THE WALL OF FACES

SGT Roger L. Coen was an infantryman serving with L Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) was a mechanized infantry unit which performed reconnaissance, surveillance, and security missions. During the late summer and early fall of 1970, the 11th ACR conducted combat operations in III Military Region. In Bien Hoa - Binh Duong Provinces, 3rd Squadron, Coen’s unit, began operations August 13th against Viet Cong forces after a maintenance standdown at Di An following the Cambodian Incursion. At 3:30 PM on October 22nd, L Troop was settling into a night defensive position ten kilometers (6.0 miles) south of Phuoc Vinh city in Binh Duong Province. A standard operating procedure was the emplacement of anti-personnel mines outside of the perimeter. While placing one of these mines, Coen was fatally injured when it accidentally detonated. He was memorialized three days later in a service led by the Regimental chaplain and attended by members of L Troop. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment for Period Ending 31 October 1970” at archive.org]

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Dear Sgt Roger Coen,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. 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.

Dear SGT Roger Lee Coen, 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

Rest in peace with the warriors.