THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Sgt Gary Phillips, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The 46th anniversary of the official end of the war is today, according to President Ford. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

On December 13, 1969, three U.S. Navy River Assault Craft (RAC) of River Assault Squadron Fifteen were supporting the U.S. Army 6/31st Infantry Battalion in a night operation near the Van Co Dong River, 11 mile southeast of Ben Luc in Long An Province, RVN, when one of the troop ambush positions sighted 10 Viet Cong. The Americans received a single mortar round, then began taking automatic weapons fire. During the firefight that followed, four U.S. Army men were killed and one was wounded. The lost infantrymen were SGT Gary M. Gryzen, PFC David A. McIntyre, and SP4 Gary T. Phillips. The RAC supported the troops along with Army helicopters. A sweep conducted the following morning turned up 11 Viet Cong bodies. McIntyre was posthumously promoted to corporal and Phillips to sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

I was three years old when Uncle Gary went to Vietnam, however, I do remember him.
I remember him chasing me through the house with his shaving brush covered in shaving cream as if he was going to paint me with it. I think of him as a happy and loving uncle.

Wall Volunteer Michael McMahon honored Gary Phillips with a donation. To read the story click here: http:www.buildthecenter.vvmf.orgnewsentry119