THE WALL OF FACES

I was on watch in the communication shack and took the radio call when the firefight began.

On May 24, 1967, a river patrol composed of two PBR’s (river patrol boats) from River Division 53, Task Force 116, was being conducted on the Ham Luong River in Kien Hoa Province, RVN. When approximately six miles from Ben Tre, the boats, PBR 101 and PBR 106, received intense enemy fire from the north bank of the river. Automatic weapons fire was unleashed from several Viet Cong positions along the bank. The leading boat, PBR 101, returned the fire and was almost immediately hit forward by a round of 57mm recoilless rifle fire. The round killed the patrol officer, LT Charles D. Witt, and the forward gunner, ENFN Terry F. Leazer, and the boat captain, ETR2 Roy L. Castleberry. Moments later, machine gun fire killed the midships gunner, SN Michael C. Quinn, as the PBR veered toward the bank out of control. The PBR’s sole survivor, SN M.J. Devlin, was wounded but managed to bring the stricken boat under control and turn clear of the range of fire. PBR 106 covered 101’s withdrawal and launched a high-speed run against the enemy positions. During the ensuing heavy exchange of fire, a 57mm round struck the boats vertical armor, killing a Vietnamese National Maritime Policeman, and seriously wounding the boat captain and after gunner. In addition, the round’s impact disabled the boat’s port engine. The PBR continued the engagement, weaving and delivering a high volume of fire at the stretch of enemy sites until the PBR’s supply of ammunition was nearly exhausted. Shortly thereafter, a PBR patrol from an adjacent area rendezvoused with PBR’s 101 and 106 and escorted them to Ben Tre. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear LT Charles Don Witt, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the nsilent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort othwer hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

Lt. Charles Witt was in my Jungle training group in the Phillipeans and he befriended me there in the jungle. He was very proud of his family and took a picture out of his wallet and showed me his wife and son and daughter. I will always remember that picture. He and I traveled together to MyTho on a Dehavalend carabou and Lt. was assigned as CO of 531 and I was assigned to the 131 boat of 532. My memory of him was that he was tall and a fine officer and gentleman. I am honored to have served with him.