THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Junction City was a joint U.S. and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) military action to locate the elusive “headquarters” of the Communist uprising in South Vietnam, the Central Office of South Vietnam (COSVN). The 82-day military operation began February 22, 1967, and comprised most of the 1st Infantry Division and the 25th Infantry Division including the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, the airborne troops of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and large armored elements of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (11th ACR). On March 10, 1967, the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry (Mechanized), 1st Infantry Division, was located at Fire Support Base II near Prek Klok along Route TL-4 in Tay Ninh Province, RVN. The base was constructed to launch limited search and destroy and route security missions plus blocking maneuvers on enemy escape routes in area. At 10:03 PM, FSB II was subjected to a thirty-minute mortar attack of 200 rounds of 120mm, 82mm, and 60mm mortars. This was followed immediately by a ground attack by two battalions of the 272nd Viet Cong (VC) Regiment. The 2/2 Infantrymen fought back with unit weapons and received supporting arms from coordinated artillery and airstrikes placed around the perimeter of the base. The battle continued until 5:00 AM when the VC broke contact. Policing of the battle area revealed 196 VC killed (by body count). U.S. losses were three dead and thirty-eight wounded. The lost personnel included PFC Joel A. Brown (A Co, 2/2 Inf), SP4 Edward S. Hall (C Co, 2/2 Inf), and SFC William E. Rager (168th Eng Bn). [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, After Action Report - Operation Junction City” at dtic.mil]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Distinguished Service Cross citation attests to your valor and devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered you will live in our hearts forever....

Dear PFC Brown,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Mike was also killed in Phuoc Long, say hi to him. It is another summer, as time continues to pass since Vietnam. 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.

PFC Joel A. Brown was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 2nd Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. On March 10, 1967, PFC Brown was serving as machine gunner on an armored personnel carrier near Prek Klok. Late at night, Brown's base camp came under heavy ground and mortar attack from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Brown continuously placed deadly accurate fire on the enemy until thrown from the carrier by the explosion of a rocket round. Badly shaken, he braved withering fire to carry an unconscious comrade to safety and once again returned to the line. As the attack intensified, Brown detected an enemy rocket position and directed effective fire upon it, knocking it out. Blown from the carrier by a second rocket round and seriously wounded, he continued to ignore his personal safety and maintained his lethal fire in support of his unit's now mounting counteroffensive. As his unit directed its counterattack, Brown continued to inflict heavy casualties upon the enemy until a third rocket round hit his carrier's turret mortally wounding him. [Taken from PFC Brown’s Distinguished Service Cross citation]

I'm proud of you in so many ways. I have heard many stories and also am honoured to be named after you Uncle. Please let your brothers and grammar B and all the rest of our family I miss and also love you all.l wish I would have meant you.I'm proud to have been named after you.