THE WALL OF FACES

Even though I never had the opportunity to get to know you, I am proud of how you served our nation in the greatest way possible. Thank you for your service, and I am honored to be related to you.

All I can say is thank you. I can never pay the price, but I am forever thankful for your sacrifice. You are not forgotten.

During December 1967, the 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment commenced Operation Reindeer in the Long Thanh District of Bien Hoa Province, RVN. Launched from Bearcat Base, the 5th Cav’s mission was to interdict east-west enemy lines of communication across National Highway QL-15 from the Phu My airstrip in the south to Long Thanh in the north. The 5th Cav also was to provide a ready reaction force and conduct strike operations throughout its area of responsibility. For the operation, the squadron established a fire support base north of Thai Thien occupied by B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 35th Artillery (155SP). On the night of December 20th, the fire support base was attacked by the Viet Cong. In the heat of the battle, 5th Cav’s A and C Troops and the artillerymen received an emergency resupply of ammunition conducted by D Troop UH-1D helicopters and Bearcat-based CH-47 helicopters of the 200th Assault Helicopter Company “Pachyderms.” During the fighting, C Troop lost four men killed, and collectively there were fifteen wounded. The lost C Troopers included SSG Ronald S. Allen III (died of wounds 12/21/1967), PFC William A. Carter (posthumously promoted to Corporal), PFC Danny J. Fisher, and SSG Leroy Jefferson. In addition, one armored personnel carrier was destroyed, and one tank damaged by rocket-propelled grenade fire. The enemy sustained twenty-one killed, two wounded, and two captured. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Third Squadron, Fifth Cavalry in Vietnam” at 3-5cav-blackknights.org]

Oh, Bud I miss you so. Our last Thanksgiving I remember so well, along with the day that you left for Vietnam. MaryNell is now with you.
I Love you both so.

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 never truly die.