THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from fellow soldier John Parsons is touching and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Cap George Taylor, Thank you for your service as a Field Artillery Unit Commander. The 55th anniversary of the start of your tour is soon. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day is next Monday. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Fire Support Base Lance was a 4th Infantry forward artillery base providing fire support to units operating in Quang Duc Province, RVN. The base was located two miles southwest of Duc Lap village. On September 7, 1968, Lance received a North Vietnamese Army sapper attack from an estimated force of 20-30 men. The attackers were dressed in shorts, short sleeves, and wore no shoes and hats. The enemy utilized small arms, B-40 rockets, and numerous satchel charges to breach the perimeter of Lance. A number of the NVA entered the base and attacked the Fire Direction Control (FDC) center of A Battery, 4th Battalion, 42nd Artillery and the Command Post of A Company, 4th Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry. The defenders fought back with unit weapons and received support from nearby fire bases and U.S. Air Force Douglas AC-47 “Spooky” fixed-wing gunships. The enemy broke contact and withdrew at 5:20 AM. U.S. losses were nine killed and thirty wounded. The FDC was destroyed and both the Commanding Officer of A/4-503rd and A/4-42 were killed. The lost Americans included (from A/4-42 Artillery) CPT George D. Taylor, SGT John W. Johnson, and PFC Michael J. Abruzzesa; (from A/503rd Infantry) CPT David C. Brown, SSGT Cecil V. Evans, 2LT Robert B. Gilray, SSG Edgar J. Grismer, SFC David R. Karr, and CPL Steven A. Winters. Eleven NVA were reportedly killed. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear Captain George Dennis 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfiniashed tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.