THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever.

Mine clearing forces were essential to the security of Vietnam’s waterways. This was particularly crucial on the rivers near the capital of Saigon, the country’s most vital port. Viet Cong mining of the rivers and channels could have had a devastating effect on the war effort. Consequently, on May 20, 1966, the U.S. Navy established Mine Squadron 11 (Detachment Alpha) at Nha Be, under command of Task Force 116 (TF-116). The minesweeping boats were 56-foot wooden-hulled vessels armed with machine guns and grenade launchers and carried surface radar and minesweeping gear for clearing explosives from key waterways. Six months after arriving in Vietnam, a TF 116 crewman was lost in a drowning incident near Nha Be. EN2 Eugene Underwood, an engineman with Mine Squad 11 (Detachment A), was lost on September 20th. His body was recovered two days later in the Soi Rap River. According to Navy reports, there was no evidence of hostile action or foul play. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and mrfa.org]

Dear PO2C Eugene Underwood, Thank you for your service as an Engineman 2nd Class. Your 56th anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. 9/11's anniversary is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Taken from the Napa Register (Napa, CA), September 27, 1966, courtesy of Elena Smith, California State Library, Sacramento, CA.

Never forgotten.

Semper Fortis