THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Auburn (December 28, 1967 – January 3, 1968) was a U.S. Marine Corps operation on Go Noi Island located 15.5 miles south of Da Nang and west of National Route QL-1, and in the area directly north of the island nicknamed “Dodge City” by the Marines due to frequent ambushes and firefights there. The areas were a Viet Cong (VC) and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) stronghold and base area. While the island was relatively flat, small hamlets were linked by hedges with concealed paths providing a strong defensive network. The operational plan called for four Marine infantry Companies to establish blocking positions along the railway tracks on Go Noi Island while an Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) force swept west, pushing the NVA/VC against the Marine positions. Following a preparatory air and artillery bombardment, at 9:04 AM on December 28th, Marine helicopters started landing Company E, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines at Landing Zone Hawk. The Marines were met with small arms fire coming from Bao An Dong village west of the landing zone. As they advanced on the village, they were hit by heavy fire and withdrew to allow for airstrikes on the enemy positions.  Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines and the command group arrived at the landing zone by 11:30 AM, Company I quickly securing a nearby hamlet while Company E remained engaged at Bao An Dong. Company I was then sent to support Company E but was stopped by VC hidden in elephant grass. With both companies pinned down, air and artillery support were called in close to the Marine lines. At 3:30 PM, Company M, 3/5 Marines was landed and sent forward to support Company E. At 6:00 PM under the cover of UH-1E gunship fire, Company E withdrew to join up with Company M and established a night defensive position. American losses for the day were 18 dead and 25 wounded. Enemy losses were 32 killed. The lost U.S. personnel included (E, 2/3 Marines) LCpl Patrick E. Anglim, Cpl Robert L. Boyer (Silver Star), Cpl Richard L. Carlson, LCpl Carl E. Chamberlain, Cpl James B. Cox, Pfc Byron A. Gaines Jr. (Silver Star), SSgt Salome T. Hernandez, Pfc Thomas B. Holdbrooks, Pfc Arturo M. Lara, Pfc Ronald J. Streckert, Pfc Ernesto Tarango, and Pfc Herbert O. Zinnel Jr.; (I, 3/5 Marines) 2nd Lt John G. Corr, Pfc B. L. Murphy Jr., and Pfc Charles D. Townsend; (M, 3/5 Marines) Pfc Raymond A. Niedecken; (H&S CO, 2/3 Marines) LCpl Frank Florio; and (H&S CO, 1ST MP BN) Cpl William G. Fraser. [Sourced at coffeltdatabase.org]

Bob, my last message from you, a tape recording, was a voice of hope and confidence for the future. But you had already gone ahead by the time I received it.
In my dreams for many years I struggled to reach you, always disappointed.
Many years later, in a time of need, you came near enough to share another message, "it's OK... I'm fine... lay down the guilt."
You renewed my hope and confidence in the future. I know we will meet again, that you have continued in a new and better place where there is no war, hate, or death. I've loved reading how you are remembered by others, and I'm not surprised. You always were kind, caring, gentle, strong and good.
Thank you to vvmf.org for creating this opportunity to express gratitude for those who served and sacrificed.

Bob, I remember your quiet strength, your tender heart, your quick smile and love for your family, especially your sisters.
I received a tape from you, it arrived after your death. You said you knew everything would be okay, you had seen and experienced so much that you were certain.
I felt you there at your funeral, until the final notes of the buggle and the last rifle shot. Then I fell apart. It's been so long, more than 50 years, but still feels like just last week.
Yes, you are okay. I look forward to seeing you again one day, dear friend. My final song for you..."if I knew where the wild doves flew..."

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and dedication to our country. May you rest in eternal peace.

Without people like you our great nation wouldn't exist. Semper Fidelis!
Rest in peace CPL. Boyer.