THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Geneva Park (March 18, 1969 - February 28, 1971) was a security operation in Quang Ngai Province, RVN, conducted by the 198th Light Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division (Americal) in coordination with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) 6th Regiment, 2nd Division. The operation was to secure major lines of communications and the destruction of North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong units threatening Quang Ngai and the Chu Lai Base Area. During September 1970, heavy rain battered the area west of Chu Lai as the monsoonal season got underway. B Company, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry had been patrolling the mountains in search of enemy rockets sites. In desperate need of resupply, the company made its way down to a valley west of the hamlet of Thuan Yen (1), located approximately 11 kilometers (6.6 miles) south of Tam Ky. Heavy rain had swollen rivers and creeks to overflowing, and rice paddies in the area resembled lakes. Coming out of the mountains, the men were wet, hungry, and exhausted. They radioed Battalion Headquarters requesting an airdrop of supplies. Instead of sending a ship out to them, they were admonished to march the approximately six miles east to National Route QL-1 where they would be supplied by truck. Because of the treacherous conditions, they made another request for ropes to traverse the several overflowing waterways between them and the highway. For a second time, they were denied help. Moving east towards Thuan Yen (1), they faced the Song Quan (River) which had overflowed its banks and was some 300 feet wide with a strong current. Without ropes, the men improvised, using Claymore mine firing wire as they attempted a line crossing. About a quarter of the way across, the line broke. One of the M60 machine gunners, SGT Larry W. Berkholtz, lost his footing and went under. Weighed down by the hundreds of rounds wrapped around his body, he didn’t resurface. Pulled from the water, the medic furiously worked to save his life; he was unsuccessful. A helicopter was finally dispatched to their location, and Berkholtz’ body was picked up. The rest of the company continued its march to the highway. Back at basecamp, they were embittered after learning several pilots had volunteered to assist the beleaguered company but were forbidden by Americal command staff. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Luther Kurrass (September 2023)]

To a good soldier who was gentle, quiet man. I was the last soldier to see Larry alive. You were an honorable man. I will always remember that day.

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

Sergeant Larry Wayne Berkholtz was awarded the Bronze Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Merit for his meritorious service. He served as an Infantryman and was assigned to B CO, 5TH BN, 46TH INFANTRY, AMERICAL DIV.
See http://www.virtualwall.org/db/BerkholtzLW01a.htm

Growing up, I loved history and my Mom, Arlinda, your cousin, told me about you. Now that I have children we made a trip to DC and the only thing I cared about was honoring you at the wall. Thank you for your service and know your family has not forgotten