THE WALL OF FACES

Dear BMC Samuel Chavous,
Thank you for your service as a Chief Boatswain't Mate. It is Veterans' Day. Thank you for your service. This is the month that we remember all those who have passed-on. We remember you. It is so 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.

On April 4, 1968, beach landings of mobile riverine force troops on the banks of the Giao Hoa Canal one mile from the My Tho River in the Truc Giang District of Kien Hoa Province was met by a devastating ambush. The dense foliage along the shore concealed heavily fortified bunkers. The withering onslaught took the lives of five U.S. Army riverine troops and wounded 60. A U.S. Navy monitor (92-2) which was providing support fire during the firefight was hit by a RPG-7 HEAT round which exploded inside the coxwain’s flat, killing the boat captain BMC Samuel C. Chavous Jr. and coxswain BM3 John D. Woodward. Two others were wounded. [Taken from U.S. Naval Forces Vietnam Monthly Historical Supplement April 1968, p 54]

Chief Petty Officer Samuel Calhoun Chavous Jr., Served aboard Monitor 92-2 (M-92-2), River Assault Squadron 9, River Assault Division 92, Task Force 117 (TF-117), United States Naval Forces Vietnam.

Dear BMC Samuel Calhoun Chavous Jr, 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