THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Landing Zone Nancy, located a few kilometers from Quang Tri City, was built by the 1st Cavalry Division around the beginning of 1968 as part of the U.S. build-up of forces in Quang Tri Province, RVN. By mid-August 1968, LZ Nancy was home to artillery and engineer units as well as infantrymen. On the night of August 16th, LZ Nancy was attacked by NVA forces which were able to penetrate the perimeter defenses. Dense jungle and foliage had not been cleared around the edges of LZ Nancy, and the brush-end bamboo and timber thickets that grew right up to the perimeter gave the enemy a covered route of movement and provided a concealed place for observing Nancy’s fortifications. When the attack began, enemy sappers were already within the defensive positions of Nancy. When their mortars began falling, the enemy was able to destroy bunkers and tents before U.S. forces were even alerted. By the time the NVA withdrew at dawn, the bloody fighting had resulted in 20 U.S. killed in action. They included SP4 John D. Strate, CPL George R. Anderson, SGT Darrel E. Barnhouse, PFC David R. Boever, PFC John E. Cumbry, PFC Charles M. Hardy, PFC Otis L. Hartry, SP4 Gary D. Bowling, SP4 Jerry L. Wilson, PFC Elliott L. De Cora, SSGT Jeppie J. Payne, PFC Joseph F. Ribeiro, PFC John L. Began, SP4 Robert M. Cravens Jr., PFC John P. Cook, SP4 Paul L. Huff, SGT Patrick L. Kortesmaki, PFC Thomas L. Mericantante, SP4 Robert M. Reynolds, and SP4 Terry R. Zimmerman. Following the disastrous attack, a swath ranging in depth from 500 to 1000 meters (including 200 to 500 meters on the opposite side of the river bordering LZ Nancy on the south) was cleared in the dense foliage that had previously concealed the approach and departure of the attacking force. [Taken from virtualwall.org and “Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 14th Engineer Battalion (Combat), Period Ending 31 October 1968” at dtic.mil]

To the bravest, most honorable Kortesmaki of all time!
We love you Uncle / brother Leo <3

Dear SGT Patrick Leo Kortesmaki, 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.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Photo was taken from the historic book “THE FACES BEHIND THE NAMES - The Vietnam War” with the permission of author Don Ward. Thank you Mr. Ward.

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in peace and honor Patrick.