THE WALL OF FACES

The Cambodian incursion was a series of military operations conducted in eastern Cambodia in mid-1970 by South Vietnam and the United States. Thirteen operations were conducted by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) between April 29th and July 22nd, and by U.S. forces between May 1st and June 30th. The objective of the campaign was the defeat of the approximately 40,000 troops of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and the Viet Cong (VC) in the eastern border regions of Cambodia. On May 6th, the U.S. 1st and 2nd Brigades, 25th Infantry Division, launched Operation Toan Thang 44 against Base Areas 353, 354 and 707 located across the border north and northeast of Tay Ninh Province, RVN. U.S. forces also hunted for the elusive Central Office for South Vietnam (COSVN), the alleged command center for communist efforts in South Vietnam. Search operations were conducted around the Cambodian town of Memot; however, the search proved futile. The 1st and 2nd Brigades continued searching Base Areas 707 and 353 on May 26, 1970. Contact was light and scattered, with one significant cache located. Earlier that morning, at 4:40 AM, a night defensive position 200 yards southwest of Memong occupied by 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division forces received small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an unknown-sized enemy force. The American unit from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, returned fire with unit weapons and received artillery, aerial rocket artillery, Light Fire Team (helicopter gunships), and U.S. Air Force AC-119G Shadow and Night Hawk gunship support. Enemy losses were unknown; U.S. forces sustained four killed and twenty-one wounded. The lost personnel included PFC William J. Bunting, SFC Carl W. Crowe (Silver Star), PFC Clarence R. Lavoie, and SSG Robert Washington. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, wikipedia.org, and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 25th Infantry Division, Period Ending 31 July 1970” at archive.org]

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

PFC William Joseph Bunting was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He served as an Infantryman and was assigned to the 3RD PLT, A CO, 2ND BN, 60TH INFANTRY, 9TH INF DIV.
See http://www.virtualwall.org/db/BuntingWJ01a.htm

Dear PFC William Bunting,
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.

Dear PFC William Joseph Bunting, 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, Sir

Curt Carter