THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

Dear PFC Larry Williams, Thank you for your service as a Heavy Vehicle Driver. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. MLK birthday weekend just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

On May 5, 1968, a U.S. 4th Infantry Division truck convoy was ambushed on Highway 14, eight miles south of Kontum City in Kontum Province, RVN. The 9:40 AM attack began when enemy gunners fired small arms, B-40 rockets, and mortars from both sides of the highway. Ten minutes later, the enemy launched a ground attack from the tree lines along the road. Tanks from the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) 3rd Armored Cavalry reacted immediately and began firing into the ambush. ARVN armored personnel carriers arrived at 11:00 AM, forcing their way into the tree line on the westside of the road and overran the enemy command post. ARVN Rangers and CIDG troopers reinforced the ground action, and U.S. Army helicopter gunships and American and Vietnamese Air Force tactical airstrikes and artillery supported the ground forces. The battle ended at 2:30 PM when enemy broke contact. A total of 121 enemy combatants were killed. American losses were eight killed and twenty-eight wounded. The lost U.S. personnel included SP4 Donald A. Campbell, SP4 John R. Crouse, PFC John L. Downing, SP4 Harold T. Henesy, SP4 William J. Safrit, SP4 Tommy L. Shehorn, PFC Larry D. Williams, and SP4 Jerry A. Wyman. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Larry.

We will never forget you and I carry your middle name proudly grandpa.