THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Allen Brook (May 4 - August 24, 1968) was a U.S. Marine Corps operation on Go Noi Island, located approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of Da Nang, RVN, and to the west of National Route QL-1. The island was a Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army stronghold and base area. On May 18th, M Company, 3/27 Marines was airlifted from Cau Ha Base Camp to reinforce I Company, 3/27 who were engaged with a strong enemy force. After being set down, M/3/27 disposed of their extra gear and moved up on their bellies to the sounds of the fighting. Explosions and tracer fire guided them to the battle area. The company spread out in an exposed area in front of a tree line with only paddy dikes, scrub brush, and elephant grass for cover. Moving slowly, they advanced into a hail of rifle, machine gun, rocket-propelled grenade, and mortar fire coming from well-concealed bunkers. As they closed on the enemy position, the withering fire trapped the Marines, and unable to advance or withdraw, they called in 105mm artillery and 81mm mortar fire, marching it back in forth on the bunkers fifty yards to their front. In this way the battle continued over the next several hours. A 1st Platoon machine gunner crawled forward to reach a critically wounded LCPL Donald B. Jones lying in an exposed area. As the Marine tried to drag him back, Jones’ utility belt dug into the sand. A second Marine, CPL Richard C. Abbate, came forward to assist and began removing the belt. The rescuers were suddenly raked by fire. Both men wounded, Abbate fatally after taking a round to the face. An hour later, air support arrived and dropped several cannisters of napalm on the enemy position. When the fire slackened, more Marines came up and pulled the three back to the landing zone. The one wounded and two dead (Jones had expired) were placed on a medivac and flown to Da Nang. When Allen Brook concluded, U.S. losses amounted to 172 killed with another 1124 wounded. Enemy losses were placed at 917 enemy killed (body count). [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, wikipedia.org, and information provided by Gerald E. Mallon, L/Cpl. USMC Retired (May 2023)]

i knew your brother Steve(RIP) very well, i graduated from EP High in'63. i was with the 7th Marines at ChuLai 10/65-11/66.. RIP Marine

Dear Richard Abbate, today in my class we are learning of your sacrifice in Vietnam. Thank you for serving for our country, and fighting a war you may not have believed in. Thank you for making the largest sacrifice someone could make.

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace CPL. Abbate, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family. Semper Fidelis!

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

As long as you are remembered you will never die....