THE WALL OF FACES

Staff Sergeant Robert Francis Preiss Jr., Served with Reconnaissance Team Cobra, Command and Control North (CCN), Military Assistance Command Vietnam-Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), 5th Special Forces Group, United States Army Vietnam.

SSGT Robert F. Preiss Jr. was assigned to MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observation Group). MACV-SOG was a joint service high command unconventional warfare task force engaged in highly classified operations throughout Southeast Asia. The 5th Special Forces channeled personnel into MACV-SOG (although it was not a Special Forces group) through Special Operations Augmentation (SOA), which provided their "cover" while under secret orders to MACV-SOG. The teams performed deep penetration missions of strategic reconnaissance and interdiction which were called, depending on the time frame, "Shining Brass" or "Prairie Fire" missions. On May 12, 1970, SSGT Preiss was a team leader of reconnaissance team COBRA when during a rest break, the team was taken under fire by a squad-sized NVA element. SSGT Preiss suffered a mortal wound and later died. Due to the tactical situation, the team was forced to withdraw, leaving Preiss behind. On May 18, 1970, a recovery team was inserted into the area to search for the body of SSGT Preiss. From all indications, the battle area had been sterilized and a large rockslide had occurred. The only sign of Preiss was the smell of decomposing flesh from beneath the rock slide. It was believed that SSGT Preiss' body was under the rocks, but they were large and could not be moved. In March and April of 1995, a joint U.S./Lao People's Democratic Republic team investigated Preiss' loss in Xekong Province. The team conducted a ground search along the banks of the stream in the vicinity of the loss location with negative results. In May 1995, another joint team interviewed villagers nearby and persuaded them to take the team to a place where remains allegedly had been seen. The team did recover some personal equipment and possible human remains. A third trip was made to the area in April 1997. This team recovered material evidence, however no remains or personal effects were found during this investigation. In early 1998, another joint team excavated the site where they recovered possible human remains and personal effects. Anthropological analysis of the remains and other evidence by CILHI confirmed the identification of Preiss. [Taken from pownetwork.org]

There is hardly a day that goes by that I don't think of you. Your finally home. Rest in peace my hero.

Dear SSGT Robert Francis Preiss Jr, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

I've worn your bracelet every day since 1986. Memorized your name and date missing. I continue to wear it out of great respect. Just learned of your bio and efforts of your brother. Thank you for sacrifice.