THE WALL OF FACES

On September 18, 1965, a platoon from Company G, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, was conducting a combat patrol in Quang Nam Province, RVN, when they became engaged in a firefight with an estimated Viet Cong platoon. At 4:30 PM, they contacted 1st Battalion, 1st Marines and requested reinforcement. Company C, 1/1 was ordered to provide a supporting element of two reinforced squads to aid Company G. At 5:00 PM, the reinforcing element came under intense fire as they approached the hamlet of La Chau (3), two miles southeast of the Tuy Loan Bridge. The Marines initiated fire and maneuver tactics from the east and west side of the Song Yen River. Movement under fire was slow due to the presence of enemy mines and booby-traps. 2LT Walter N. Levy from 2nd Platoon, C/1/1, tripped a bobby-trap and sustained a severe leg wound. Medical corpsman HN3 Harold A. Bird moved to aid him and was wounded enroute. Arriving at Levy’s side, Bird fell, and Levy attempted to aid him when he was wounded a second time. Helicopter evacuation was requested, and air support was required to secure the landing zone. Marine UH-1E helicopter gunships made strafing and rocket runs on the enemy positions. Fixed-wing aircraft were unable to provide support due to the proximity of friendly troops but did make simulated strafing and bombing runs to suppress enemy fire. Both men were evacuated; Levy and Bird later succumbed to their wounds. The unit persisted in their advance to the river bank and held the ground in that area. Enemy casualties were not confirmed. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Command Chronology (1st Bn 1st Marines), September 1965” at ttu.edu]

Semper Fi, Marine

I was assigned to notify Mr. Levy of his son’s death. At first, he thought I was there to visit. When I explained what had happened, he told me I was making a terrible mistake, since Walter had left New York less than a week ago. When I provided more details, he asked me to excuse him so he could wake up his mother and give her the very sad news. God Bless Walter.

Dear Lt Walter Levy, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Officer. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Spring! It is Holy Week and Passover is also this week. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Lt Levy. You were a good guy trying to do an impossible job. I was proud to have been in your platoon. I’ll never forget you Sir. Semper Fi.