Most Americans know of the Vietnam War, but few have heard of the Rockpile, aka Elliott Combat Base, or Núi Một in Vietnamese. Located about 10 miles south of the former demilitarized zone in Vietnam, its seclusion and difficult terrain made it a strategic point of interest.
The nearly 790-foot summit with sheer cliff faces could only be accessed via helicopter and served as an observation post and artillery base. The 9th Marine Regiment kept Elliott Combat Base secure through a series of operations that took place in the late 1960s.
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Now, thanks to the efforts of resident Roger Pilcher, a Korea and Vietnam Veteran and former Commandant of the local Marine Corps League Unicoi Detachment #783, area veterans can visit their own representation of the Rockpile to honor the sacrifices of the fallen.
Set up for easy access at the Maj. Leon Davenport Veterans Building in Blairsville, the memorial was afforded a brief dedication ceremony hosted by MCL 783 of Towns & Union Counties on Monday, March 30.
“I’m humbled because I’ve been contacted by the actual 9th Marine Regiment; they heard about it and are all excited,” said Pilcher, who first came up with the idea of making a tribute to those who served around the Rockpile about three years ago.
Now, with his dream realized, Pilcher admitted he was happy to have sparked the initiative to provide a place for his fellow veterans to reflect and new generations to learn. Pilcher may not have been part of that regiment himself, but he voiced his respect for those who were.
“If you think about the mountain that we have here and compare it with the one that they defended, it would be the same thing because that mountain was the tallest thing in that part of the country,” said Pilcher, briefly detailing that the defense of Elliott Combat Base was particularly difficult because of heavy Viet Cong presence.
“The courage and determination (of U.S. forces) during operations such as Hastings and Prairie in ’66, Operation Buffalo in ’67 (and) Pegasus in ’68, should never be forgotten,” said MCL 783 Jr. Past Cmdt. Alton “Doc” Coleman. “And neither should those who gave the last full measure.”
“As veterans, we are well aware of what sacrifice means and what it costs,” said Jim Yohe, of the Blairsville-based American Legion Post 121, before administering an invocation.
Contributing to the stirring comments about the Rockpile was MCL 783 Cmdt. John Entwisle, who served in the 9th Marine Regiment himself. Entwisle did two tours in Vietnam, in 1967 and 1968, and lost a friend, Robert Jackson, while in service at the Rockpile.
“We joined the company about a year before (Jackson’s death), and he was almost ready to go home,” an emotional Entwisle revealed, with Coleman and others gently supporting him through his expression of grief.
Immediately after Entwisle honored his friend, MCL 783 Member Ash Todd led the group in singing The Marines’ Hymn. A few moments later, folks were invited to approach the Rockpile to place rocks at their new forever home.
Then, MCL 783 Adj. Tammy Coleman stepped in to thank those gathered, adding, “Anytime you drive by here and see this, just give them a thought.”
Leaving rocks in remembrance of veterans is encouraged, but people are advised to never take a rock from the pile. To visit the unique memorial, head to the Veterans Building located at 78 Blue Ridge Highway. Just look for all the flagpoles.
