THE WALL OF FACES

You would be 78 years old today, if you had not been taken away from us in 1968 during the Vietnam War. You were a very good soldier and a credit to our unit. May your soul rest in peace my friend.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from fellow soldier Larry Trenary is poignant. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

I was Spc4 Cobb's platoon leader of the 3rd platoon 29th Artillery (SLT) and was with him on a combat operation at the base of Mt. Coto, close to the border of Cambodia. We were in support of an artillery fire base well in range for mortars and RPGs used by the NVA and Vietcong. At one point we received immediate orders to withdraw our position and relocate to a new fire base about 3/4 of a mile away. The artillery went first, being slung by Chinooks to the new location. Our small attached unit was ordered to drive our specially fitted jeeps to the fire base through the dry rice paddies. When I continuously objected to the order of driving I was told by a Captain that if I didn't follow orders he had the authority to relieve me. We traveled toward our new location and got about 1/2 way when Cobb's jeep hit a mine at the right real wheel. The explosion through Cobb to the ground severely wounding his legs. I called for a dust off but was told there were none available to our AO. A Huey radioed me that he had a VIP and a news team on board but he would try and evacuate Cobb if possible. He came in hot under small arms fire and my team loaded Cobb as quick as possible. Cobb was alert but he knew he was in trouble, he gave his wedding ring to one of my men and asked for it to be given to his wife. The next day I was informed that he did not make it. It was a useless loss and I live with it every day. I did file a complaint with the IG, concerning the Captain's orders, when I returned to Ft Sill but I never heard anything about the results. Spc4 Cobb was a model soldier and I considered him a friend. During the operation he told me he had only a few days before meeting his pregnant wife on R&R in Hawaii. A terrible loss to humanity

Dear Sp4 Theron Cobb,
Thank you for your service as a Special Electronic Devices Repairer. December is here, along with all the preparations. It is almost Christmas. 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.

I knew you less than a year but will never forget you. We traveled to Vietnam together and had hoped to see you on the return trip.

Bryan Simmons, I would like to know more about the photo you posted,