THE WALL OF FACES

Gia Le Base Camp was located approximately four miles west of Phu Bai Airfield in Thua Thien Province, RVN. The Gia Le base comprised an area of 470 acres with a perimeter over three miles long. Sandbag bunkers and underground mortar shelters with steel matting and sandbag tops were constructed along the length of the perimeter. Defense of the camp was supplied by a 70-man security company which maintained a 24-hour vigilance. At 1:00 AM on May 21, 1968, Gia Le came under a ground and rocket attack for approximately one hour. During the fighting, one bunker was destroyed and two 39th Transportation Battalion personnel were killed; another man was wounded. The lost Americans included PFC Allen J. Boudreaux from the 39th Transportation Detachment and driver PFC Joseph A. Sommerhauser from the 863rd Transportation Company. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 26th General Support Group, Period Ending 31 July 1968” at dtic.mil; also, the book “U.S. Navy Seabees: The Vietnam Years - 1967”]

I will always hold my great uncle with highest regard. He was a hero during a major war that caused a draft. I have done high school projects about the Vietnam war and will never forget his sacrifice. He is a hero of mine. I, like all all who knew him, keep his memory alive. He is simply my hero and always will be.

Went to high school with Alan. Without a doubt one of the nicest guys you would ever meet. Lost track after school and did not know until many years later from a mutual friend that he went into Army and lost his life over there. So Sad to lose one of the very Best.

RIP from you Ramona High School Classmates. Norette Goodgame

I remember us playing basketball during gym class. I've been to DC many times for work, and going to the wall. On that wall was not only your name but the names of others who graduated in '66'. I served in the Navy for six years '68-74' then worked as a DoD/consulting engineer '76-11. your name comes up every time I think about VN

Allan Burkholder, Ramona class of 66