THE WALL OF FACES

SP5 Ross E. Mandeville served with the Asphalt Platoon, 73rd Engineer Company (Construction), 19th Engineer Battalion, 45th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam Engineer Command. At 8:00 AM on August 19, 1969, Mandeville’s paving team was traveling in convoy on National Route QL-1 when they were ambushed 13 kilometers (7.8 miles) southeast of Duc Pho in Quang Ngai Province, RVN. He was in the lead vehicle, an M123 ten-ton tractor hauling an asphalt paver on a trailer, when his vehicle was hit and disabled. Mandeville was able to pull off to the left to allow the rest of the convoy escape the “kill zone.” In total, the enemy fired four rocket-propelled grenades, numerous M79 rounds, and 800-1000 rounds of automatic weapons fire from the west side of the highway. The Engineers returned fire with unit weapons and called in support from gunships and an aeromedical evacuation for casualties. Mandeville was killed in the fusillade and crewman on a M42 40 mm Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Guns "Duster” was wounded before the enemy broke contact; one Vietnamese was also killed. Material losses included the destruction of the tractor-trailer truck and paving machine, a M54 five-ton cargo truck rolled over in a ditch, and a motorized crane with a flat tire. Mandeville’s actions under fire saved the lives of several asphalt platoon members as they avoided being trapped and quickly exited the ambush zone. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Kenneth Bain (March 2009) at thewall-usa.com]

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Dear Sp5 Ross Mandeville, Thank you for your service as an Asphalt Equipment Operator. Your 72nd birthday is soon, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was the 76th anniversary of Operation Overlord. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

Dear SP5 Ross Edward Mandeville, 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