THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

Fire Support Base Rita was located in the "Fishhook" area near the Cambodian border in Tay Ninh Province, RVN. It had been established to block NVA infiltration from Cambodia into South Vietnam. On November 1, 1968, FSB Rita was occupied by units of 8th Battalion, 6th Artillery; B Troop, 1/4th Cavalry; and 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry. Just after 0300 hours on November 1st, FSB Rita came under attack by North Vietnamese Army units. At the outset, the base was subjected to heavy mortar, artillery, and RPG attack, followed by a human wave assault against the northwestern defensive perimeter. Sappers and enemy infantry penetrated the perimeter, resulting in fighting within the northwestern section of FSB Rita. The artillery commander, LTC Charles C. Rogers, rallied his men and beat back the initial assault. A second massed assault followed, and again LTC Rogers led a successful defense. As dawn broke, a third massed attack was launched. Rogers, now with three serious wounds, no longer was able to physically lead his men but continued to direct the defense, and once again the NVA were repulsed. The battle continued until about 0800, when increasing air support forced the NVA to break off the attack and retreat across the border to sanctuary in Cambodia. While one Medal of Honor (LTC Rogers) and one Distinguished Service Cross (SP4 Lester Williams Jr., posthumously) were won that morning, the attack cost the lives of fourteen American soldiers: SP4 Thurl G. Carter III, SP4 Charles G. Costin (an 18-year-old cook who volunteered to man one of the .50 caliber machine guns on the perimeter), SP4 Ronnie Courtney, SGT James E. Graves, SGT Wendell D. McBurrows, SP4 Lester Williams Jr., SP4 Michael P. Alongi Jr., SP4 Wayne K. Laine, SP4 Marvin N. Propson, SGT Thomas W. Bayonet, SGT James M. Ciupinski, CPL William K. Alameda, SSGT James R. Norris, and PFC James E Martin. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vvmf.org, and info provided by Mack Easley at vvmf.org (November 2003)]

Dear SP4 Marvin Norbert Propson, 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

When I entered the service, Marvin came home as a 'Hero' but not to a Hero's Welcome. Marvin, you will be always remembered.

Marvin,
The Eighth grade students at the Medford Area Middle School, Medford, WI have been working on a project to put faces with the names of each of the 1160 men from the state of Wisconsin who are listed on 'The Wall.' It is our hope that through your picture your legacy will live forever.

Thank you for your service to your country and for your sacrifice.

You are not forgotten.

It should be noted that Marvin was from Hilbert WI. Also KIA from Hilbert WI, John (Jackie) Willems JR., Bernard (Bernie) Propson (cousin to Marvin), and James (Jim) Diedrich).

Jackie, Bernie, and Marvin worked at Ariens in Brillion, WI. Jackie and Bernie lived less than a mile a part, went to school together and to work together. Both boys were killed within two days of each other, and just a few miles apart. The funerals for both boys were six days apart.

Jim was a neighbor of Jackie's wife and drove their wedding car on 27Sept68.