THE WALL OF FACES

On 02 Apr 1970 a recon team from F Company, 75th Rangers, was sent into an area called the "Renegade Woods" to investigate reports of a large NVA/VC force. The Rangers found the enemy - all they could handle and more besides. Companies B and C, 2nd Bn, 27th Infantry, were inserted as the initial reaction force; A/2/27 joined in the late afternoon, and two additional companies from 2/22nd Infantry came in the next day. By the time the fighting ended several days later, over 100 NVA/VA troops from the 271st NVA/VC Regiment were dead, a large base camp was in American hands, and twelve American soldiers were dead:
• 2nd Bn, 27th Inf Rgt
o CPL Dwight H. Ball, Sardis, OH, A Company (KIA 04/03/1970)
o SGT John J. Lyons, Yonkers, NY, B Company
o SSG William T. Smith, Marshfield, WI, B Company
o SGT Mickey E. Griffith, San Gabriel, CA, C Company
o SSG Melvyn H. Kalili, Hauula, HI, C Company
o 1LT Ronald V. Kolb, Washington, DC, C Company
o SGT John E. Rarrick, Beaver Dams, NY, C Company (Dist Svc Cross)
o CPL Severiano Rios, Oak Creek, WI, C Company

• F Co, 75th Inf Rgt
o SFC Alvin W. Floyd, Augusta, GA, (Dist Svc Cross)
o SSG Michael F. Thomas, Louisville, KY
o SGT Donald W. Tinney, New York, NY (DoW 04/14/1970) (Silver Star)

• B Btry, 2nd Bn, 77th Arty Rgt
o 2LT Orville E. Kitchen, Dayton, OH

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Donald.

Although you've been gone a long time now you are still remembered dearly. I will never forget the first time I saw you, such a sweet baby boy. We were so close in age you were more like a baby brother than a nephew....I was so proud of you. Gone but never forgotten.....RIP!

Altho I didn't know him well, I was devastated by the loss of a family member way too young to die, but a very brave soul.

i had already left vietnam and was already out of the military when you gave the ultimate sacrifice.. i was with the 173rd. airborne brigade in 1967. i have never forgotten any fallen hero and never will. you are truly home now with the lord jesus christ. peace be to your family.