THE WALL OF FACES

Hill 881 North was one of several hill masses north of the Khe Sanh Combat Base (KSCB) in northwest Quang Tri Province. To prevent North Vietnamese Army observation of KSCB and the possible use as of the peaks as firebases, the hills surrounding Khe Sanh Valley had to be continuously occupied and defended by Marine elements. On January 20, 1968, I Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, 3rd Marine Division conducted a reconnaissance-in-force off Hill 881S towards Hill 881N. Departing at 5:00 AM, the company moved in two parallel columns 500 yards apart, 1st Platoon on the left followed by 2nd Platoon, and 3rd Platoon with six Recon Marines on the right. At 9:00 AM, the Marines crossed the narrow valley floor and began the climb up Hill 881N. During Company I's ascent, the enemy opened fire, forcing 3rd Platoon to the ground. The other column surged forward on the left in an attempt to flank the North Vietnamese but was almost immediately stopped by heavy fire causing several casualties. With artillery support falling, 3rd Platoon charged to the crest of Hill 881N, led by 2LT Thomas D. Brindley who was cut down by a sniper’s bullet. The 3rd Platoon was joined on the hill by 2nd Platoon only to find numerous Marines missing from the initial assault. Some had fallen wounded during the attack while others had pursued the fleeing enemy. 2LT Michael H. Thomas organized a rescue effort, recovering six wounded Marines under murderous enemy fire. Thomas was wounded carrying out the sixth man and refused evacuation while continuing to search for other missing men. He was killed during these efforts. While I Company fought at close quarters, Marines on Hill 881S poured recoilless rifle and mortar fire into the North Vietnamese on Hill 881N. Refused reinforcements, I Company was ordered to break contact and return to Hill 881S. Air strikes and artillery covered their withdrawal as they backed down the face of Hill 881N. They arrived at Hill 881S at 6:00 PM. The company lost five killed and thirty-five wounded. The lost personnel included: (from I/3/26) Brindley, Thomas, and PFC James A. Collins; and (from B Co, 3rd Recon Bn) CPL Charles W. Bryan and PFC Paul M. Beddoe Jr. Bryan, Brindley, and Thomas were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, and Collins was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal. North Vietnamese dead were estimated at one hundred. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Defining Year, 1968” by Shulimson]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Navy Cross citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. May you rest in eternal peace.

Without people like you our great nation would not exist. Rest in peace CPL. Bryan, I salute your brave soul. Semper Fidelis!

Corporal Charles William Bryan, Served with Company B, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear Corporal Charles Bryan,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. 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.