THE WALL OF FACES

'Guy' Carter was my little league coach. I remember him as a caring young man who would give us rides home in Chevy Nova! I could not understand this when it happened, even less so today.

Dear Sp4 Thurl Carter,
Thank you for your service as a Field Artillery Basic. 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 strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Fire Support Base Rita was located in the "Fishhook" area near the Cambodian border in Tay Ninh Province, RVN. It had been established to block NVA infiltration from Cambodia into South Vietnam. On November 1, 1968, FSB Rita was occupied by units of 8th Battalion, 6th Artillery; B Troop, 1/4th Cavalry; and 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry. Just after 0300 hours on November 1st, FSB Rita came under attack by North Vietnamese Army units. At the outset, the base was subjected to heavy mortar, artillery, and RPG attack, followed by a human wave assault against the northwestern defensive perimeter. Sappers and enemy infantry penetrated the perimeter, resulting in fighting within the northwestern section of FSB Rita. The artillery commander, LTC Charles C. Rogers, rallied his men and beat back the initial assault. A second massed assault followed, and again LTC Rogers led a successful defense. As dawn broke, a third massed attack was launched. Rogers, now with three serious wounds, no longer was able to physically lead his men but continued to direct the defense, and once again the NVA were repulsed. The battle continued until about 0800, when increasing air support forced the NVA to break off the attack and retreat across the border to sanctuary in Cambodia. While one Medal of Honor (LTC Rogers) and one Distinguished Service Cross (SP4 Lester Williams Jr., posthumously) were won that morning, the attack cost the lives of fourteen American soldiers: SP4 Thurl G. Carter III, SP4 Charles G. Costin (an 18-year-old cook who volunteered to man one of the .50 caliber machine guns on the perimeter), SP4 Ronnie Courtney, SGT James E. Graves, SGT Wendell D. McBurrows, SP4 Lester Williams Jr., SP4 Michael P. Alongi Jr., SP4 Wayne K. Laine, SP4 Marvin N. Propson, SGT Thomas W. Bayonet, SGT James M. Ciupinski, CPL William K. Alameda, SSGT James R. Norris, and PFC James E Martin. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vvmf.org, and info provided by Mack Easley at vvmf.org (November 2003)]

I don't know Thurl G Carter III but he is remembered by my father who served with Carter C BTRY, 8TH BN, 6TH ARTY RGT, 1 INF DIV, Army of the United States and was stationed with Carter at FSB Rita on Nov 1st, 1968.

The son of a close neighbor, a boy who loved bugs, butterflies and all sorts of those things. Will never forget him. Brings tears to my eyes still today. A song played at his wedding and a year later at the funeral. "YOU'LL NEVE WALK ALONE" --and you do not dear boy.