THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Palm Beach (January 6-April 30, 1967) was a 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division search and destroy operation and establishment of Dong Tam Base Camp in Dinh Tuong Province, RVN. The 9th Infantry Division units participating in the operation included the 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry and 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 60th Infantry. Base construction began January 24th along the north bank of the Mekong River, approximately 55 kilometers (34.1 miles) southwest of Saigon. Work was done by two 9th Infantry Division engineer companies with security provided by 3-60 Infantry. The infantrymen secured the construction site and conducted company-sized search and destroy operations in the local area. The 5-60 Infantry (Mechanized) entered Dinh Tuong Province on February 4th to secure a site for the Binh Duc airstrip seven kilometers (4.3 miles) east of Dong Tam. A major action occurred on the early morning of March 7th when a platoon from A/3-60 Infantry was attacked by 80-100 Viet Cong (VC) while set in an overnight defensive position (NDP) on the Kinh Xang Canal two kilometers (1.2 miles) northwest of Dong Tam. The Americans were on an ambush patrol and set up their NDP the evening before just off a road adjacent to the canal. While under assault by the enemy, another 3-60 Infantry platoon in the area fast marched to their location but arrived after the action ended and the VC fled. Nine U.S. were killed. They included PFC Richard A. Baglio, 2LT Oscar E. Chambers, SP4 Dean F. Fox, SP4 Dwight B. Mayer, PFC Wayne E. Mees, SP4 Thomas L. Scott, PFC Louis F. Torres, and PFC Larry D. Watts; also, medic PFC Stephen P. Blanchett from HHC/3-60 Infantry. Blanchett was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal for valor after sacrificing his own life to help his wounded comrades. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 9th lnfantry Division, Period Ending 10 April 1967” at archive.com, and information provided by Ed T. Tyack (August 2024)]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Dear PFC Wayne Mees, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is Constitution Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Wayne.......Honoring you on your birthday......You will never be forgotten...
God Bless.

Dear PFC Wayne Edward Mees, 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.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter