THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

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

Operation Iola (January 27 – February 3, 1967) was a 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment security mission for the movement of the 9th Infantry Division from the port of Vung Tau along National Highway QL-15 to Bearcat Base near Bien Hoa in Bien Hoa Province, RVN. For Iola, the 5th Cavalry had been formed into a task force consisting of one troop from the 3rd Squadron, 11th Cavalry, and a platoon from both the 3rd and 4th Battalions, 39th Infantry. At the same time, 3rd Squadron occupied strong points along QL-15 and recovered downed vehicles from search and destroy operations in the adjacent jungle. At 7:45 PM on January 29th, A Troop was attacked by an estimated Viet Cong (VC) platoon along the Bien Hoa-Phuoc Tuy Province border, two miles east of QL-15. Supported by mortars, the VC had a 57mm recoilless rifle, small arms, and automatic weapons. In response, the troop called in supporting artillery fire and helicopter gunships. U.S. losses in the engagement were three killed and thirteen wounded. The lost personnel included SSG Charles E. Faggett (Silver Star) from A Company, 4th Bn, 39th Infantry, and SGT Lynn L. Miles (C Troop, 3/5) and PFC Gary E. Ward (A Troop, 3/5). Enemy losses were estimated at three killed and twelve wounded. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Third Squadron, Fifth Cavalry in Vietnam” at 3-5cav-blackknights.org]