THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. May you rest in eternal peace.

Fire Support Base 25 was located in Kontum Province, approximately 2 1/2 miles northeast of Ben Het in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. In early 1968, FSB 25 was being threatened by an estimated battalion-sized element of the 66th NVA Regiment. The enemy was able to endure American air strikes and artillery fire in their bunkers while trail watchers observed FSB 25. High-speed approaches from their fortified positions allowed them to reach fighting positions as soon as the bombardments ended. At 1230 hours on January 23, 1968, A & C Companies, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry, conducted a sweep from FSB 25 to nearby Hill 800 to clear a ridge from which they were receiving rocket and recoilless rifle fire. Moving against the enemy positions, the fire was so intense that A Company got pinned down. Suffering numerous casualties, both companies withdrew to the firebase. An intense mortar barrage was then launched against the base. The withering fire hailed on top of bunkers, causing several more casualties and secondary explosions to which a great fire raged, threatening to detonate over 2000 rounds of 4.2-inch mortar rounds. The enemy also hurled white phosphorous rounds which set crates of ammunition on fire. With no water on the hilltop, soldiers scrambled to put the fires out by shoveling dirt on the burning crates. All the fires were extinguished after about 45 minutes. The bombardment resulted in seven American deaths. They included SP4 Hilaire A. Andry Jr., SP4 James M. Berge, SP4 James I Buchner, SP4 Ronnie J. Eskew, SP4 John F. Lobsinger, SP4 Donald G. MacIntosh, and PFC Joseph S. McKinney. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Apache Recon: Because of the Brave” by Michael l. Moomey]

DEAR SPEC 4 BERGE,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN INFANTRY OPERATIONS & INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST. IT IS 2017, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. IT IS ALSO PRESIDENTS' DAY WEEKEND. 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.

Specialist Four James Maynard Berge, Served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

Thank you Spec 4 Berge for your leadership and courage.