THE WALL OF FACES

50 years ago today, Richard and I celebrated Christmas at Dong Ha.

Richard and I were on detachment at Dong Ha for four months. He was a rough terrain forklift operator, and I was a Seabee Mechanic. We both returned to DaNang about the same time. I remember him getting orders to a ship in Norfolk, but he was a short timer when he was killed, two weeks before going home.

Early on May 5, 1968, several military installations at Da Nang, Quang Nam Province, RVN, were hit in a widespread rocket and mortar attack. This well-coordinated attack in which all targets were hit almost simultaneously was the first having cargo handling facilities in Da Nang as a primary target. At about 0130 hours, five 122mm rockets impacted near the bridge ramp. Two of them hit the forward main deck of the LST 822 which was anchored pierside, resulting in three killed, four missing, and 23 wounded. When accounting for the casualties was completed, a total of eight Army personnel were dead. Two rounds that landed on the ramp at the freight terminal section caused minor damage, however, fragments from the blasts killed Navy seaman SN Richard C. Wyatt who was helping load LCU-1614 when the attack on the port facilities began. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and bluewaternavy.org]

Dear SN Richard Coleman Wyatt, 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

You gave your life for your country and for this we Salute You.