THE WALL OF FACES

SP4 Raymond R. Berger was a UH-1 helicopter mechanic serving with A Company, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 11th Aviation Group, 1st Cavalry Division. During 1970, the 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion provided support to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) from Lassiter Heliport in Bien Hoa Province, RVN. On the evening of October 23, 1970, a few 229th enlisted men were riding air mattresses on currents in a monsoon-swollen ditch adjacent to the Lassiter pad. They were carried down the length of the canal to a culvert which spilled into a creek on the opposite side of a road. Berger and others observing the activity rebuked them for their recklessness, but the rafters paid them no mind. Before long, one of the daredevils struggled to break free from the current at the culvert’s entrance. Without hesitating, Berger jumped in the canal to help. He was able to extract the man from the suction but was drawn into the culvert himself and disappeared. A Company personnel with ropes tied to their waists searched the length of creek. They soon realizing they were on a recovery mission, not a rescue. Berger’s body was carried about two miles down the creek and deposited onto a sandbar. He was found at 10:00 PM. His 229th friends carried his body out of the creek and placed it in a waiting ambulance that carried it back to Bien Hoa Air Base. Days after his death, a memorial service was held for Berger in the company area conducted by the A Company commanding officer. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Robert D. “Dan” Dawson (December 2023)]

Image courtesy of Redbird Research LLC, Saint Charles, MO.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Bill Richey is moving. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

I remember my brother in arms as a hero. He went to the aid of a fellow soldier that had foolishly put himself in danger and while rescuing his brother, he lost his own life. The Bible tells us, "greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friend" and Rex did just that. When we lost you that evening we tried feverishly to come to your aid, but our efforts were in vain. I salute you my brother. You epitomize what a hero truly is.

Dan Dawson
RVN 1970-72
A Co., 229th AHB
Black Bandits

DEAR SPEC 4 BERGER,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A UH-1 (HUEY) HELICOPTER REPAIRER WITH THE 1ST CAVALRY. THIS WAS THE UNIT OF A FRIEND'S BROTHER. SAY HO TO MIKE. 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.