THE WALL OF FACES

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

Capt. John Yeatts, KIA, VN, Hero, (Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart) like his father, BGen Lynn Yeatts, WIA, WWII, Hero, (Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart) recipients, both.
I knew Johnny briefly in life when we were semi-military brats living in Ft. Worth, his dad a colonel and mine a major in the 49th Armored Division, Texas National Guard, (LONE STAR). At around 12 years old we were given the job of mascots during the 49th's summer camp training at Ft. Hood or Ft. Polk, (I can't remember which). Little did we know this job was going to be quickly relegated to shinning officer's boots. So much for the mascot stuff! We did this for 2 or 3 summers mainly because the money was great and it was a lot of fun.
Johnny and I lost contact with each other at about 15 -16 years old, but I do know we both entered the Army at about the same time, and both became officers after OCS. We served in Vietnam, in combat units at the same time but unfortunately, lost contact with each other. Johnny lost his life in My of 1969. As most VN veterans do, I felt guilt in being able to survive the ordeal and return home to a long productive, happy family life. Johnny was cheated.
I wish his other friends who knew him from their high school and/or college days would post a remembrance of him on this site to honor and celebrate his short legacy.
Johnny gave his life being a true hero, little did he know our US Government would let him die in vain. Vietnam was a war which could easily have been won, Johnny knew it, I knew it and the brass knew it, but it was not to be. A vast waste of humanity, 58,220 boys and girls lost, to be exact, most in their early 20's..... Rest in peace big John! C U Soon.

We graduated from high school together in ‘62. Had been class mates & friends for 4+ years. My husband served in Vietnam at the same time as you. I was so sorry to learn you passed there. Your spirit lives on with those that still gather to remember those days. Thank you for your service to our country and may our loving Father hold you close in his arms.

Dear Cap John Yeatts, Thank you for your service as an Armored Reconnaissance Unit Commander. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Lent has begun. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

LZ Buff was an Americal Division forward firebase southwest of Chu Lai in Quang Ngai Province, RVN. At approximately 1:23 AM on May 12, 1969, LZ Buff began receiving rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and mortar rounds. Between 40-45 RPG rounds were fired, and roughly 150 rounds of 82mm and 60mm mortar fire was received. While the barrage was under way, Viet Cong sappers entered the perimeter and were able to occupy some of the bunkers next to the wire for a period of time. The perimeter was reestablished and contacted continued with the enemy, which was estimated at two Viet Cong companies. A “Spooky” gunship came on station and contact with the enemy broke at 4:05 AM. Eight Americans were killed in the assault on LZ Buff, and another 20 were wounded. The lost U.S. personnel included (from A Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry): PFC Alan Asher, SP4 Robert E. Greth, SP4 William C. Knaus, PFC William E. Schaefer, PFC John W. Woodward Jr., PFC Roger E. Wooster, and CPT John M. Yeatts; also (from B Company, 26th Engineers) SSG Dennis M. Guilmette. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Ex-VC Finds Grass Greener on Other Side of Wire.” Pacific Stars & Stripes, October 10, 1969]