THE WALL OF FACES

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

Fire Support Base (FSB) Jack was located east of the Song O Lau and Song Rao Cao river junctions and southwest of Camp Evans in Thua Thien Province, RVN. It was initially constructed by the 1st Air Cavalry Division. Later, the 101st Airborne Division took control of the base. In the early spring of 1969, Jack was occupied by a 155mm howitzer battery when Company A, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry arrived to secure it on March 21, 1969. Attached to Company A for base defense purposes were two M42 40mm self-propelled anti-aircraft guns and an 81mm mortar section. On the early morning of March 27th, the sky was clear with the first quarter moon providing pale illumination. Company A, maintaining its vigil, was unaware of an impending assault until 3:15 AM when a trip flare ignited at the secondary wire on the eastern side of the perimeter. This action precipitating an immediate enemy mortar bombardment, forcing the base defenders, who had been at 50% alert in their bunkers, to remain there as the battle developed. The initial mortar fire was augmented, and then supplanted by rocket-propelled grenades (RPG’s), most of which were being fired from the east and southeast sector of the perimeter. It was later determined that FSB Jack had been attacked by two or three platoons of enemy sappers but suffered no serious damage. The two base mess halls were hit by 60mm mortar rounds, one artillery vehicle was damaged by an RPG, and some bunkers had been shredded by shrapnel. The 40mm Dusters were not damaged but had not been employed initially because most of the crew members had been injured by a mortar round. They were later put into action using infantrymen as crew members. A total of eighteen friendly casualties were sustained during the fighting. One of the wounded, SP4 Thomas Michael, succumbed to his injuries the following day. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal for valor and promoted to Sergeant. A daylight search of the area around the perimeter disclosed fifteen enemy bodies, 257 satchel charges, 24 RPG rounds, one RPG launcher, and other miscellaneous equipment. An additional enemy body was located, under a pile of leaves, by a work detail 2 ½ weeks later. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear Sgt Thomas Michael, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is another autumn. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

You were 14 years my senior. I was in the 1st grade when you gave your last full measure. I saw your name on the wall in DC in the early 90s and wondered until finding this site. We wore the same uniforms at different times under much different circumstances. I faced hostility in my hometown as a cop, but nothing like what you faced . Anyone wishing to bless me with knowledge of this hero, please contact me at tom.michael@thekelly-group. com . R.I.P warrior. TM

To your family and your memory on this Memorial Day, thank you. You gave all-I gave only time. I wish we had met. Rest in the eternal peace you so richly deserve. Let’s swap stories someday on the other side. Until then, you are remembered. From Former Sgt. Tom Michael, USMC / US ARMY.