THE WALL OF FACES

SM2 Karl R. Berbert was a naval advisor serving with the Republic of Vietnam River Escort Division 81, Naval Advisory Group, U.S. Naval Forces Republic of Vietnam. On April 5, 1971, Berbert was on a Vietnamese Navy monitor in a convoy of boats proceeding downstream on the Mekong River. When the procession was between Sa Dec and Vinh Long, a Philippine tug, the Faye B, cut across the riverway. Despite flares being fired, the tug rammed the monitor. Berbert sustained crush injuries in the collision and was thrown overboard. The commander of the flotilla, aboard the monitor, was catapulted onto the tug. He attempted to divert the tug, now underway away from the scene of the collision, to return. He was ordered off the tug at gunpoint and forced to use a life ring to make his way back to his boats. The tug was taken under small arms fire but maintained its course and speed and was lost in the darkness. The following morning, two river patrol boats, convoy units, and U.S. Navy Seawolf UH-1E helicopters assisted in the search for Berbert. His body was recovered three days later. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his work as an advisor to RAG 81 and convoy advisor for convoys between Saigon and Bac Lieu and Soc Trang. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Never forgotten.

Semper Fortis

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

DEAR PETTY OFFICER BERBERT,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A SIGNALMAN 2ND CLASS. I HUSBAND JUST PASSED AWAY ON YOUR BIRTHDAY. SAY HI TO HIM, HIS NAME IS MICHAEL. 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 SM2 Karl Robert Berbert, 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