THE WALL OF FACES

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…..

On February 20, 1969, elements of the 9th Infantry Division’s 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry and 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry were on the first day of a two-day operation in Kien Hoa Province, RVN, when they made contact with an enemy force of unknown-size four miles northeast of Giong Trom. The action began at 11:00 AM when gunships of Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry spotted and killed two enemy soldiers running into a wood line. When the gunships began receiving heavy automatic weapons fire, they called in airstrikes which destroyed seven enemy bunkers. Company B, 3-60 were close by conducting a sweep, and after being lifted into the area of contact, killed one Viet Cong (VC). The 3-5 gunships swept southeast ahead of the infantrymen, killing five more enemy. When Company B, 3-47 was inserted south of 3-60, they came under heavy automatic weapons fire. Surrounded, they ditched into canals and dikes for cover. Enemy snipers around their position were engaged with M60 machine guns. The battle continued until nightfall, the besieged B/3-47 reinforced on their left flank by A/3-47 and B/3-60 on their right. A Regional Forces Company was used as a blocking force, completing a cordon around the enemy. Artillery, gunships, and airstrikes pounded the area throughout the night and next day. An all-day sweep turned up ninety VC dead and scattered weapons and clothing. It was later determined the enemy force was the 516th VC Battalion. Interrogation of captured prisoners revealed the 516th was enroute to Ben Tre to lay siege on the city during a planned Winter-Spring Offensive but had been completely surprised by the U.S. forces. As a result of the contact, the attack failed to materialize. U.S losses were nine killed and ten wounded. The lost personnel included (B/3-47): PFC Michael D. Adams, PVT Billie J. Mc Clure, SP4 Larry T. Ross, and 1LT Allen C. Yeomans III; (HHC/3-47) medic PFC Marvin A. De Vault; and (B/3-60): SP4 Quenton L. Christensen, SGT Junior F. Roniger, SP4 Herbert H. Stauffer, PFC Clarence Robinson Jr. (died of wounds 02/21/1969). De Vault was posthumously promoted to Corporal. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “MRF pounce on VC bunkers, kill 90.” The Old Reliable (9th Infantry Division publication), March 5, 1969]

Dear Sp4 Quenton Christensen,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Happy Thanksgiving. 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.

Thank you Spec 4 Christensen for your leadership and courage.

Dear SP4 Quenton Lee Christensen, 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