THE WALL OF FACES

Dear SSgt Wayne Schmacher, Thank you for your service as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Between June 8-27, 1967, Third Platoon, 919th Engineer Company, participated in search and destroy operations in support of Third Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, which took place in the jungles around Blackhorse Base Camp in Phouc Tuy Province, RVN. During the early morning hours of June 19, 1967, Third Platoon, while helping to secure the Command Post of the Third Squadron, came under an intense mortar and ground attack. The strike came from an estimated Viet Cong battalion. Due to their position on the perimeter, the Third Platoon bore the brunt of the ground assault. The "Red Devils” valiantly defended their ground, employing every weapon in their possession. When the smoke lifted and a search was conducted in the morning, over thirty-five enemy bodies were found in front of the Platoon’s position. During the action, SP5 William N. Scott and SP4 William J. Dillon were killed while returning intensive fire on the fanatical attackers. Both Engineers Scott and Dillon were posthumously awarded the Bronze Star medal for valor during the battle. Eight Blackhorse troopers from K Troop, 3/11, were also lost in the engagement. They included SP4 Raymond D. Crowder Jr., PFC Edward L. Fails Jr., SP4 Russell L. Filiberti, SP4 Blaine W. Landers, PFC Bobby L. Murphy, PFC Charles H. Richards Jr., SSG Wayne T. Schumacher, and PFC Leonard V. Tedesco. The Blackhorse troopers all fought bravely, and each received a Bronze Star medal for valor. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and Unit History, 919th Engineer Company (Armored) 13 April 1966 - 31 December 1967 at vva.vietnam.ttu.edu]

Dear SSGT Wayne Thomas Schumacher, 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

Photo was taken from the historic book “THE FACES BEHIND THE NAMES - The Vietnam War” with the permission of author Don Ward. Thank you Mr. Ward.

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in peace and honor Wayne.

You left us all to young and never had time to get to know you. You will never be forgotten. Love you more than you will have ever known.

Thank You for being you