THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your sister Barbara is moving and reflects her eternal love for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear PFC Terry Thornton, Thank you for your service as an Indirect Fire Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is another summer. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I was there with you on LZ East the morning of June 11, 1969. Jim was a great soldier, patriot, and brother comrade. Jim served his country with hard work, sweat, and dedication. We will not forget brother Jim. May Jim now rest in peace.

Landing Zone East was established in 1967 by the 196th Infantry Brigade and was located approximately ten miles west of Tam Ky in Quang Tin Province, RVN. The base was occupied by elements of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment and 3rd Battalion, 82nd Artillery when it was attacked by the North Vietnamese Army’s 35th Sapper Battalion on the morning of June 11, 1969. At about 2:30 AM, the NVA first hit a bunker at the very outer edge of the perimeter of the landing zone, destroying it with a rocket-propelled grenade. The sappers then began to run up the hill throwing grenades and firing AK-47’s. They struck with an overwhelming force, marching their mortar rounds systematically up the hill, striking bunkers and lighting up the sky. The Americans at East fought back with unit weapons, but the base was overrun. When dawn arrived, the Americans counterattacked and drove the NVA from the destroyed base. Sixteen U.S. troopers lost their lives and thirty-four were wounded. The lost personnel included PFC Ronald G. Crowe, SP4 Frank F. De Maria Jr., PFC Charles D. Green, CPL Freddy L. Holloway, SP4 Edward Johnson, SP4 Jack C. Lee, SGT David G. Michel, CPT Karl W. Mills, CPL Edward V. Palmenta, SFC Floyd L. Pitre, SFC Daniel G. Reid, SP4 Douglas L. Strickland, CPL James C. Strube, PFC Terry L. Thornton, PFC Bruce H. Tibbetts, and CPL Clark L. Williams. Enemy losses were estimated at sixty-nine killed. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, wikipedia.org, and missionvietnam.org]

Private First Class Terry Lee Thornton, Served with the 1st Platoon, Company A, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.