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 Ssgt Wayne Williams, Thank you for your service as a Light Air Defense Artillery Crewmember. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. You are remembered. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Staff Sergeant Wayne Richardson Williams was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Merit for his sustained meritorious service. He served as a Light Air Defense Artillery Crewmember and was assigned to B BTRY, 4TH BN, 60TH ARTILLERY, I FIELD FORCE.
See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org/detreq2.php

Wow! This one is personal. Fifty years ago today. Having survived the ambush at Ap Phu Nhon two months earlier while serving with 2-B-4/60th, SGT Wayne "Pops" Williams (Norfolk, VA) was killed when their hastily constructed bunker collapsed during a flash rain storm in on his crew during a 'hip-shoot' just a few miles south of the earlier battle.
I was there that day (or the day before) and it was special because I was not assigned to a duster crew and did not get out into the field that often. I remember the reaction force convoyed out to set up a temporary firing position in the Ir Drang valley area. Minimal perimeter, SP artillery and 4/60th Dusters and E-41st Quads for defense. It was the first time I got to see our weapons in full operation in the field. I actually remember the men trying to build a bunker with overhead protection for the night.
The tragic irony of the event was that one of the reasons the BC and I were at the location was to bring back one of his crew that had a severe drug addiction problem. Reportedly Wayne was in that EMs bunk location that night when the rain soaked the sandbags causing the collapse. The artillery unit was later cited for not providing sufficient construction supplies for the operation.
Many years later it was related to me by his Platoon Leader ("Fragman") at the time that after the March battle, Wayne confided in him that he did not think he was going to survive his tour of duty. An ominous yet prescient revelation.

Dear SSGT Wayne Richardson Williams, 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