THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Sheridan Sabre (November 7, 1968 - April 4, 1969) was a security operation in Binh Long Province, RVN, to prevent North Vietnamese Army (NVA) infiltration from Cambodia. The operation was part of II Field Force, Vietnam's Operation Toan Thang II and began with the relocation of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) from northern I Corp to III Corps. The Division conducted offensive operations to interdict movement of major NVA forces south towards Saigon. This included locating and destroying NVA forces, facilities, and material, and maintaining preparedness to deploy all or part of the Division throughout III/IV Corps. On December 9th, Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment was performing a reconnaissance in force in a rubber plantation eight kilometers (4.8 miles) southwest of An Loc when it was attacked by an estimated battalion of NVA regulars. The weapons platoon became isolated from the three other platoons and attempts to reach the besieged element were halted by intense fire from several enemy machine guns. The company deployed into a defensive perimeter and repelled repeated assaults during the five-hour battle. Supporting arms in the form of Tactical Air and Aerial Rocket Artillery relieved pressure and allowed the company to link up with a reaction force from Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Later in the day, the company assaulted through the battle area to reach the weapons platoon and recover the casualties; however, one man, SP4 Samuel D. Shimek, was not located. Enemy losses were put at 93 killed, one prisoner detained, and a variety of weapons captured. U.S. losses were 15 killed and 16 wounded. They included SP4 Thomas D. Berkfield, 1LT Michael J. Ciesielka Jr., SGT Ira D. Cooper, SP4 Dennis C. Erford (posthumously promoted to Sergeant), PFC Robert F. Hinkston, SP4 Pete Lopez, SP4 Leonard R. Martin (posthumously promoted to Sergeant), SP4 Van L. Randolph Jr., SP4 Michael G. Ray, PFC David F. Rhodes (posthumously promoted to Corporal), PFC Charles E. Robinette, 1SG Earl T. Shaffer Sr., SP4 Curtis H. Sharp Jr. (posthumously promoted to Sergeant), SP4 Samuel D. Shimek (body not recovered), and SP4 Ervin D. Smith. Several posthumous decorations were awarded for gallantry in connection with the operation including the Distinguished Service Cross made to 45-year-old World War II veteran 1SG Shaffer for extraordinary heroism. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and 1SG Shaffer’s DSC citation]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Denis Byrne is touching and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Never forgotten.

SGT Leonard R. Martin is buried at Byron Cemetery in Fairborn, OH.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

GARRYOWEN

Dear Sgt Leonard Martin, Thank you for your service as an Indirect Fire Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day is next week, but an unusual one. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.