THE WALL OF FACES

On May 7, 1970, the second day of the American incursion into Cambodia, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division was flown across the border to FSB Phillips where its rifle companies were launched on combat patrols into the surrounding area. A Company was commanded by CPT Robert E. Mincey, new to the field with no combat experience. Movement was slow through the thick, triple-canopied jungle. At 5:00 PM, A/3-8 set up a night defensive perimeter (NDP), passed an unremarkable evening, then resumed patrolling the following morning. That afternoon, Mincey and his command element moved with 3rd Platoon to locate a new NDP. After it was established, Mincey ordered the 3rd Platoon commander, a lieutenant, to select six men to accompany him in locating a night ambush location. The lieutenant suggested they bring a radio, but Mincey overruled him. After moving 200-300 yards, they reached a trail junction. Mincey instructed the lieutenant to remain at the junction with three men while he took PFC Charles A. Davidson, SP4 Johnnie Pickens Jr., and PFC Thomas G. Standley further up the trail. Shortly after, the group at the junction heard a furious exchange of AK-47 and M16 fire followed by Mincey’s voice calling for a medic. Unbeknownst to the group, they had stumbled upon a battalion-sized enemy encampment. A barrage of fire was directed at the intruders, wounding Mincey and the three others. Arriving reinforcements were immediately pinned down by heavy fire. SGT Harry G. Flieger crawled forward to rescue Pickens but was mortally wounded. As darkness approached, a senior lieutenant, now in command of A Company, pulled all the troopers back to the NDP, knowing nothing further could be done for the time being. The next morning, A Company went back to confront the enemy. When radioman PFC Brian E. McCarthy volunteered to retrieve the dead, he was also mortally wounded; McCarthy would be posthumously awarded the Bronze Star. After an aerial reconnaissance flight gave details of the enemy fortifications, A Company moved in, but by then the enemy had vanished. The bodies of Mincey, Davidson, and Standley were found with execution-style wounds to the head. They were covered by ponchos and evacuated with the remains of Pickens and McCarthy. Davidson, McCarthy, and Standley were posthumously promoted to Corporal, and Pickens was advanced to Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and the book “Twelve Days in May” by Jerald W. Berry]

To all of you who have left so many beautiful tributes towards my Father, Robert E. Mincey. As his only son, I was just over 3 years old when he was killed. Over the many decades that have past since, my pride, humility and appreciation for his and all the other men and women of our armed forces has and continues to soar. I myself am a Veteran that proudly served in the middle east. I cannot thank all of you enough but to say that for my father and myself, serving our country is an incredible honor. Thank you again for your kind words. While part of me has always wished for him to be here with me and enjoying being both a dad and grand dad, I find great solace knowing who he was through the men in his unit that I have been in touch with and knowing the man behind the uniform who touched so many lives.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

I was looking my father's name up (Robert L. Mincey), when your name and picture came up. Wow! My father was in Vietnam in 1968. I've heard many, many stories. This is a surreal moment for me right now, seeing Robert E. Mincey on the wall. I have tons of respect for all service members. Thank you, Captain, for paying the ultimate price, so that My family can live the free lives that we have. Your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Again, from an American Citizen, THANK YOU!!
Tausha Marie (Mincey) Carpenter

Dear Captain Robert Mincey, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Halloween is the end of this week, Happy Halloween. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.