THE WALL OF FACES

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 Sp4 Richard Christy,
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.

Specialist Four Richard Thomas Christy, Served with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.

Dear SP4 Richard Thomas Christy, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

Richard Thomas Christy
Richard Thomas Christy was born on December 5, 1946
in San Francisco, California. No additional information has
been located regarding his family, early years or life within
Santa Cruz County. Military records indicate that he was a
member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion and may have
attended a Kingdom Hall of that faith in Santa Cruz.
He was drafted into the US Army in 1967 and listed
Boulder Creek, California as his residence. After completing
basic and advanced individual training, he was assigned
to the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division serving in
Binh Duong Province in Vietnam.
Christy arrived in Vietnam on November 19, 1967, and
by early 1968 had risen to the rank of specialist fourth class.
During his service with the 1st Infantry Division, it was
attempting to stop the Tet New Year Offensive of the North
Vietnamese Army.
On 31 January 1968 during the Vietnamese celebration
of the Lunar New Year (Tet), the Viet Cong launched a
series of simultaneous ground and mortar attacks against
most of South Vietnam’s major cities and allied military
installations. In response to the attacks, the Division was
summoned to help secure the sprawling Tan Son Nhut Air
Base. By 13 February, units of the Big Red One had engaged
and defeated numerous Viet Cong and North Vietnamese
soldiers…On 7 April 1968, the Division embarked on the
largest operation of the Vietnam War: Operation Toan
Thang (Certain Victory), which involved all allied troops
throughout the III Corps Tactical Zone. One of the primary
missions of this two-part operation was to stop the infiltration
of the enemy into the Saigon area.
On June 14, 1968, while participating in Operation Toan
Thang II, Specialist Fourth Class Richard Thomas Christy was
killed in action by small arms fire. His body was recovered and
returned to Golden Gate National Cemetery for burial.
Source
Remembering our Own
The Santa Cruz County Military Roll of Honor 1861-2010
By Robert L Nelson
The Museum of Art & History @ The McPherson Center
2010
Page 223