THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Sheridan Sabre (November 7, 1968 - April 4, 1969) was a security operation in Binh Long Province, RVN, to prevent North Vietnamese Army (NVA) infiltration from Cambodia. The operation was part of II Field Force, Vietnam's Operation Toan Thang II and began with the relocation of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) from northern I Corp to III Corps. The Division conducted offensive operations to interdict movement of major NVA forces south towards Saigon. This included locating and destroying NVA forces, facilities, and material, and maintaining preparedness to deploy all or part of the Division throughout III/IV Corps. On December 9th, Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment was performing a reconnaissance in force in a rubber plantation eight kilometers (4.8 miles) southwest of An Loc when it was attacked by an estimated battalion of NVA regulars. The weapons platoon became isolated from the three other platoons and attempts to reach the besieged element were halted by intense fire from several enemy machine guns. The company deployed into a defensive perimeter and repelled repeated assaults during the five-hour battle. Supporting arms in the form of Tactical Air and Aerial Rocket Artillery relieved pressure and allowed the company to link up with a reaction force from Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Later in the day, the company assaulted through the battle area to reach the weapons platoon and recover the casualties; however, one man, SP4 Samuel D. Shimek, was not located. Enemy losses were put at 93 killed, one prisoner detained, and a variety of weapons captured. U.S. losses were 15 killed and 16 wounded. They included SP4 Thomas D. Berkfield, 1LT Michael J. Ciesielka Jr., SGT Ira D. Cooper, SP4 Dennis C. Erford (posthumously promoted to Sergeant), PFC Robert F. Hinkston, SP4 Pete Lopez, SP4 Leonard R. Martin (posthumously promoted to Sergeant), SP4 Van L. Randolph Jr., SP4 Michael G. Ray, PFC David F. Rhodes (posthumously promoted to Corporal), PFC Charles E. Robinette, 1SG Earl T. Shaffer Sr., SP4 Curtis H. Sharp Jr. (posthumously promoted to Sergeant), SP4 Samuel D. Shimek (body not recovered), and SP4 Ervin D. Smith. Several posthumous decorations were awarded for gallantry in connection with the operation including the Distinguished Service Cross made to 45-year-old World War II veteran 1SG Shaffer for extraordinary heroism. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and 1SG Shaffer’s DSC citation]

I want to thank everyone for your beautiful thoughts. Even after 54 year's the pain and emptiness is still in my heart. He loved this country and wanted to go to Vietnam. I do believe that he knew he was not coming back to us but that was the path God chose for him to walk. I will always love you and I know we will see each other again.

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

First Lieutenant Michael J. Ciesielka Jr., Served with Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Lt Michael Ciesielka,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander with the 1st Cavalry. 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.