THE WALL OF FACES

On the early morning of August 5, 1967, a bridge security team from D Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force was attacked by an estimated platoon of Viet Cong (VC) at the Golden Gate Bridge adjacent to Hill 55, six kilometers (3.6 miles) northeast of Dai Loc in Quang Nam Province, RVN. The 2:15 AM assault began when the enemy force fired B-40 rocket-propelled grenades, employed Bangalore torpedoes, and tossed explosive satchel charges. The perimeter wire was breached at two points and two Marine bunkers were destroyed. U.S. casualties were two killed, one wounded medivacked (who later died of his wounds), and 17 with minor wounds. There were no known enemy casualties. The VC were believed to have come from the east before initiating their attack. The enemy also threw grenades and fired 150-200 rounds of automatic weapons fire. The two bunkers closest to the perimeter wire were destroyed by satchel charges and B-40 rockets, killing one Marine in each. The bridge security team returned fire with M16 rifles, M60 machine guns, M79 grenade launchers, and two Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW) rounds under continuous 60mm and 81mm illumination rounds. The VC broke contact and fled east. A reaction squad in two LVT amphibious armored fighting vehicles arrived at 2:30 AM. A flare ship came on station over the area at 2:40 AM, and 81mm mortar fire was placed on the enemy’s likely escape route. A search of the battle area revealed one 10 lbs. explosive charge placed on a watchtower. All the casualties were medivacked at 3:25 AM. The lost Marines included LCPL Kenneth D. Haas, PFC Gordon G. Kropp, and LCPL Eugene D. Ramon (died of wounds later that evening at Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in Da Nang). [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Command Chronology (7th Marines), August 1967” at ttu.edu]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your cousin Gail Ann Crosby Precup is touching and reflects her admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

He was a quiet and thoughtful young man. So sorry the politicians contributed to his death.

Gordon Gene is the name of my son, so that tells you what he meant to me. He was my cousin - we were very close growing up - kind of a big brother to me and a rather ornery one, at that. He was one of those types that when he was sent - we said he would either not return or he would return with enough medals to make a statue. It was just how he was. He was very loved and still missed !!

Dear PFC Gordon Kropp, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is President’s Day Weekend. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.