THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from fellow soldier Bruce Kellmer is touching and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…

Operation Frederick Hill was a security operation in Quang Nam and Quang Tin Provinces, RVN, from March 18, 1969 to February 28, 1971. The operation was conducted by the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division (Americal Division) in cooperation and coordination with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) 5th Regiment to secure pacification operations near the coastal areas and the destruction of North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Vietcong (VC) units operating in the area. Allied forces performed aggressive patrolling and sweep operations during Frederick Hill. On the early morning of May 31, 1970, elements of B Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry were still laagered in an overnight defensive position six miles northeast of Tien Phuoc. The unit had been in the field several days while conducting a multi-day patrol, and per standard operating procedures, placed a night ambush outside the perimeter along suspected avenues of approach used by enemy units. As the ambush team was returning to the company perimeter, a booby-trapped grenade was triggered. The blast fatally injured infantryman SP4 Ronald R. Tanner who sustained fragmentation wounds to the jaw and head. The senior aidman attempted to resuscitate Tanner by establishing an emergency airway and performing CPR; however, Tanner could not be revived and expired. An evacuation aircraft was requested to the scene and Tanner’s remains were removed to a U.S. military medical facility. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by R. Scott Smith (September 2022)]

Dear Sp4 Ronald Tanner, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. I researched you on your 52nd anniversary, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Specialist Four Ronald Russell Tanner was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device V, for his exemplary gallantry in action. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Merit for his sustained meritorious service. He served as an Infantryman and was assigned to B CO, 2ND BN, 1ST INFANTRY, 196TH INFANTRY BDE, AMERICAL DIV.
See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org/

Specialist Four Ronald Russell Tanner, Served with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.