THE WALL OF FACES

On June 5, 1969, a 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division task force consisting of Companies B and C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, and Companies A and C, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, elements of the 3/49 Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) Regiment, and Company A, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor clashed sharply with the 268th Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army Regiment three miles northwest of Trang Bang in Hau Nghia Province, RVN. At 12:48 PM, the allied forces engaged a large concentration of entrenched enemy soldiers. Artillery and helicopter gunships were brought to bear on the enemy positions. In the exchange of fire, six Americans were killed, thirteen wounded, and three armored personnel carriers destroyed. The lost personnel included (from A/1/5) PFC Robert E. Langston (posthumously awarded Bronze Star medal), PFC Patrick E. Poppenga, and 2LT James D. Walker (posthumously awarded Silver Star medal); (from C/1/5) SP4 David P. Callahan (posthumously awarded Silver Star medal) and PFC James A. Mardis Jr.; and (from HHC/1/5) SP4 Charles M. Ramsey. Langston and Poppenga were posthumously promoted to Corporal, and Ramsey was posthumously promoted to Sergeant. A helicopter gunship from the 116th Assault Helicopter Company, call sign Stinger 552, a UH-1C (#66-00552), was shot down, crashing in the middle of the enemy position. Three crewmen survived the initial crash but were killed on the ground. The lost crew included pilots WO1 Richard J. Holman and 1LT Jimmy W. Crisp, crew chief SP4 Ronald R. Baker, and gunner SP4 Steven W. Herring. [Taken from virtualwall.org and 12thinfantry2ndbattalion.com]

I recall with fondness, playing so-called basketball with a paper bag taped to the wall and socks, with you and Bumpy. The St. Pat’s era was great and you and family were a presence in our lives. Day Day, I always looked up to you as an athlete and even better person.

Day Day ,as one of my 1st and best friends through st. pats years, we all knew you even then as a true patriot , brave warrior and competitor, and great american . You and your wonderful family exemplified the best characteristics of our american culture. Rest in peace day day , job well done. You earned and deserve all our thanks and appreciation for the america we enjoy today. Know that you will never be forgotten and always be remembered with love , honor and thanks for a life well lived. All respect and thanks, art freitas

I will never forget you or your family and all the great times at St. Pats. I think of you often

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..