THE WALL OF FACES

I remember that day like it was yesterday. You were a brave man and gave me (an FNG) instructions. An hour later, we walled into an ambush and you were gone. I helped to carry your body and I cried for you. The 11th light infantry brigade was recommended for the Presidential Unit Citation Award (14 July 1969) for being in 13 major battles within a two month period against well trained and equipped NVA units throughout the "Battle of Duc Pho District"

I was the personal escort of Sgt. Gary Lynn Taylor's remains. I was a Drill Sgt at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. at the time I received the orders for "escort duty" and traveled to Oakland, California to pick up Gary's casket, have it loaded on a plane and flown home to Chicago.
I got to spend over a week with his wonderful family that was so accommodating considering what they were going through. After several years of communicating with the family we somehow lost contact but I will always remember Gary and his loving family and they will always be in my prayers.

SGT Gary L. Taylor was trained as a film library specialist serving with Detachment 3, B Company, 7th Psychological Operations Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group. On June 13, 1969, SGT Taylor was participating in a company-sized search and clear operation with Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. They were conducting the mission in Quang Ngai Province, RVN. At approximately 0820 hours, Alpha Company was moving along a stream when the point man spotted three NVA soldiers with backpacks and weapons. The three enemy combatants fled, prompting the Americans to give chase. As they rounded a bend in the stream, an ambush was waiting on both sides. The NVA opened fire and Alpha hit the ground, returning fire on full automatic. The ambush had been well prepared, and the enemy barrage was intense. Five U.S. were hit, including SGT Taylor, who was mortally wounded. The Americans succeeded in killing five NVA in the engagement. The remaining enemy again fled, and Alpha continued its pursuit. Some other members of the company were held back to help with the dead and wounded. A medivac and other air support was called in. Because of the density of the jungle, the medivac could not land and had to lower ropes with hooks on them. A hook was placed around Taylor’s web gear and his body was lifted from the field and pulled through the leafy canopy to the waiting helicopter above. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, americal4ofthe3.com, and information provided by Ugene Roth (June 2017)]

Dear SGT Gary Lynn Taylor, 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

Thank you Sgt. Taylor for your leadership and courage under fire.