THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just four days after your 21st birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

LZ Dolly was located at the north end of Razorback Ridge on Hill 284, approximately eight miles northeast of Dau Tieng in Binh Duong Province, RVN. In late March 1969, Dolly was occupied by elements of 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. During the late night and early morning of March 25-26, the base was hit by an unreported number and type of mortars rounds followed by a ground attack by an unknown size enemy force. The enemy employed heavy small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenade fire. The Americans returned fire with unit weapons; as the attack developed, artillery and helicopter gunships combined with a U.S. Air Force AC-47 fixed-wing gunship supported the besieged defenders. Contact with the enemy was lost about an hour later when they withdrew. None were reported to have penetrated the perimeter; however, two enemy dead were found on the barbwire. In addition, one crew-served weapon and two individual weapons were captured. U.S. losses were twelve killed and thirteen wounded. The lost personnel included (from B Co 1/5 Cav) SP4 Terry D. Moore; (C Co 1/5 Cav) SP4 Patrick H. Benze, CPL Donald S. Forest, CPL Edward Green Jr., PFC Edward D. Lamoreux, and SP4 Carlton L. Monroe; (from HQ Co 1/5 Cav) SP4 Theodore E. Heinselman; (from C Co 31st Eng Bn) PFC Jose Lezama Jr.; (from HQ Co 1/8 Cav) SP4 Greg W. Mills; (from HQ Co 8th Eng Bn) CPL David J. Huffman; and (from HQ Co 1st Cav Div) SGT Leonard J. Hall and SP4 James L. Stewart. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, virtualwall.org, and “General 1969 MAC-V March Part 2” at ttu.edu]

Sp4 Mills, while looking for the brother of a friend I noticed Mendota. A town where my grandparents lived. I was a small child when you gave all, but our paths may have crossed. Who knows?I have great memories of Mendota. Both parents grew up there. Mom spoke of working at “ the Kitch “ as a teen in the 1940s. I too was a Sp/4 in the Army , serving in peacetime only.I too am from Illinois (Decatur) where I served as a police officer. Some similarities exist, vague at best. You left a wonderful place to go to a miserable one , and gave all that you could. Being the youngest of 7 & anxious to be on my own, I left Decatur Ft. Sill & Ft. Hood. I gave only time. You gave all for a little kid visiting Grandpa, your brothers next to you, - you country. Rest eternally in peace where war doesn’t exist, you’ve certainly earned it. Maybe we’ll swap stories someday when I report. Glad I found this .

Dear Sp4 Greg Mills, Thank you for your service as a Tactical Wire Operations Specialist with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Halloween is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear SP4 Greg Wendell Mills, 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