THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

On May 28, 1969, the newly activated Recon Platoon of E Company, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, was airmobiled into what was believed a cold landing zone two miles northwest of the Ben Luc Bridge at the “Eagle’s Beak” in Long An Province, RVN. The unit, having only worked together two weeks, spotted several Viet Cong (VC) scattering into the wood line as they touched down. When the Recon Platoon gave chase, heavy machine gun fire from a nearby structure cut down the command group. Hit from the rear and right flank, five men, including the platoon leader, were killed and one wounded. The lost men included 1LT Patrick M. Dixon, SP4 Marvin C. Briss, SGT Earl A. Godman, SP5 David L. Tiffany, and SP4 Dick E. Whitney. Contact between the battalion commander’s Command & Control (C&C) helicopter and the platoon was lost, prompting a Forward Observer (FO) flying with the commander, a lieutenant, to request being put on the ground with the rest of the platoon to reestablish contact. The FO assumed command of the platoon for the rest of the mission. During subsequent fighting, helicopter gunships and door gunners on the C&C ship killed five enemy. The deadly enemy machine gun fire was ultimately silenced when a member of Recon ran to the bunkered structure, leaped on top, and dropped a grenade inside while the rest of the platoon provided covering fire. Shortly after, 3rd Platoon, Company B, 5/60, was air-inserted in the contact zone, and combined with “Mad Dog” gunships of the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, killed ten more enemy. First Platoon, B-5/60, was inserted to cordon off the enemy escape, and with air strikes, killed four more VC. After sealing off the area, the battalion commander, a lieutenant colonel, established a command post on the ground, directing artillery and gunship strikes during the night. A sweep of the battle area the following morning recovered eight additional bodies and a variety of enemy equipment. [“5-60 kills 41 enemy in 2 Long An fights.” The Old Reliable (9th Infantry Division publication), June 11, 1969]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us...

Specialist Four Marvin Clarence Briss, Served with the Reconnaissance Platoon, Company E, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Spec 4 Briss,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Tomorrow is Independence Day, and it is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.