THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Dong Tam Base Camp was located along the north bank of the Mekong River, approximately seven kilometers (4.3 miles) southwest of My Tho in Dinh Tuong Province, RVN. The base was a 600-acre island created among rice fields by dredging in the Mekong River. A massive undertaking, the total construction price for the Army and Navy ran close to $8,000,000. The Viet Cong were displeased with the development of the base and frequently attacked it with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades (RPG’s), and recoilless rifle fire. During the first week of February 1968, Dong Tam was hit repeatedly by enemy fire. The heaviest attack occurred on February 7th when an estimated 200 rounds were fired at the base. Material damage was light; however, two U.S. servicemen were killed and five wounded. The lost personnel were from C Company, 69th Engineer Battalion, 34th Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade. They were electrician SP4 James H. Milich and driver PFC Claude E. North. During the barrage, artillery, helicopter gunships, and countermortar fire were directed against suspected enemy launch sites with unknown results. [Sourced at coffeltdatabase.org and “Operation Report of 9th Infantry Division for Period Ending 30 April 1968” at archive.com]

Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.

Dear PFC Claude North, Thank you for your service as a Light Vehicle Driver. Your 53rd anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Beech Grove Cemetery - Muncie, Indiana
Photo Credit - Jane ( Find A Grave Website )