THE WALL OF FACES

During the second week of February 1971, the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division was conducting combat operations in the three-province area of Bien Hoa, Long Khanh and Phuoc Tuy, RVN. There was a marked increase in enemy activity over the previous week, especially north of National Highway QL-1. A mining incident on February 9th killed three U.S. soldiers and wounded another. At 11:30 AM, D Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry and the 621st Regional Forces (RF) Company detonated an unknown type boobytrap while patrolling four miles north of Hung Loc in Long Khanh Province, RVN. Four RF soldiers were also killed, including one Kit Carson Scout, and five RF were wounded. The lost Americans were infantrymen SP4 James A. McIntyre and PFC Michael C. Lawson, and medic PFC Daniel F. Farrell. Ten minutes later, while processing the casualties, they began receiving small arms fire. The combined forces returned fire with unit weapons and were supported by artillery, Light Fire Teams (helicopter gunships), and air strikes. At 12:30 PM a medivac UH-1H helicopter dispatched to remove the casualties was hit with eight rounds of small arms fire and crashed. The UH-1H was recovered at 2:45 PM. Farrell and Lawson were posthumously promoted to Corporal. [“Operational Report – Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Period 1 November ’70 to 28 February ‘71” at dtic.mil]

CPL Michael Carter Lawson is buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati, IA.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

I remember when you worked with my Dad and you both came home covered in black dust Mom would’nt let you come in the house until you hosed off outside. It was a cold out too.

Dear Cpl Michael Lawson, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. I researched you on your 49th anniversary, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is the 1st full day of spring. Happy Spring! For many of us, we have begun Lent. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On 09 Feb 1971 D Company, 1/27th Infantry, lost three men to enemy mortar fire 11 kilometers northwest of An Loc:

CPL Daniel F. Farrell, Danville, IL;
CPL Michael C. Lawson, Cincinnati, IA; and
SP4 James A. McIntyre, New York, NY.