THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Rich (October 23–27, 1968) was a 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division combined arms assault near the Ben Hai River in the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Quang Tri Province, RVN. Beginning around midnight on October 25th, three dismounted companies from 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry (Mechanized) moved out from Fire Support Base Alpha-4 at Con Thien north into the DMZ. After marching about five miles overland and through jungle for eight hours, A-1/61st Inf (M) made contact with an estimated North Vietnamese Army (NVA) battalion in a fortified position. The company was passing through an open area when halfway across the enemy opened fire. Minutes later, B-1/61st Inf (M) began receiving small arms fire and mortar rounds. The two companies linked up, then assaulted the NVA position head-on while tanks from B/1-77 Armor moved forward, firing their cannons and machine guns into the flanks of the enemy position. The NVA stood their ground and were decimated, the Americans killing hundreds and capturing multiple weapons. Accurate and responsive artillery support was provided in tandem with close air support directed by the Brigade’s Forward Air Controllers. During mop-up operations, a total of 308 enemy dead were found with an assortment of enemy arms captured, including 17 crew-served weapons, 60mm and 82 mm mortars, and anti-aircraft guns. One prisoner of war was taken. A further 251 individual weapons were found and destroyed. In addition, a large quantity of enemy food and ammunition was captured and destroyed or evacuated. U.S. losses were eight killed and sixteen wounded. The lost personnel included (from A-1/61st Inf [M]) SP4 James G. Soriano (posthumously promoted to Sergeant), and SGT James A. Wright; (from B-1/61st Inf [M]) PFC Tom G. Casey, PFC Larry E. Martin (posthumously promoted to Corporal), and 2LT David R. Merrell; (from HHC-1/61st Inf [M]) medic PFC Lonnie T. Parker (posthumously promoted to Corporal) and PFC Thomas F. Ray Jr. (posthumously promoted to Corporal); (A Co, 7th Eng Bn, killed when their truck hit an enemy mine) SGT Billie M. Long and PFC Dennis R. Tripp (posthumously promoted to Corporal). [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Division Unit Journal (3rd Marine Division), October 1968” at ttu.edu; also, information provided by Richard M. Mankowski (June 2024)]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Sergeant Soriano ~ You Are Not Forgotten!
This is the 2nd year, on the anniversary of your passing, that I ran a mile with you in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace, Dear Brother.

Each year September 2015, at the annual 5th Division Army reunion, members of the Society of the Fifth Division, U.S Army remember the 514 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 5th Division, who were Killed in Action in Vietnam. You are among the soldiers remembered. You Are Not Forgotten!

Phil “LT Mike” Maniscalco
Society of the 5th Division, U.S. Army
Delta Company 1/11 Infantry
Vietnam Sept 1968- Sept 1969

Dear Sergeant Soriano, You Are Not Forgotten!
Today, on the anniversary of your passing, I ran a mile with you in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace, dear brother.

Each year since September 2015, at the annual 5th Division Army reunion, members of the Society of the Fifth Division, U.S Army remember the 514 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 5th Division, who were Killed in Action in Vietnam. You are among the soldiers remembered. You Are Not Forgotten!

Phil “LT Mike” Maniscalco
Society of the 5th Division, U.S. Army
Delta Company 1/11 Infantry
Vietnam Sept 1968- Sept 1969

Dear Sgt James Soriano, Thank you for your service as a Clerk. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was Palm Sunday, and Passover is soon, too. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.