THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Toan Thang II ["Complete Victory"] (June 1, 1968 – February 16, 1969) was an operation conducted by the U.S. Army and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) designed to keep pressure on the Viet Cong (VC) and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces in Military Region III. At approximately 11:10 AM on November 29, 1968, a mechanized element of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, under operational control of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), engaged an estimated battalion-sized NVA force on Hill 194 while conducting a sweep of an area seven kilometers (4.3 miles) northeast of Loc Ninh in Binh Long Province, RVN. The enemy occupied a fortified bunker complex and used small arms, rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar fire against the U.S. troops. Company C, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry (Mechanized) returned fire with unit weapons including heavy automatic .50 caliber machine guns mounted on their M113 armored personnel carriers (APC’s). The Americans were supported by both tubed and aerial rocket artillery. They seized the hill after dismounting their APC’s and engaging in nearly four hours of heavy fighting, the troops intermingled with the opposing forces now dislodged from their fighting positions by air strikes and artillery. The NVA unsuccessfully tried to flank the Americans several times before contact was lost at 3:30 PM when they withdrew and evaded towards the Cambodian border. NVA losses were 78 killed with an assortment of weapons captured. The fighting cost the lives of seven Americans. The lost personnel included SP4 Melvin R. Green, SP4 Ervin E. Harris, SGT Billy E. Hughes II, PFC Jesus Q. Meno, SP4 John S. Pooler, 1LT Ted J. Rule, and SGT John R. Williams. Sixteen others were wounded. One armored personnel carrier was destroyed. Several troopers were posthumously awarded medals for bravery: Hughes, Pooler, Rule, and Williams received the Silver Star, and Green and Harris were presented the Bronze Star. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vvmf.org, and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), Period Ending 31 January 1969” at archive.org]

Nor shall your glory be forgot; While fame her record keeps, Or honor points the hallowed spot; Where valor proudly sleeps.

You were my great-great-grandmother's sister's son and my grandma's cousin. I have heard so many stories about you growing up in the family and you sound amazing! The Family and I thank you for your service.

Sergeant John Ray Williams, Served with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam. Montani Semper Liberi !

Dear Sgt John Williams, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Your 76th birthday is soon, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Martin Luther King Day. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.