THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

On February 20, 1969, elements of the 9th Infantry Division’s 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry and 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry were on the first day of a two-day operation in Kien Hoa Province, RVN, when they made contact with an enemy force of unknown-size four miles northeast of Giong Trom. The action began at 11:00 AM when gunships of Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry spotted and killed two enemy soldiers running into a wood line. When the gunships began receiving heavy automatic weapons fire, they called in airstrikes which destroyed seven enemy bunkers. Company B, 3-60 were close by conducting a sweep, and after being lifted into the area of contact, killed one Viet Cong (VC). The 3-5 gunships swept southeast ahead of the infantrymen, killing five more enemy. When Company B, 3-47 was inserted south of 3-60, they came under heavy automatic weapons fire. Surrounded, they ditched into canals and dikes for cover. Enemy snipers around their position were engaged with M60 machine guns. The battle continued until nightfall, the besieged B/3-47 reinforced on their left flank by A/3-47 and B/3-60 on their right. A Regional Forces Company was used as a blocking force, completing a cordon around the enemy. Artillery, gunships, and airstrikes pounded the area throughout the night and next day. An all-day sweep turned up ninety VC dead and scattered weapons and clothing. It was later determined the enemy force was the 516th VC Battalion. Interrogation of captured prisoners revealed the 516th was enroute to Ben Tre to lay siege on the city during a planned Winter-Spring Offensive but had been completely surprised by the U.S. forces. As a result of the contact, the attack failed to materialize. U.S losses were nine killed and ten wounded. The lost personnel included (B/3-47): PFC Michael D. Adams, PVT Billie J. Mc Clure, SP4 Larry T. Ross, and 1LT Allen C. Yeomans III; (HHC/3-47) medic PFC Marvin A. De Vault; and (B/3-60): SP4 Quenton L. Christensen, SGT Junior F. Roniger, SP4 Herbert H. Stauffer, PFC Clarence Robinson Jr. (died of wounds 02/21/1969). De Vault was posthumously promoted to Corporal. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “MRF pounce on VC bunkers, kill 90.” The Old Reliable (9th Infantry Division publication), March 5, 1969]

Dear Sp4 Larry Ross, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Agent Orange Awareness month. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Larry,
You were always at my folks' home you were my older brothers, Jimmy, Rocky, & Nicky Paradise friend.
I remember going to your funeral as a child. I didn't understand why you were seal with glass in your casket.
Thank you for your service..
I Honor & Salute you Sir. RIP

I go to your grave each time I am in Arcata. I still miss you so much. You and I went through a lot regarding loving the "twins". I think of you fondly and often. I know you are resting in peace and I love you, dear friend.