THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Putnam Paragon (May 18 – October 12, 1970) was a 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division search and clear operation in Binh Dinh Province, RVN. The 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry operated out of Fire Support Base Augusta where it arrived on August 19, 1970. The Battalion was positioned in the northern portion of the 2nd Brigade Area of Operations and conducted missions with emphasis on interdicting enemy movement in the Suoi Ca Valley. On September 26, 1970, Reconnaissance Platoon, E Company, 1/12 was preparing to leave an overnight ambush position eight kilometers (4.8 miles) southwest of Phu My in Binh Dinh Province, RVN, when a mechanical ambush device was accidentally detonated. The blast killed four platoon members. They included 1LT Joseph A. Silva, SGT John F. Buescher, SP5 Richard A. Taylor, and PFC John A. Ogrizek. The mishap occurred at 8:30 AM while retrieving a Claymore anti-personnel mine. Ogrizek was hit in the neck and killed instantly. He had been in Vietnam just over a month; he was posthumously promoted to Corporal. Buescher also died instantly after being hit in the back. Taylor, a medic assigned to E Company, sustained wounds to the chest and abdomen; he, too, died instantly. Silva, the platoon leader, was a West Point graduate. The casualties were flown to the 8th Field Hospital at Camp Radcliff and turned over to Graves Registration personnel. An investigating officer was appointed to gather facts about the incident. It is unclear what outcome it produced as the Army generally provided very little details regarding such incidents. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

SGT John Francis Buescher is buried in the Saint John Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, KY.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Hey, Buesch. == How can I forget those over arm throws from left or right field. ???? Plus how you got on Summers. & Grier. !! God bless you & may He take a liking to you. And. I look forward to hitting one over your head when we meet again. !!! Give my blessings to. Old Blood. & Guts. Georgie. Patton. !!!! Amen. !!!

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. May you rest in eternal peace.

Remember That Morning ALways - You Were a Professional Soldier - In Country & Served with You for Only 5 weeks