THE WALL OF FACES

During the first half of 1969, the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division Artillery supported Operations Toan Thang (“Complete Victory”) II & III, search and destroy operations designed to keep pressure on the Viet Cong (VC) and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces in III Corps. On April 4, 1969, two howitzer guns of C Battery,1st Battalion, 8th Artillery were moved in Tay Ninh Province, RVN, to within two kilometers (1.2 miles) of the Cambodian border with elements of D Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment providing security while Patrol Base Diamond II was established. The remainder of C-1/8 was at nearby Fire Support Base Jackson and would furnish indirect fire support for D-2/27 and the howitzer platoon at Diamond II. Aggressive patrolling by U.S. ground forces to interdict enemy movement along the border and the construction of firebases for artillery fire support displeased the NVA who viewed these developments as an impediment to their own tactical objectives. Hence, the day following the creation of Diamond II, a large NVA element launched a massive early morning ground attack on the base. The two howitzers at Diamond II lowered their cannons and fired beehive rounds containing thousands of one-inch-long steel darts, or flechettes, directly into the face of the onrushing enemy while the remainder of the battery fired indirect support from Jackson. The battery expended over 900 rounds of high-explosive and 45 “Firecracker” (air burst) rounds. Enemy losses were put at 89 killed (by body count). The cost to the U.S. were five dead. They included (from D-2/27th) SGT David H. Gamboa Jr., PFC Hugh G. Hill Jr., and PFC Jerry W. Martin; and (from C-1/8th Arty) SGT William M. Light and SGT Larry R. Rieken. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and 77fa.org]

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Gene Rosenburg is touching and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Sgt Larry Rieken, Thank you for your service as a Cannon Crewmember. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The 20th anniversary of 9/11 is soon, and still very sad. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Sergeant Larry Riek Rieken, Served with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 8th Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division