, who suffered fatal fragmentation wounds to the back of his head. Another twenty Marines were wounded. The operation concluded at 8:00 PM when all units returned to the Cua Viet Port Facility. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and amtrac.org]

My thoughts today are with you and all my Marine Brothers who gave their all.
Semper Fi

Dear Cpl Scotty Keyes, Thank you for your service as a Tracked Vehicle Repairman, Amphibian Tractor. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Thanksgiving just passed, so this is the perfect time to say thanks. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Marine Corp records indicate that CPL Keyes and I served togeather in Vietnam at the same time with the 1st Amtrac Bn. (But different companies). During my tour 47 Marines were KIA in the battalion. This is to let you and all the others know you our not forgotten. Not by family, loved ones and those you served with.
Semper Fi CPL Keyes

Semper Fi, Corporal.