THE WALL OF FACES

During Operation Hawthorne (June 2-21, 1966), a forward fire support base occupied by B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 320th Artillery “Redlegs”, a towed 105mm howitzer unit assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, was subjected to human wave attacks on the early morning of June 7, 1966, by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) after a heavy mortar barrage. The hastily constructed firebase was secured by only one platoon of “Screaming Eagles” from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment (Airborne). The defense of LZ Lima Zulu continued until daybreak and developed into an all-day battle. More American units were brought in to support to beleaguered paratroopers and cannoneers, including soldiers from A Company, 1/327th. The 101st Airborne Division reported killing 77 enemy while sustaining eight killed. The fighting continued the following day, with the 1/327th attacking north in the morning, starting at 7:00 AM with 22 tactical air sorties flown in support. Tactical air also supported the 2/502nd which swept from their overnight positions southward. Moderate to light contact with the enemy lasted until 6:30 PM when the communists broke off. The enemy, believed to be elements of the 24th NVA Regiment, lost 31 killed on June 8th as U.S. troops pursued elements withdrawing to the north. A total of 34 air strikes were flown on the 8th, dropping nearly 25 tons of bombs. Twenty-one of these sorties were in close air support, the remainder being direct air support. During fighting on June 8th, the 1st Bn, 327th Infantry lost nine men. They included CPT Chris C. Vurlumis, SGT Lester E. MacDonald, SP4 Rockford W. Goddard, SP4 Eladio R. Marroquin Jr., PFC Edward E. Christie, PFC Reuben L. Clark Jr., PFC Robert A. Hill, PFC Michael E. O'Guinn, and PFC Thomas L. Yohn. [Sourced from coffeltdatabase.org and “Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report, Operation Hawthorne” at apps.dtic.mil]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your sister Guadalupe is touching and reflects her admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear big brother, I miss you every day. Your sister, Guadalupe Marroquin

Eladio,

I often recall the carefree days of our youth when we were Air Explorers at Olmsted and our bittersweet reunion when I attended your funeral in Middletown, following your falling in action in Vietnam Nam.

Dear Sp4 Eladio Marroquin, Thank you for your service as a Personnel Specialist. Your 54th anniversary just passed, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the last day of spring, and Father’s Day is this weekend. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.