THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

On February 3, 1967, a 5th Special Forces’ Mike Force was conducting a secret mission near Bao Loc in support of 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, when a command-detonated artillery round was discharged against them as they approached an enemy position near LZ Dog, twenty-five miles northwest of Song Mao Airfield in Ninh Thuan Province, RVN. The blast killed three members of a forward observer team from 1st Battalion, 30th Artillery: 1LT Morton E. Townes Jr., SGT Harold E. Lee, and SP4 Raymond C. Davis. One member of the 5th Special Forces, 1LT Casimir Niespodziany, was also killed. Two CIDG soldiers under the Special Forces’ command died and another ten CIDG were wounded. Before he expired, Townes reportedly stayed on the radio while under attack to guide in medivac aircraft. He was awarded the Silver Star medal for bravery; both Lee and Davis received the Bronze Star. Townes was the first 1/30th Arty battalion officer to die in Vietnam, and the battalion’s base camp near Qui Nhon was dedicated to him on May 8, 1967, bearing the name Camp Townes. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Lessons Learned, 1st Battalion, 30th Artillery, period ending April 30, 1967” at dtic.mil; also, information from 1LT Townes’ Silver Star citation]

Dear Sgt Harold Lee, Thank you for your service as a Tactical Wire Operations Specialist. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. 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.

Ive heard many stories about you and my father Kenneth Roop. I wish I could have known you.

Dear SGT Harold Eugene Lee, 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