THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Ssgt Joaquin Cabrera,
Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Infantryman. Today is my Mom's birthday, say hi to her, her name is Rose. 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.

SSGT Joaquin P. Cabrera was a platoon sergeant serving with B Company, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry. On November 6, 1967, B Company, 4-503rd, was combat assaulted atop of Hill 823 in the jungles of Dak To Province to accompany their sister companies who were already deployed nearby. Fourth Battalion was attempting to locate the NVA’s 66th Regiment, which had infiltrated from Cambodia. An NVA force had been on Hill 823 before B Company’s arrival, however, they were smashed by preparatory artillery fire on the hilltop before the assault. The shattered force abandoned the peak, leaving behind broken rifle stocks and rucksacks. B Company established a defensive perimeter on the hill, but by mid-afternoon the NVA began attacking their position. After nightfall, Hill 823 was subjected to a succession of individual and squad-sized probes. At 0330 hours, eight to ten North Vietnamese emerged from a gully to suddenly assault the perimeter. Accompanied by a shower of hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenade fire, they nearly succeeded in penetrating the American lines. Defensive fire drove them back, and in the brief, violent exchange, SSGT Cabrera was fatally wounded. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Three Companies at Dak To” by Allan W. Sandstrum from the book “Seven Firefights in Vietnam,” Office of the Chief of Military History, United States Army]

SSGT Joaquin P. Cabrera was a platoon sergeant serving with B Company, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry. On November 6, 1967, B Company, 4-503rd, was combat assaulted atop of Hill 823 in the jungles of Dak To Province to accompany their sister companies who were already deployed nearby. Fourth Battalion was attempting to locate elements of the NVA’s 66th Regiment which had infiltrated from Cambodia. An NVA force had been on Hill 823 before B Company’s arrival, however, they were smashed by preparatory artillery fire on the hilltop before the assault. The shattered force abandoned the peak, leaving behind broken rifle stocks and rucksacks. B Company established a defensive perimeter on the hill, but by mid-afternoon the NVA began attacking their position. After nightfall, Hill 823 was subjected to a succession of individual and squad-sized probes. At 0330 hours, eight to ten North Vietnamese emerged from a gully to suddenly assault the perimeter. Accompanied by a shower of hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenade fire, they nearly succeeded in penetrating the American lines. Defensive fire drove them back, and in the brief, violent affair, SSGT Cabrera was fatally founded. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Three Companies at Dak To” by Allan W. Sandstrum from the book “Seven Firefights in Vietnam,” Office of the Chief of Military History, United States Army]

Thank you Staff Sergeant Cabrera for your devotion, leadership, and courage.

Dear SSGT Joaquin Palacios Cabrera, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter