THE WALL OF FACES

On February 15, 1968, a convoy containing Engineers from the 65th and 588th Engineer Battalions were enroute to Thien Ngon Airfield in Tay Ninh Province, RVN, with a security escort provided by a platoon from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry (Mechanized), when they were ambushed by an estimated Viet Cong company. The 8:25 AM attack occurred less than two miles from the airfield when the VC fired automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades at the convoy. Two M41 Walker Bulldog tanks escorting the convoy came under heavy rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire. The lead tank commander, SSG Spencer Adams, and crew members SP4 Donald M. Dale, 1LT James M. Hill, and SP4 Rex F. Tutor were killed instantly. Infantrymen riding in a M35 2½-ton cargo truck immediately engaged the enemy, but the entire convoy was ambushed. Intense enemy RPG, mortar, and heavy machine gun fire engulfed the besieged convoy. The second M41 tank was able to engage the enemy’s right flank. Air and fire support were immediately requested, with artillery support provided by FSB Lily. Engineers from B Company, 588th Engineer Support Battalion, which were on the left rear flank of the convoy, moved into an aggressive defensive firing position until fire and air support appeared on station. The artillery and air support caused the enemy to disengage but not before they destroyed eight vehicles and one tank and killed ten Americans and wounded thirteen others. Apart from the lost M41 tank crewmen, the other slain U.S. personnel included (from A Co 2/22): SSG James T. Davis, PFC Lester Freeman, PFC Clyde R. McAfee, and PFC Mural McDaniel; (from the 588th Eng Bn): SP5 Kenneth L. Fulton and SP5 Bruce A. Nelson. Enemy losses were unknown. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and Combat After Action Report for Operation Yellowstone, Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, April 3, 1968]

Per Department of the Army General Order 8, 74; awarded to USARV and all units under command for the period 20 July 65 thru 28 Mar 73

Kids today won't and don't remember the sacrifices young men and women like you gave. I never met you but I recently came across your obituary in my Mom's Bible. You were my Uncle Larry Joe Lee's best friend if I recall correctly and I know he took the news hard. He was not able to serve(I don't remember why) but I do remember him talking about you. He passed in the early 80's and I hope you are both together now. I'm his sister's (Alma) oldest son Marcus. May you both rest in peace.

In 1970 by the Department of the Army General Order DAGO 39, 70; you became a recipient of the Silver Star. Award bestowed on all members of the 588th Engineer Battalion serving in the period 18 Nov 67 to 23 Feb 68. RIP Bruce - You earned it.

In 1970 by Department of the Army General Order DAGOm43, 70; you became a recipient of the Civic Action Award - bestowed upon all members of the 588th Engineer Battalion serving during the period 3 Aug 67 to 21 Jan 70. Well Done Bruce