THE WALL OF FACES

Firebase Betty (also known as Landing Zone Betty) is a former U.S. Army and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) firebase south of Phan Thiet in Binh Thuan Province, RVN. The base was established at the French-era Phan Thiet Airfield, approximately five kilometers (3.1 miles) southwest of Phan Thiet, and two kilometers (1.2 miles) east of National Route QL-1. The first U.S. Army unit based at Betty was the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) from September 1966 to December 1967 as part of Operation Byrd. Designated an airmobile organization, the 1st Cavalry Division relied extensively on helicopters for troop lifts. On May 5, 1967, troopers from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment were preparing for a mission at Betty when an infantryman was fatally injured in a ground accident involving a helicopter. SP4 Donald J. Sheehy was preparing to board a UH-1D (#65-09671) when he walked into the aircraft’s tail rotor. Sheehy died instantly after being struck in the upper right portion of his head. His body was received by the 15th Medical Battalion, then transported to the U.S. Army Mortuary at Tan Son Nhut for processing and return home. Sheehy was 20 years old. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Image courtesy of Redbird Research LLC, Saint Charles, MO.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotions and spends himself in a great worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end triumph of high achievement and, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while caring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold, timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. Theodore Roosevelt

Dear Sp4 Donald Sheehy, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is another new year. Time moves 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