THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Junction City (February 22 – May 14, 1967) was conducted by U.S. and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) forces to locate the elusive “headquarters” of the Communist uprising in South Vietnam. During the month of February, U.S. forces had only one significant encounter with the enemy. On the late morning of the 28th, the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division was conducting reconnaissance of the dense jungle east of Route TL-4 near Prek Klok in Tay Ninh Province when a platoon from B Company became heavily engaged with a large, well-armed Viet Cong force. As the contact developed, it became apparent that B/1-16 Infantry was engaged with a battalion-sized VC force (later identified as the 101st NVA Regiment) and was in danger of being overrun. Supporting arms of airstrikes and artillery fire were directed onto the enemy positions. B/1-18 Infantry and the remainder of 1-16 Infantry were airlifted to a landing zone near the contact to reinforce the besieged B/16 Infantry. Contact was broken at 4:20 PM. Enemy losses were put at 167 killed (body count) with one prisoner captured. American losses were 25 killed with 27 wounded. The lost U.S. personnel included 1LT David M. Anthony (posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal), PFC Richard I. Bermejo, PFC Robert J. Calvillo (posthumously promoted to Corporal and awarded the Bronze Star medal), PFC Juan Casiano, SP4 Charles Combs, PFC Steven W. Couch (posthumously awarded the Bronze Star medal), SP4 Russell W. Dickens, PFC Kenneth M. Edwards, SSG John H. Graham, PFC Larry C. Harris, PFC Michael J. Heal (posthumously promoted to Corporal), SP4 Budd E. Hood, PFC William W. Hood, PFC James F. Lamn (posthumously promoted to Corporal), SFC Matthew Leonard (posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor), PFC Patrick N. Lyons, PFC Ralph D. McNew (posthumously promoted to Corporal and awarded the Bronze Star medal), PFC Stanley G. Miller, SP4 Danny R. Parkulo, PFC Lee E. Reukauf, SSG Douglas A. Rix, PFC Harry T. Satterfield (posthumously promoted to Corporal), PFC John A. Seravalli (posthumously promoted to Corporal), SP4 Hubert O. Th-uot (posthumously awarded the Bronze Star medal), and SP4 Robert D. Yorker. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, 1 February 1967 - 30 April 1967” at archive.com]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your high school classmate Charlene Miller Gregory is touching and reflects her admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Cpl Ralph McNew, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. This Friday is the anniversary of the terror attacks. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Corporal McNew was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor for his exemplary courage under fire while serving with B Co, 1st Bn, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.

Corporal Ralph Dennis McNew, Served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.