THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

During Operation Hawthorne (June 2-21, 1966), a forward fire support base occupied by B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 320th Artillery “Redlegs”, a towed 105mm howitzer unit assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, was subjected to human wave attacks on the early morning of June 7, 1966, by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) after a heavy mortar barrage. The hastily constructed firebase was secured by only one platoon of “Screaming Eagles” from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment (Airborne). The defense of LZ Lima Zulu continued until daybreak and developed into an all-day battle. More American units were brought in to support to beleaguered paratroopers and cannoneers, including soldiers from A Company, 1/327th. The 101st Airborne Division reported killing 77 enemy while sustaining eight killed. The fighting continued the following day, with the 1/327th attacking north in the morning, starting at 7:00 AM with 22 tactical air sorties flown in support. Tactical air also supported the 2/502nd which swept from their overnight positions southward. Moderate to light contact with the enemy lasted until 6:30 PM when the communists broke off. The enemy, believed to be elements of the 24th NVA Regiment, lost 31 killed on June 8th as U.S. troops pursued elements withdrawing to the north. A total of 34 air strikes were flown on the 8th, dropping nearly 25 tons of bombs. Twenty-one of these sorties were in close air support, the remainder being direct air support. During fighting on June 8th, the 1st Bn, 327th Infantry lost nine men. They included CPT Chris C. Vurlumis, SGT Lester E. MacDonald, SP4 Rockford W. Goddard, SP4 Eladio R. Marroquin Jr., PFC Edward E. Christie, PFC Reuben L. Clark Jr., PFC Robert A. Hill, PFC Michael E. O'Guinn, and PFC Thomas L. Yohn. [Sourced from coffeltdatabase.org and “Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report, Operation Hawthorne” at apps.dtic.mil]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us…..

Dear PFC Edward Christie,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman - Parachutist. 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.

Bless you Edward. Forever a hero.