THE WALL OF FACES

In late 1965, while conducting military operations between National Route QL-15 and Route 2 in Bien Hoa Province, RVN, American intelligence uncovered intimations that the Viet Cong might be planning a major assault there during the Christmas holiday period. U.S. commanders decided to begin spoiling operations to throw the enemy’s plans off balance. Accordingly, the 173rd Airborne Brigade launched Operation Smash I, while the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division began Operation Smash II. The two efforts were to be loosely coordinated, with the 173rd 's battalions patrolling west of Route 2 and the 2nd Brigade working east of QL-15. OP Smash I started on December 17, 1965, when the 173rd moved into position near the Courtenay Rubber Plantation. Elements of the 2nd of the 503rd Infantry soon found the enemy. On the December 18th, operating from the battalion's base southwest of the plantation area, about five miles west of Route 2, the 2nd of the 503rd carried out company-size search and destroy missions, one each to the north, the east, and the west. Shortly after 10:30 AM, about a quarter mile from the base camp, the company operating to the east encountered dug-in Viet Cong. When the Viet Cong opened up with machine guns and antitank weapons, the Americans returned fire and called in artillery and air support. Meanwhile, the company operating to the west pushed to assist, with the third company returning to secure the battalion base and, if necessary, to reinforce. Although U.S. Air Force flew fourteen sorties and artillery fired over a thousand rounds during the afternoon, the enemy fought on. Finally, just before dark, when the reinforcing company arrived, an all-out attack was launched to end the engagement. Shortly after, the insurgents withdrew and the battle ended. The Viet Cong lost sixty-two killed, plus a large quantity of arms and ammunition. Six Americans from C-2/503rd died. They included SGT Robert A. Gray, PFC Sammie Griffin, PFC Daniel J. Guilmet, PFC Richard W. Peterson, and 1LT Joseph P. Yatsko Jr. Although the search for the enemy continued in the days that followed, combat was over, and Smash I ended on December 21st. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Stemming the Tide: May 1965 to October 1966” by John M. Carland]

Dear PFC Richard Peterson, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was the 46th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, and it is still sad. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

On behalf of all the paratroopers who served with you in the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) and all who followed, we offer our respect and remembrance of your ultimate sacrifice. May you never be forgotten and your family and friends take comfort in your valor in serving.

Rick, thanks for the fun we had in that lowered green mercury, cruising Huntington Beach looking for surf with Billy Martinez, and all the ribbing you gave me at SnoFoam. You were gone too soon, and you're missed.
Bob Morton