THE WALL OF FACES

Landing Zone (LZ) Debbie was an Americal Division fire support base located on a hill approximately nine kilometers (5.4 miles) southeast of Duc Pho Airfield in Quang Ngia Province, RVN. Only three kilometers (1.8 miles) from the shores of the South China Sea, the base had a spectacular view of the seashore and overlooked an agricultural producing region known as “The Rice Bowl.” During the summer of 1969, infantrymen from C Company, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade were tasked with the security of Debbie. On the early morning of August 22nd, Debbie received an attack by an enemy force tossing hand grenades and satchel charges and firing rocket-propelled grenades (RPG’s) and small arms. During the 2:00 AM attack, sappers were able to penetrate the perimeter, at least two of which were engaged and killed by the defending Americans. The enemy action caused the 81mm mortar dump to catch fire and RPG’s hit three bunkers, destroying one and damaging the other two. Four U.S. were killed in the fighting and sixteen were wounded, fourteen of which required medical evacuation. The lost personnel included (from C-4/21) infantrymen PFC Anthony B. Blair, PFC Anthony V. Mione, and PFC Eric D. Saltz; and (from C Co, 1st Bn, 82nd Arty) artilleryman PFC Bertrand R. Gagne. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Significant Events (III MAF), August 1969” at ttu.edu]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your high school friend Pat Wilson is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever...

Tony......Honoring you on your birthday......Never forgotten......God Bless

Tony, I often think of our HS days at S of O and the great times we shared. I was so sorry to hear of your death and will keep your memory alive. I saw your picture and the one of you and Wanda Brown here. May your family and friends know that you had many friends during your short life and I’m proud to say you and I were close. Rest In Peace soldier! From another Vet and good friend, Patrick Wilson

DEAR PFC BLAIR,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN INFANTRYMAN. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. MANY OF US HAVE BEGUN OUR JOURNEY TO EASTER. AND YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS.