THE WALL OF FACES

The 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division was dispatched to South Vietnam following the Tet Offensive in support of 3rd Marine Division forces deployed in Quang Tri Province. The brigade served from July 1968 until August 1971, contributing to the defense of the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone. Divisional headquarters were located at Camp Red Devil on a portion of Dong Ha Combat Base, 13 kilometers (8.0 miles) northwest of Quang Tri city. On February 1, 1970, a brigade soldier was critically injured at Red Devil while on a detail burning perimeter brush. SP4 Charles E. Thomas Jr., a maintenance helper with D Company, 75th Support Battalion, became swept up in the fire when a wind gust blew the flames back over him. Following treatment in Vietnam, he was medically evacuated to the U.S. Army burn center at the 106th General Hospital at Kishine Barracks in Yokohama, Japan, with 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 67% of his body including his chest, abdomen, back, and all extremities. He expired on February 14, 1970, from severe bilateral bronchopneumonia secondary to his burn injuries. Thomas was 21 years old. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear Specialist 4 Thomas ~ You Are Not Forgotten!
This is the 3rd year, on the anniversary of your passing, that I ran a mile with you in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace, Dear Brother.

Each year since September 2015, at the annual 5th Division Army reunion, members of the Society of the Fifth Division, U.S Army remember the 514 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 5th Division, who were Killed in Action in Vietnam. You are among the soldiers remembered. You Are Not Forgotten!

Phil “LT Mike” Maniscalco
Society of the 5th Division, U.S. Army
Delta Company 1/11 Infantry
Vietnam Sept 1968- Sept 1969

Nor shall your glory be forgot; While Fame her record keeps, Or Honor points the hallowed spot; Where Valor proudly sleeps.

Dear Specialist 4 Thomas, You Are Not Forgotten!
This is the 2nd year, on the anniversary of your passing, that I ran a mile with you in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace, Dear Brother.

Each year since September 2015, at the annual 5th Division Army reunion, members of the Society of the Fifth Division, U.S Army remember the 514 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 5th Division, who were Killed in Action in Vietnam. You are among the soldiers remembered. You Are Not Forgotten!

Phil “LT Mike” Maniscalco
Society of the 5th Division, U.S. Army
Delta Company 1/11 Infantry
Vietnam Sept 1968- Sept 1969

Dear Sp4 Charles Thomas, Thank you for your service as a Mechanical Maintenance Helper. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.