THE WALL OF FACES

Private First Class James Allen Collier, Served with Company B, 299th Engineer Battalion, 937th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade, United States Army Vietnam Engineer Command, United States Army Vietnam.

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

On November 11, 1967, a repair crew from A Platoon, Company B, 299th Engineer Battalion was enroute to continue work refurbishing a damaged timber trestle bridge along Highway QL-14 north of Kontum, RVN, when it was ambushed by some fifty to eighty Viet Cong. The enemy attacked with grenades, rockets, automatic weapons, and mortars. SFC John K. McDermott was in the lead vehicle when a recoilless rifle round exploded against his truck. McDermott managed to keep control of the vehicle and drove it off the road to allow the rest of the convoy to get by. He then jumped from the truck and directed his men to safety. He killed two Viet Cong attackers before two more leaped at him bringing him to the ground. After struggling free, McDermott wounded two of the attackers and proceeded under heavy fire to drive several trucks out of the ambush site. Despite intensive enemy rifle fire and exploding grenades, he rallied his men in a counterattack. Meanwhile, SSG Frank J. Walker, a squad leader who was riding behind McDermott when the ambush occurred, leapt from his truck, which was also hit, and charged into enemy machine gun fire, knocking out several Viet Cong positions. These heroic actions allowed the convoy to move out of danger. Within a half hour, reinforcements from 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry arrived and drove off the enemy. Six engineers died in the battle and four were wounded. The lost personnel included PFC Billie W. Bright, PFC James A. Collier, SP4 Robert E. Haynes, SP4 Raymond R. Hollopeter, SSG Charles D. Sawyers, and SP4 John J. Tiscornia. Thirteen Viet Cong were confirmed dead. Extensive damage was made to one 5-ton dump truck, one 3/4-ton truck, and one jeep. General Westmoreland later awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for valor to both McDermott and Walker in a ceremony at Pleiku. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Engineers at War” by Adrian G. Traas]

Dear PFC James Collier,
Thank you for your service as a Pioneer. 2017 almost gone, and it is the 6th Day of 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 PFC James Allen Collier, 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