THE WALL OF FACES

Hill 881 North was one of several hill masses north of the Khe Sanh Combat Base (KSCB) in northwest Quang Tri Province. To prevent North Vietnamese Army observation of KSCB and the possible use as of the peaks as firebases, the hills surrounding Khe Sanh Valley had to be continuously occupied and defended by Marine elements. On January 20, 1968, I Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, 3rd Marine Division conducted a reconnaissance-in-force off Hill 881S towards Hill 881N. Departing at 5:00 AM, the company moved in two parallel columns 500 yards apart, 1st Platoon on the left followed by 2nd Platoon, and 3rd Platoon with six Recon Marines on the right. At 9:00 AM, the Marines crossed the narrow valley floor and began the climb up Hill 881N. During Company I's ascent, the enemy opened fire, forcing 3rd Platoon to the ground. The other column surged forward on the left in an attempt to flank the North Vietnamese but was almost immediately stopped by heavy fire causing several casualties. With artillery support falling, 3rd Platoon charged to the crest of Hill 881N, led by 2LT Thomas D. Brindley who was cut down by a sniper’s bullet. The 3rd Platoon was joined on the hill by 2nd Platoon only to find numerous Marines missing from the initial assault. Some had fallen wounded during the attack while others had pursued the fleeing enemy. 2LT Michael H. Thomas organized a rescue effort, recovering six wounded Marines under murderous enemy fire. Thomas was wounded carrying out the sixth man and refused evacuation while continuing to search for other missing men. He was killed during these efforts. While I Company fought at close quarters, Marines on Hill 881S poured recoilless rifle and mortar fire into the North Vietnamese on Hill 881N. Refused reinforcements, I Company was ordered to break contact and return to Hill 881S. Air strikes and artillery covered their withdrawal as they backed down the face of Hill 881N. They arrived at Hill 881S at 6:00 PM. The company lost five killed and thirty-five wounded. The lost personnel included: (from I/3/26) Brindley, Thomas, and PFC James A. Collins; and (from B Co, 3rd Recon Bn) CPL Charles W. Bryan and PFC Paul M. Beddoe Jr. Bryan, Brindley, and Thomas were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, and Collins was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal. North Vietnamese dead were estimated at one hundred. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Defining Year, 1968” by Shulimson]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. May you rest in eternal peace.

Private First Class James Alfred Collins, Served with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

James A. Collins

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James A. Collins (MCSN: 2086051), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 January 1968, Private First Class Collins was the Point Man for a patrol operating in the vicinity of Hill 881 near Khe Sanh. As he moved in front of the patrol, he observed several well-concealed spider holes and unhesitatingly fired into them, alerting his companions. Although seriously wounded in the initial moments of the fire fight, he declined medical assistance and continued to direct accurate fire against the enemy. Fully realizing the seriousness of his injury, he refused evacuation and remained in his exposed position to pinpoint the location of the enemy and direct his patrol's fire. Subsequently, he was medically evacuated from the hazardous area and later succumbed to the severity of his wounds. His heroic actions and calm presence of mind were instrumental in enabling is companions to reach more advantageous positions and undoubtedly saved several Marine lives. By his indomitable fighting spirit, inspiring courage and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Collins upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Here it is on veteran's day 11/10/18 and I come to remember you. I never got to meet you but our family always talks about you. We miss you dearly I know your up there taking care of grandma and grandpa. We love you. Thank you for your sacrifices for our country. Semper Fi