THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Junction City (February 22 – May 14, 1967) was conducted by U.S. and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) forces to locate the elusive “headquarters” of the Communist uprising in South Vietnam. During the month of February, U.S. forces had only one significant encounter with the enemy. On the late morning of the 28th, the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division was conducting reconnaissance of the dense jungle east of Route TL-4 near Prek Klok in Tay Ninh Province when a platoon from B Company became heavily engaged with a large, well-armed Viet Cong force. As the contact developed, it became apparent that B/1-16 Infantry was engaged with a battalion-sized VC force (later identified as the 101st NVA Regiment) and was in danger of being overrun. Supporting arms of airstrikes and artillery fire were directed onto the enemy positions. B/1-18 Infantry and the remainder of 1-16 Infantry were airlifted to a landing zone near the contact to reinforce the besieged B/16 Infantry. Contact was broken at 4:20 PM. Enemy losses were put at 167 killed (body count) with one prisoner captured. American losses were 25 killed with 27 wounded. The lost U.S. personnel included 1LT David M. Anthony (posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal), PFC Richard I. Bermejo, PFC Robert J. Calvillo (posthumously promoted to Corporal and awarded the Bronze Star medal), PFC Juan Casiano, SP4 Charles Combs, PFC Steven W. Couch (posthumously awarded the Bronze Star medal), SP4 Russell W. Dickens, PFC Kenneth M. Edwards, SSG John H. Graham, PFC Larry C. Harris, PFC Michael J. Heal (posthumously promoted to Corporal), SP4 Budd E. Hood, PFC William W. Hood, PFC James F. Lamn (posthumously promoted to Corporal), SFC Matthew Leonard (posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor), PFC Patrick N. Lyons, PFC Ralph D. McNew (posthumously promoted to Corporal and awarded the Bronze Star medal), PFC Stanley G. Miller, SP4 Danny R. Parkulo, PFC Lee E. Reukauf, SSG Douglas A. Rix, PFC Harry T. Satterfield (posthumously promoted to Corporal), PFC John A. Seravalli (posthumously promoted to Corporal), SP4 Hubert O. Th-uot (posthumously awarded the Bronze Star medal), and SP4 Robert D. Yorker. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, 1 February 1967 - 30 April 1967” at archive.com]

I have been told several great things about many of my late relatives, however, I seem to have dreamed of you years ago, so for this reason and one of many. It has peeked my interest to know more about you. I'm proud to be a Calvillo. Even when I was married I never planned on changing my last name. Rest in peace in Hero Heaven.

Corporal Robert Jess Calvillo, Served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

I just happen to see your photo and what caught my eye was we both have the same last name which is not very common.Even though we are not related I feel a sadness because we share the same last name.What makes it more emotional for me is today's date July 9, 54 years ago today, I was wounded in action.RIP my brother.

robert and i were friends at bhs class of 65 i have never forgotten him i too was army vietnam class of 67-68