THE WALL OF FACES

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

In the summer of 1967, the 62nd Maintenance Battalion was located just north of Pleiku, RVN, on the west side of Highway QL-14. At approximately 1:30 AM on June 10, 1967, the battalion area was attacked by an estimated platoon-sized Viet Cong (VC) sapper force. The west perimeter of the 628th Maintenance Support Company was penetrated by a number bare-footed VC wearing black shorts and carrying AK-47 rifles, Chicom grenades, and explosive charges. They used rocket motor charges to blow a path through the two triple concertina and on double-apron fences. Extensive damage was done to heavy equipment in the motor pool area, including the shop buildings and water distributor. Three VC were killed when they were taken under small arms fire by one of the motor pool personnel. Simultaneously, the west perimeter of the battalion technical supply area was also penetrated by cutting the fence and tying down the trip flares. One charge or grenade was placed or thrown at the guard post, killing one enlisted man and critically wounded a second. The wounded man died shortly after before he could be evacuated. The two lost personnel were PFC Walter L. Adams and SP4 Ronald L. Stapelman. They were behind a temporary ground level defensive position when attacked because the regular guard tower foundation had sunk in the mud the previous day due to recent rains, causing the tower lean. About forty total explosive charges were employed by the enemy during the attack. Afterwards, the 85th Ordinance Department located some fifty unexploded charges throughout the battalion area. Nine Chicom grenades and propaganda leaflets were also found. Contributing factors to the enemy’s success in penetrating the perimeter was that there was no lighting installed around the battalion area. A work order had been submitted for one hundred pole-mounted floodlights in February 1967, but the work had not been completed. The weather, which was chilly, dark, drizzling, and foggy also played in the enemy’s favor. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and Operational Reports-Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 62nd Maintenance Battalion (DS), Period Ending 31 July 1967]

Dear SP4 Ronald Lee Stapelman, 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

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Ronald is buried at Rupert Cemetery in Rupert, ID. PH