THE WALL OF FACES

Airman Second Class George Michael Bevich Jr., Served with the 377th Air Police Squadron, 377th Combat Support Group, 7th Air Force.

DEAR AIRMAN GEORGE BEVICH,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A SECURITY POLICEMAN. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. 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 ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. MANY OF US HAVE BEGUN OUR JOURNEY TO EASTER. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS.

Thank you Airman Second Class Bevich for your exemplary courage under fire.

A2C Oliver J. Riddle, A2C John M. Cole, and A2C George M. Bevich Jr. were security policemen serving with the 377th Air Police Squadron at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Gia Dinh Province, RVN. On the night of December 4, 1966, the air base was attacked by an estimated force of 60 Viet Cong who attempted to infiltrate the base. Security dog handlers, including A2C Bevich, were alerted and led the defense against the base. A furious battle ensued between the infiltrators and 50 members of the 377th Air Police Squadron. By dawn the communists had dispersed, leaving 18 dead and four prisoners. Three policemen were killed in the battle including Riddle, Cole, and Bevich. Two security dogs were also killed and six handlers and two of their dogs were wounded. Seventeen of the dog handlers were later cited for bravery with A2C Bevich receiving the Silver Star posthumously. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Man’s Best Friend Has Special Meaning to Southeast Asia Bases.” Armed Forces News Service (AFNS), date unknown.]

In honor of my friend George Bevich, KIA at Tan Son Nhut AB, RVN, Dec 4, 1966. George was a Sentry Dog Handler, patrolling the base perimeter, when he was ambushed by a sapper team, which was attacking the Base. Both George and his K-9, Rex, were killed.
Gary Jones
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, 1965
Phan Rang-Tan Son Nhut AB, RVN, 1968-69
Danang AB, RVN, 1971-72