THE WALL OF FACES

Some may think you are forgotten
Though on earth you are no more
But in our memory you are with us
As you always were before….

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

Dear Cpl Clarence Robinson, Thank you for your service as a Field Illumination Crewman. The 54th anniversary of the start of your tour is soon. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is the last full day of summer. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

Landing Zone Leslie (also known as Firebase Leslie or Hill 138) was a U.S. Army and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) base located in the Que Son Valley southwest of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam. The base was located along Route 534, approximately twenty miles northwest of Tam Ky. On the early morning of January 3, 1968, the North Vietnamese Army’s 3rd Regiment, 2nd Division attacked four U.S. firebases in the Que Son Valley, launching ground attacks against Leslie and Firebase Ross. At Leslie the NVA penetrated the base, attacking bunkers with flamethrowers and satchel charges before being pushed out in the afternoon. Losses were 15 U.S. killed. The lost Americans included (from 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry) SGT Charles T. Cooke, CPL Arnold L. Coonrod, PFC Dennis D. Dautremont, SSG Billy J. Ellis (MIA), SGT Ronald D. Goulet, SSG Juan A. Guzman, PFC Robert R. Lindbergh, SSG Rodney A. Price, CPL Darwin E. Ray, SGT Jesse E. Rodriguez, SGT Jerry L. Smith, and CPL Melford W. West; (from B Battery 1/21 Artillery) MSG Edward K. Robison and SGT Morgan E. Stewart; (from 11th Pathfinder Company) SGT John M. Brimm; and (from G Battery, 29th Artillery) CPL Clarence Robinson. SP4 Ellis was on radio watch when the landing zone came under heavy mortar and small arms attack. Other members of Ellis' unit stated that he had been hit in the initial barrage as they went to seek cover. While in a protected position, these individuals saw an ammunition bunker explode. After the engagement, no trace of Ellis could be found. From witness statements, it was assumed that Ellis had probably crawled into the ammunition bunker that exploded. Sixty-three NVA were reportedly killed. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, pownetwork.org, and wikipedia.org]