THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Sp4 Roy Wiegand, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Your 55th anniversary is in 4 days, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 9th Day of Christmas. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Specialist Four Roy Victor Wiegand, Served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

On the evening of October 10, 1967, a squad sized ambush patrol was placed about 100 meters west of A Company, 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry, 1st Cavalry Division's night laager location in the vicinity of the villages of Hoa Tan near Lake Dam Tra-O in coastal Binh Dinh Province. The patrol was led by SSG Jack Harwell, a combat veteran of the United States occupation of the Dominican Republic. The patrol left at dusk and was in position shortly thereafter. They formed an L-shaped ambush at a bend in the trail. Harwell later reported that an enemy patrol came complete through the ambush site. It was not explained why the ambush was not launched, but the enemy noticed the U.S. positions and gathered for an attack after exiting the kill zone. The enemy initiated the attack with hand grenades only. The patrol called for illumination rounds to be fired over the area. As soon as the illumination lit up the area, the enemy were fully exposed and PVT Thomas D. Pipkin Jr. opened fire with his M60 machine gun as intense small arms and automatic weapons fire were exchanged. There was a short lull as the initial illumination rounds burnt out, then a few more enemy grenades were tossed before more illumination was sent up again. One of the grenades exploded on PVT Pipkin's back, killing him instantly, and wounding SP4 Roy V. Wiegand and another soldier. After the engagement, the patrol rejoined the main body of A Company for the rest of the night. In the morning, three enemy bodies were found as well as numerous blood trails which were followed with no additional bodies being found. Two A Company infantrymen were awarded Bronze Stars for Valor in the action that night. SP4 Wiegand was evacuated to United States for treatment for his wounds. He died of pneumonia at David Grant USAF Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in California on January 6, 1968. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and ichiban1.org]

Dear SP4 Roy Victor Wiegand, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter