THE WALL OF FACES

You’re not forgotten. From your namebrother Henning, Norway

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. It saddens me so few have posted remembrances fro you here....surely you deserve better. May you rest in eternal peace.

PFC Albert H. Altizer, PFC Joseph H. Benson, and PFC Jerome M. Taylor were infantrymen serving with D Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. On October 8, 1969, they were taking part in a river-crossing operation for a platoon-sized patrol along the Song Be River in Phuoc Binh Province, RVN. Two boats were made available for the operation. Altizer, Benson, and Taylor, members of Third Squad and wearing full-combat gear, boarded the first boat with twelve others. The boat, which was beached perpendicular to the shore, backed out into the current to point the bow downstream. After moving approximately 50 feet from shore, the boat operator began to accelerate when the vessel started to dangerously take on water. The lieutenant in charge of the operation shouted to the men to remove their packs. The craft capsized, and the passengers struggled to cling to the overturned boat. The second boat cast off and went out to aid the first, ferrying people from the disabled vessel to the Song Be Bridge. When a head count was later taken by the lieutenant, Altizer, Benson, and Taylor were reported missing. Other units came to assist in the search of the shoreline which lasted until 3:00 PM and resulted in the recovery of Benson’s and Taylor’s remains. Searchers were unable to locate Altizer although some of his equipment was found downstream. He was listed as Killed, Body not Recovered. Altizer was promoted to Corporal during the time he was missing. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and pownetwork.org]

DEAR PFC BENSON.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A GRUNT WITH THE 1ST CAVALRY. THIS WAS THE UNIT OF A FRIEND'S BROTHER. SAY HI TO MIKE. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY. IT IS 2017, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

Dear PFC Joseph Henning Benson, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter