THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Paul Revere II (August 1-31, 1966) was a U.S. Army 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division operation that took place west of Pleiku in Pleiku Province, RVN. A continuance of Operation Paul Revere I, intelligence indicated that two North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Divisions, the 625th and the 630th, were preparing to launch a major offensive to coincide with the arrival of the southwest monsoon season, a time when U.S. air support would be severely limited by marginal flying conditions throughout much of the Central Highlands. On July 30th, the Commanding General of I Field Forces ordered that 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division be attached to the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, and deployed into the Paul Revere area of operations. By July 31st, 2/7th Cav was beginning local search-and-destroy operations about 15 miles southeast of Plei Djereng and turning up signs of recent enemy activity in the area. At 5:15 hours on August 1st, the 32nd NVA Regiment initiated the first major contact of Paul Revere II by launching a battalion-sized attack against the positions of A and B Company, 2/7th Cav at Landing Zone 21D, seven kilometers (4.3 miles) northwest of Xuong Kuang and 30 kilometers (18 miles) southwest of Pleiku. Ninety rounds of mortar fire slammed into the American position while ground forces repeatedly assaulted the perimeter. When his third major attack was repulsed two hours later, the enemy finally began withdrawing to the northwest, taking most of his casualties with him. U.S. Air Force Combat Sky Spot missions utilized ground-based radar systems to attack the enemy concealed under monsoon rains, low-laying clouds, and darkness. Ten missions were conducted during the morning against suspected enemy withdrawal routes. The initial perimeter defense had been supported by flares and minigun fire from U.S. Air Force AC-47D “Spooky” gunships. The enemy left 28 bodies on the field, but had hit the two U.S. companies hard, inflicting five killed and 68 wounded. The lost personnel included (from A-2/7) PFC Ronald H. Kaiser and PFC Jeffery L. Ledford; and (from B-2/7) SGT William E. Anderson, PFC Wendell E. Churchill, and PFC George D. Curry. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Project CHECO: Operation Paul Revere/Sam Houston, 27 July 1967” at archive.com]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. It saddens me so few have left remembrances for you here...surely you deserve better. May you rest in eternal peace.

Dear PFC Wendall Churchill,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Your 75th birthday just passed, happy birthday. 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.

Dear PFC Wendell Eugene Churchill, 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

Wendell is buried at Elmwood Cemetery, Woodward, Woodward County, OK. PH