THE WALL OF FACES

During the period of July 1 - October 31, 1969, the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division conducted combat operations in Long An Province, RVN, and the border areas of the three adjacent provinces; Hau Nghia, Gia Dinh, and Dinh Thuong. The brigade was participating in Operation Toan Thang (“Complete Victory”) Phase III. The mission objective was to seek out the enemy with aggressive combined operations to prevent his employment of men and equipment. The brigade was involved in combat during every day (123) of the period. On morning of September 17th, Company A, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, conducted an air mobile operation in the Plain of Reeds, an area of 2500 square miles across several provinces which served as a base for Viet Cong forces. The troop lift was provided by aircraft from B Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry. Immediately upon landing, the Americans came under heavy fire from a large Viet Cong force in well entrenched positions. The contact was supported by artillery and three hunter-killer teams consisting of one AH-1G Cobra attack helicopter and one OH-6A “Loach” light observation helicopter from B/3-17 Cavalry. A second infantry company, B/5-60, was inserted into the area, and the fighting continued until 1:15 PM. During the fighting, one A/5-60 trooper was killed, SSG Ronald B. Bishop, while leading an assault on the hostile positions. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal for heroism. Another man was wounded. Enemy losses totaled eighteen killed. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, and “Lessons Learned, (Headquarters, 3d Brigade,) 9th Infantry Division, period ending 31 Oct 1969” at dtic.mil]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to our country. May you rest in eternal peace.

Ron's headstone taken by Barney Tharp

Photo of Ron's buddies who served with him, visiting his grave , photo given by Barney Tharp.

PHoto is of Ron's sister June Adams and his niece Linda Adams at one of the Army reunions.