THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Sp4 James Pulley, Thank you for your service as a Heavy Vehicle Driver. Your 52nd anniversary just passed, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day is this weekend. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

On June 13, 1969, a large U.S. convoy was traveling west on Highway QL-19 towards Pleiku Air Base when it was ambushed by the North Vietnamese Army. The caravan, containing more than 150 vehicles from various companies of the 8th Transportation Group, originated at Phu Cat Air Base and was attacked about fifteen miles west of An Khe. Two Americans were killed, drivers SP4 James “Chuck” E. Pulley and PVT James C. Story. Both were hauling ammunition in M54 5-ton 6x6 cargo trucks near the front of the convoy. Story’s 6x6 was hit broadside by an enemy B-40 rocket causing the artillery rounds he was carrying to explode. The blast sent shrapnel into the cab of Pulley’s truck behind Story’s, wounding him in the forehead. The NVA then descended on the crippled vehicle and opened fire, critically wounding Pulley. He was alive when pulled from the truck after the battle and medivacked; he died the following day. No remains of Story were recovered after the explosion and fire which consumed his truck. He is still carried as missing. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by John D. Burnell (July 2019)]

Even though I never got a chance to meet you, I would like to say thank you! Your sacrifice has not gone forgotten.

R.I.P. James

Dear SP4 James Edward Pulley, 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, Sir

Curt Carter