THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your daughter Leslie Jo is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever...

On January 26, 1968, the rear detachment of Headquarters and Main Support Company of the 27th Maintenance Battalion was at Camp Radcliff (An Khe Army Airfield) preparing to move north when an attack was launched against the base. Security at the installation was supposed to be provided by the 173 Airborne Brigade; however, due to air flow limitations, the 173rd was late in getting all its elements on the ground. As a result, the few remaining Cavalry personnel at An Khe had to assist the 173rd in manning the Green Line, the base’s fifteen-mile perimeter with its three-man watchtowers every fifty yards. In the early morning hours of the 26th, a major enemy attack hit the airfield. Enemy sappers had infiltrated the Green Line and were only spotted when illuminated by the landing lights of an inbound C-130 transport plane. The first satchel charge damaged the C-130 and triggered a fierce firefight. Although the 27th Maintenance Battalion had been subjected to sporadic artillery, mortar, and rocket fire since its deployment to Vietnam in 1965, it had not suffered any killed in action. However, on January 26th, SP5 Roger L. Beam, an aircraft mechanic, was killed during the attack by an exploding satchel charge. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Unit History - A History of the 27th Maintenance Battalion in Vietnam” at ttu.edu]

Grandma passed in December but I'm sure you already know that. She never remarried and eagerly awaited the day she got to rejoin you in heaven. I hope you two are dancing together. I miss her dearly but some day we all can party together lol. Hope all is well. Drink water and drive on!

I wish I could have known you. My son's middle name is your middle name. Grandma says you were a great man. May you fly forever in the heavens and continue watching over us. I joined the Army myself because of you. I love you Grandpa. Grandma misses you. I've worn a KIA bracelet with your name on it since I joined. I fly a flag in my front yard for all my brothers and sisters in arms that have perished. Old glory is at half mast one January 26th every year for you.

DEAR SPEC 5 BEAM.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A 0-1/U-6 AIRPLANE REPAIRMAN. WITH THE 1ST CAVALRY. THIS WAS THE UNIT OF A FRIEND'S TWIN. SAY HI TO MIKE. IT IS STILL THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.AND WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU. IT IS NEW YEAR, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.