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]

War drew us from our homeland
In the sunlit springtime of our youth.
Those who did not come back alive remain
in perpetual springtime -- forever young --
And a part of them is with us always.

On this Memorial Day, 2021, I want you to know that you are remembered and will never be forgotten, Brian. So many years have passed since that horrible day that I learned you had paid the ultimate price for our country. It was the worst day of my life and remains so. The thought of never seeing my best friend again was unbearable. You were the sweetest, kindest, and most caring man I knew!!! So, 2 years ago when I learned the story of your bravery and circumstances of your death, I was not really surprised. There was not a selfish bone in your body. After all, you went to Vietnam so that your brother wouldn't have to. That was an act of love and sacrifice. It's what you were all about. You are My Hero.
I pray that you will greet me at Heaven's Gate when God calls me home. Looking forward to that hug! I love you, my friend.

Dear Cpl Brian McCarthy, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Time passes quickly, but our world needs help. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

you was my best frend,i will never forget you.i still owe you that 100 dollars.I will see you in heven some day.you called me claymore