THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your sister Pansy is moving and reflects her enduring love for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear SSgt James Swann, Thank you for your service with the 5th Weather Squadron. Your 89th birthday just passed, happy birthday, and the 55th anniversary of the start of your tour is soon. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Flag Day is tomorrow. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Camp Coryell was located near Ban Me Thuot City in Darlac Province, RVN. It was home to the U.S. Army's 155th Assault Helicopter Company, the 185th Reconnaissance Airplane Company, and Detachment 10, 5th Weather Squadron. At 3:50 AM on March 4, 1968, Camp Coryell came under attack by 82mm mortar fire. A total of eighty-six rounds fell on the compound during the attack in which B-40 rockets and Bangalore torpedoes were employed by a ground force of sappers to breach the perimeter wire. A satchel charge team infiltrated through the civilian repairs and utilities (R&U) yard, killing a Korean Pacific Architects and Engineers, Inc. (PA&E) employee, but they were repelled by a reaction force. Other attempts by hostile elements to penetrate the perimeter proved futile, and North Vietnamese Army causalities were eight killed along with an unknown number of wounded. Numerous weapons and items of equipment were captured. Five Americans were killed in the attack. They included SSGT James C. Swann, SGT Edward W. Milan, SP5 Conrado F. Bilducia, CPT Douglas D. Crowe, and SP4 Darryl A. Gallaugher. Additionally, some thirty-one personnel on the compound were wounded, fifteen of which were serious enough to warrant medical evacuation. Since the mortar rounds were directed at the cantonment area, there was no aircraft damage, however, numerous structures and vehicles were damaged or destroyed. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, virtualwall.org, and 155-th-ahc.org]

James, I still have your letter dated 16 Nov 67. I was 10 years old and that going to tell you how old I am now. We lost you the following march. You now have meet Sita, such a sweet spirit. I'm sure your finding this out. We love and miss you both. Your sister in law, Margie

Dear SSGT James Cecil Swann, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter