31 May 2007 Al, we met, we talked, we drank together, we met each other's family, then we both were sent to the Nam. I was posted to 2Bn 27th Marines around Danang, the rocket belt. You were sent to Khe Sanh. I was wounded three times in action, never very seriously. At the third Purple Heart I was sent home. You never came home ... I miss you, Al, even at this time, love you man ... Hope to see you again in the other world... From a friend, Don Kozak d_kozak@hotmail.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The narrative section of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines' Command Chronology for May 1968 contains the following statement: "On 19 May the Battalion made heavy contact with an estimated 2 NVA Companies. The enemy was dug in along the Main Supply Route extending southwest from Khe Sanh Combat Base." The Operations Log expands on what happened: "[At 0700 19 May] Mine sweep team accompanied by reinforced platoon from Company "F" and two tanks triggered enemy ambush at initial range of approximately 25 meters. Contact subsequently revealed reinforced NVA company and prepared bunkers. Road sweep element immediately reinforced by remainder Company "F", standing by at Khe Sanh Combat Base as convoy escort. Company assaulted enemy position and later repulsed counter attack. Company "G" was dispatched to reinforce Company "F" and killed 3 NVA at rear of Company "F" while linking up. Company "E" 2/3 with two tanks dispatched from bridge 3 to reinforce Company "G" and Company "F". After link up of forces, contact was broken and intensive air, artillery, mortars, grenades, and small arms fire was brought upon enemy positions. "F" and "G" Companies established blocking position in direction of enemy attack. Echo 2/3 swept through enemy position from rear driving enemy into blocking force. Sweep and blocking force units engaged enemy by fire. Echo reported 16 NVA KIA. Company "H" patrolling south of contact area, contacted 1 NVA fleeing area. Total casualties 8 friendly KIA, 34 friendly WIA and 66 NVA KIA." Follow-on reports increased the numbers of both Marines and NVA soldiers killed in the action - for example, during a sweep of the area on 20 May Golf 2/1 found and buried an additional 31 NVA dead. The 18 Marines who died were Echo 2/1: 2ndLt Dennis R. Muvich, Whiting, IN Cpl Gordon T. Molaison, Thibodaux, LA Pfc Sigard R. Grimstad, Teaneck, NJ Fox 2/1: Capt Troy R. Oliver, Boise, ID Sgt Walter J. Reece, Marshall, NC Cpl Gerald P. Williber, New Orleans, LA LCpl Michael F. Burleson, Waxahachie, TX LCpl Raymond F. Trantham, Murphy, NC Pfc Harry W. Braun, Hebron, IL Pfc Joseph F. Burnham, Bloomfield, NJ Pfc Lynn B. Coleman, Ashland, MS Pfc James W. Cooper, Nansemond, VA Pfc Lon B. Ewing, Chula Vista, CA Pfc Donald V. Johnson, Dallas, TX Pfc Roger E. Montz, Tonawanda, NY Pfc Patrick C. Riordan, Des Plaines, IL (Silver Star) Pfc Dwight T. Valrie, Ocala, FL Pvt Albert A. Gillespie, Streetsboro, OH

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