THE WALL OF FACES

I had the honor to say your name during the 40th anniversary commemoration of the Wall. May you rest in peace.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Dear Sp4 Charles Smith, Thank you for your service as a Heavy Vehicle Driver. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Winter will end soon, and Lent has begun. 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

At 11:15 PM on November 21, 1968, an 8th Transportation Group convoy consisting of nine vehicles was traveling north on National Highway QL-1 to the Trailer Transfer Point on Highway QL-19 when it was ambushed approximately six miles northwest of Qui Nhon in Binh Dinh Province, RVN. The enemy attacked with mortar, small arms, and automatic weapons fire. Convoy personnel fought back with unit weapons, and a reaction force consisting of gun trucks and jeeps arrived at the ambush site within ten minutes. Close air support was provided by a U.S. Air Force AC-47 “Spooky” gunship. Two 2nd Transportation Company drivers, PFC Curtiss E. Braatz and SP4 Charles L. Smith, were killed and another twelve Americans were wounded, one critically. A third driver, SP5 Miguel F. Montanez, succumbed to his wounds on November 26, 1968. Two gun trucks, one gun jeep, and four cargo trucks were damaged. Another gun jeeps was destroyed. Enemy casualties were unknown. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 1st Logistical Command, Period Ending 31 January 1969” at ttu.edu]

Thank you on Veteran’s Day for the ultimate sacrifice from Trinidad T. from Wichita Falls High School .