THE WALL OF FACES

By chance, I found your name today. It happened upon what would have been your 80th birthday. You were just 2 weeks older than me. Rest Easy, Marine. Til Valhalla.

Hill 881 North was one of several hill masses north of the Khe Sanh Combat Base (KSCB) in northwest Quang Tri Province. To prevent North Vietnamese Army observation of KSCB and the possible use as of the peaks as firebases, the hills surrounding Khe Sanh Valley had to be continuously occupied and defended by Marine elements. On January 20, 1968, I Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, 3rd Marine Division conducted a reconnaissance-in-force off Hill 881S towards Hill 881N. Departing at 5:00 AM, the company moved in two parallel columns 500 yards apart, 1st Platoon on the left followed by 2nd Platoon, and 3rd Platoon with six Recon Marines on the right. At 9:00 AM, the Marines crossed the narrow valley floor and began the climb up Hill 881N. During Company I's ascent, the enemy opened fire, forcing 3rd Platoon to the ground. The other column surged forward on the left in an attempt to flank the North Vietnamese but was almost immediately stopped by heavy fire causing several casualties. With artillery support falling, 3rd Platoon charged to the crest of Hill 881N, led by 2LT Thomas D. Brindley who was cut down by a sniper’s bullet. The 3rd Platoon was joined on the hill by 2nd Platoon only to find numerous Marines missing from the initial assault. Some had fallen wounded during the attack while others had pursued the fleeing enemy. 2LT Michael H. Thomas organized a rescue effort, recovering six wounded Marines under murderous enemy fire. Thomas was wounded carrying out the sixth man and refused evacuation while continuing to search for other missing men. He was killed during these efforts. While I Company fought at close quarters, Marines on Hill 881S poured recoilless rifle and mortar fire into the North Vietnamese on Hill 881N. Refused reinforcements, I Company was ordered to break contact and return to Hill 881S. Air strikes and artillery covered their withdrawal as they backed down the face of Hill 881N. They arrived at Hill 881S at 6:00 PM. The company lost five killed and thirty-five wounded. The lost personnel included: (from I/3/26) Brindley, Thomas, and PFC James A. Collins; and (from B Co, 3rd Recon Bn) CPL Charles W. Bryan and PFC Paul M. Beddoe Jr. Bryan, Brindley, and Thomas were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, and Collins was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal. North Vietnamese dead were estimated at one hundred. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Defining Year, 1968” by Shulimson]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Navy Cross citation attests to your courage and devotion to our country . May you rest in eternal peace.

Thomas Drew Brindley

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Thomas Drew Brindley (MCSN: 0-101761), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 January 1968. Lieutenant Brindley's unit was maneuvering toward Hill 881, near Khe Sanh, when the lead elements suddenly came under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire and sustained several casualties. Reacting instantly, he directed a heavy volume of fire against the enemy and moved his second squad to the point of heaviest contact. Despite the tall elephant grass which restricted movement, he effectively deployed and controlled his men, while suppressing the hostile fire sufficiently to enable the casualties to be taken from the area. Quickly shifting his unit to the base of the hill, under covering fire, Lieutenant Brindley lead an aggressive assault against the opposing force which was entrenched in well-fortified positions supported by .50 caliber machine gun emplacements. Ignoring the fire impacting around him, he continuously moved among his men, encouraging them, controlling the squads and directing his unit's return fire. As the Marines reached the crest of the hill and overran the North Vietnamese positions, they again came under intense fire and suffered additional casualties. In an attempt to pinpoint the source of enemy fire, Lieutenant Brindley, while freely moving throughout the fire-swept area, was struck by hostile fire and fell mortally wounded. By his inspiring leadership and unyielding devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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 Thomas.