THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

In late April 1968, Headquarters, North Vietnamese Army (NVA) 325C Division, with at least two subordinate regiments, moved into the Tri-border region west of Ben Het in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. By early May, it began combat operations against Allied positions in Kontum Province, RVN. Intelligence gained from a captured prisoner put the strength of 325C and its subordinate regiments at 6000 men. In response to the enemy presence, Task Force Mathews was formed with two brigades (1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division) to locate, fix, and destroy the NVA 325C Division. Operation Mathews (May 24 – June 12, 1968) was initiated by Task Force Mathews on May 24th. On May 27th, the 1st Brigade air assaulted four companies from 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry on Hill 990, approximately three miles southwest of Ben Het. At 2:30 AM on May 30th, D Company, 3/12 in their night defensive position on Hill 990 began to be probed. Thirty minutes later, the company was receiving small arms and mortar fire in increasing intensity. At 3:30 AM, a U.S. Air Force AC-47 “Spooky” gunship came overhead to support the contact. At 5:00 AM, an estimated NVA battalion launched a ground assault from the north, south, and west. The Americans fought back with unit weapons, and the fighting tapered off by 5:30 AM. Seven U.S. were killed, and fity-six were wounded. The lost personnel included (D-3/12): SP4 Gerald L. Aadland, SP4 James L. Bates, SSG Marshall D. Johnson, SP4 Clarence Jones, SP4 Paul E. Schieve, and 1LT Andrew K. Young; and (E-3/12) SGT Clem S. Lowery Jr. NVA losses were put at forty-three killed. Throughout the day, Hill 990 and nearby Fire Support Base #29 received a total of 100+ rounds of mixed 120mm mortar, 105mm howitzer, and 75mm recoilless rifle fire. Elements of A-3/8 Infantry were airlifted to Hill 990 to reinforce the position; however, the NVA attempted to interdict the lift with howitzer and recoilless rifle fire. The position was successfully reinforced by 2:30 PM on May 31st. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Combat After Action Report – Operation Mathews” at cacti35th.com]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. May you rest in eternal peace, hero.

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

My friend you have forever stayed on my mine. You have been in the best of hands for over 50 years. Until we meet again.. Your friend, Stoney Carroll