THE WALL OF FACES

The 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was fully deployed to South Vietnam in early 1965. Based at Nha Trang, the group operated throughout all four military regions. It established and manned camps at 270 locations, purposely placed near enemy infiltration routes in remote locations. Holding key territories, the camps safeguarded lines of communication and patrolled the entire length of South Vietnam’s rugged border with Cambodia. The Special Forces trained and led indigenous forces of the Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) on reconnaissance and direct-action missions, attacking Viet Cong (VC) strongholds and penetrating their bastions. Tong Le Chon was a 5th Special Forces Group Detachment A-334 base in Tay Ninh Province, RVN. The camp was located beside the Saigon River on communal Route 248, eight kilometers (5.0 miles) southeast of the Fishhook, and approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) southwest of An Loc. The outpost was first established in 1967 to monitor communist infiltration from base areas in the Fishhook region of Cambodia. On January 9, 1968, a joint operation consisting of a Camp Strike Force (CSF) company from Tong Le Chon and elements of the U.S. Army’s 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment were ambushed 32 kilometers (19.2 miles) northeast of Tay Ninh city by an unknown size Viet Cong force with rocket-propelled grenades from a distance of 50 yards. The Calvary unit made a mounted assault on the enemy positions while the A-334 elements provided a base of fire causing the enemy to break contact and withdraw. During the fighting, one Special Forces soldier, SP4 Michael J. Brunner, was killed and two CSF soldiers were wounded. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 5th Special Forces Group (Abn), 1st Special Forces - Operational Report - Lessons Learned for Quarter Ending 31 Jan 68” at apps.dtic.mil]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Patricia Porter is especially poignant. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

Dear Spec 4 Michael Brunner,
Thank you for your service as a Special Forces Qualified Infantryman. 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.

Just thinking of you ~~~

Dear SP4 Michael James Brunner, 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