THE WALL OF FACES

During the summer of 1969, the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division pursued a mission of preemptive action against the enemy in Military Region III. The Division performed widespread reconnaissance patrols and battlefield surveillance to detect, engage, and destroy enemy main force units throughout its area of responsibility. On June 27, 1969, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry conducted a combat assault into an area near the Saigon River, five kilometers northwest of Phu Cuong in Binh Duong Province, RVN. At 10:55 AM, the Company made contact with an enemy force of unknown size, suspected to be an element of the Viet Cong Quyet Thang Regiment. The enemy returned a heavy volume of rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and small arms fire, killing three Americans and wounding four others. Enemy anti-aircraft fire hit a gunship, a 2-14th Infantry command-and-control helicopter, and a medivac helicopter. Company B, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, reacted to the contact and reinforced Company C from the west. Helicopter gunships, air strikes, and artillery supported the sharp fighting. After the enemy broke contact, the infantrymen located 44 North Vietnamese Army dead, 15 AK-A7 rifles, two RPG rocket launchers, and 100 rounds of RPG ammunition. The three lost Americans were SSG Hammett L. Bowen Jr., PFC Marvin R. Miller (posthumously promoted to Corporal), and PFC Daniel L. Oney. Bowen was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after an enemy grenade was thrown amid him and three of his men. He shouted a warning, then hurled himself on the grenade, absorbing the explosion and sustaining fatal injuries. Bowen’s actions were credited with saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, “Operational Report of this 25th Infantry Division for the Period Ending 31 July 1969” at archive.com, and SSG Bowen’s Medal of Honor narrative]

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 Cpl Marvin Miller, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Columbus Day just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Marv,I can still remember the slow procession from the church to Colton on that warm July day, so long ago,yet seems like yesterday, I remember the anger I had towards the dinks, you were to young and your mom needed you,just wasn't fair. You will be in my thoughts until taps are played for me.

Dear CPL Marvin Ray Miller, 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, Sir

Curt Carter