THE WALL OF FACES

The Plei Trap Valley is located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, running roughly parallel and adjacent to the Cambodian border. A very long, large, and desolate region, it was a major North Vietnamese Army (NVA) sanctuary and the scene of heavy fighting throughout the war. During Operation Wayne Grey (March 1 – April 14, 1969), the 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division sought out the NVA’s 24th and 66th Infantry Regiments believed to be operating in the Plei Trap Valley. The objective was to cut off lines of communication and supply to the enemy as well as preventing them from retreating into Cambodia. Wayne Grey began with a combat assault by A Company, 3/12 Infantry, into Landing Zone Swinger. After securing LZ Swinger for artillery emplacement, brigade rifle companies spread out into the valley looking for NVA troops. On the afternoon of March 3rd, A Company, 3/8 Infantry, established a night defensive position (NDP) on the west slope of Chu Robang Mountain. A security patrol was sent out from the perimeter and found two NVA fleeing east up the mountain. A platoon pursued them and became engaged with an enemy force. The remainder of the company reinforced and made contact with an estimated enemy battalion. The fighting was heavy, and the Artillery Forward Observer's radioman was killed in the first few minutes, reducing the effectiveness of artillery support. The contact rapidly degenerated into a violent, up-close infantry fight. After 90 minutes, the company broke contact and withdrew to its NDP. Aerial units and artillery were employed throughout the night around the perimeter. The battle cost Alpha 3/8th Infantry twenty-one men. The lost personnel included company commander CPT Dennis R. Isom, 1LT Robert E. Griffith (Bronze Star), SGT George R. Robinson, SP4 Melvin L. Applebury, SP4 Philip L. Baker (medic from HHC-3/8th, Silver Star), SP4 Fred D. Burton, SP4 Dennis J. Coll (Silver Star), SP4 Charlie Fields, SP4 Rodger D. Force, SP4 Rupert W. Goebel Jr. (medic from HHC-3/8th), SP4 Barry D. Horton (Silver Star), SP4 Willie J. Hudson, SP4 Vernon E. Lail Jr., SP4 William J. Schaaf, SP4 Joseph Schmich Jr., PFC Paul J. Buczolich, PFC Michael England, PFC William T. Rector Jr., PFC Layne M. Santos (C Btry, 6/29th Arty), PFC David A. Seiber (Silver Star), and PFC Willard A. Wimmer. [Sourced at coffeltdatabase.org, virtualwall.org, and “Where We Were in Vietnam” by Michael P. Kelley]

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

Private First Class Paul Joseph Buczolich, Served with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Paul...Honoring You on your birthday....You will never be forgotten...God Bless

Dear PFC Paul Buczolich,
Thank you for your service as an 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.