THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Gridley High School student Natalie Stoller is touching and reflects her admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Sp4 Larry Sherman, Thank you for your service as a Bridge Crewman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Valentine’s Day. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

On the late morning of March 13, 1968, a U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division convoy was traveling between Kontum and Dak To on Highway QL-14, eight miles north of Pleiku in Pleiku Province, RVN, when it was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army force estimated at 300 soldiers. The convoy had 150 vehicles formed from three engineer companies: the 509th Panel Bridge and the 70th and 585th Dump Truck. The enemy attacked from behind foliage on both sides of the road utilizing small arms, automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade fire, and claymore mines. Satchel charges were thrown at the trucks in hopes of destroying them. The Engineers fought back with unit arms, however, as an Engineer convoy, Companies 509, 70 and 585 were not equipped with the best weaponry. They were outgunned–and stuck–in a fight that lasted over five hours. During the battle, the convoy was supported by U.S. Army helicopter gunships and Air Force tactical air strikes. The Americans were able to inflict forty-eight enemy deaths and suffered thirteen U.S. killed and seven wounded. The lost engineers included PFC William E. Dean, SP4 Raymond P. Dobrzynski, PFC David L. Hampton, PFC Walter E. Handy, 2LT William J. Hondel, PVT Russell E. Hupe, 1LT Kosmas P. Kapetanopoulos, SP4 Drek A. Landes, SP4 Glen H. Mosley Jr., PFC Alvin J. Munson, SP4 Larry D. Sherman, SP4 Joseph R. Wenzler, and SP4 William P. Worley. Damage to convoy vehicles was moderate. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vvmf.org, and “Seeking a photo, he uncovers a fallen soldier’s final hours.” uwm.edu/news, May 19, 2015]

Dear SP4 Larry Dee Sherman, 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

Great memories of a time long ago. Gone, but never forgotten!