THE WALL OF FACES

SP4 Charles C. Case was a combat engineer assigned to the 919th Engineer Company, 11th Armored Cavalry. On May 12, 1969, he was the driver of Track 42, an M113 armored personnel carrier (APC), on perimeter defense when Quan Loi Base Camp, Binh Long Province, RVN, came under a sapper (satchel charge) attack. During the battle, Track 42 pulled up to the perimeter and a sapper was able to throw a satchel charge into the driver’s hatch. SP4 Case caught it and drew it close to his body, shielding the rest of the crew from the blast. He gave his life for his crew. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and armystrongstories.com]

Charles was a cousin. His mother Evelyn remarried Bill Russell of Bayard, Iowa. They then moved to Des Moines. He was a quiet soul. I remember attending his funeral in 1969. Wish we had known him better. He was a true hero.

Dear SP4 Charles Cecil Case, 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

Rest in peace fellow cavalry trooper you are not forgotten. 'Here's to us who fought for it, the sheltered shall never know the price, or glory, of freedom.'by an anonymous Vietnam soldier

Charles is buried at Highland Cemetery in Bayard, Iowa. BSM-OLC PH