THE WALL OF FACES

The Cambodian incursion was a series of military operations conducted in eastern Cambodia in mid-1970 by South Vietnam and the United States. Operations were carried out by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) between April 29th and July 22nd, and by U.S. forces between May 1st and June 30th. The objective of the campaign was the defeat of the approximately 40,000 troops of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and the Viet Cong (VC) in the eastern border regions of Cambodia. On May 6th, the U.S. 1st and 2nd Brigades, 25th Infantry Division, launched Operation Toan Thang 44 against enemy Base Areas 353, 354, and 707 located across the border north and northeast of Tay Ninh Province, RVN. U.S. forces also hunted for the elusive Central Office for South Vietnam (COSVN), the alleged command center for communist efforts in South Vietnam. Search operations were conducted around the Cambodian town of Memot; however, the search proved futile. A significant ground contact occurred on the late afternoon of May 18th. While enroute to a night defensive position on National Road No.7, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment (Mechanized) was engaged by an unknown number of enemy eight kilometers (5.0 miles) northwest of Krek. The Americans returned fire with unit weapons supported by a Light Fire Team (helicopter gunships), a flare ship, a U.S. Air Force Fairchild AC-119G Shadow gunship, two airstrikes, and three artillery batteries firing 162 rounds of illumination and 578 rounds of HE [high explosive]. The enemy fire consisted of small arms, rocket-propelled grenades (RPG), and mortar fire until 7:35 PM when contact was lost. Seven enemy were killed, and one RPG launcher was captured. U.S. casualties were three killed, three wounded, and light damage to one armored personnel carrier. The lost troopers included SSG Gary W. Britton, SGT Carwain L. Herrington, and SP4 James J. Wilkinson Jr. All three men were decorated for bravery, Herrington and Wilkinson receiving the Silver Star, and Britton the Bronze Star. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 25th Infantry Division, Period Ending 31 July 1970” at dtic.mil]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your friend Tony Coakley is moving. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

You were beloved by our friend, DVE, and so this Memorial Day, we especially pause to remember you and express our eternal gratitude for your selfless gift of the last full measure of devotion so that we can be free.

With love and gratitude,
The Barthel Family
(Billings, Montana)

Staff Sergeant Gary William Britton 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 an Infantryman and was assigned to C CO, 2ND BN, 22ND INFANTRY, 25TH INF DIV.
See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org/

Gary, I was your platoon sergeant. And when I was lucky enough to land a base camp job, you were promoted and took my place. I sometimes wonder if, with another twist of fate, my name would be in your place on the Wall. You were a valuable member of the team, a fine soldier.