THE WALL OF FACES

Wells Eldon Cunningham
Date of birth: November 19, 1939
Date of death: August 17, 1966
Place of Birth: Kansas, Norton
Home of record: St. Joseph Missouri
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Wells Eldon Cunningham (ASN: 0-92421), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Detachment A-253, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Cunningham distinguished himself on 17 August 1966 while serving as an advisor to a Civilian Irregular Defense Group company conducting combat operations against the Viet Cong in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Cunningham joined the operation at approximately 1400 hours during a medical evacuation of several casualties. After this, two American advisors and himself led a Civilian Irregular Defense Group on a search and clear operation. Several hundred meters from the staging area, Captain Cunningham and his unit were ambushed by a large Viet Cong force. Repeated attempts were made to reinforce the beleaguered troops, but each attempt was repulsed by the insurgents. With the fall of darkness, sounds of battle in the area ceased. When a relief force reached the battle site, they found Captain Cunningham and his element had been killed. That Captain Cunningham and his force fought courageously was evidenced by the Viet Cong bodies remaining in the battle area. His extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Vietnam, General Orders No. 5637 (September 13, 1966)

Action Date: August 17, 1966

Service: Army

Rank: Captain

Company: Detachment A-253

Regiment: 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

Division: 1st Special Forces

Dear Captain Wells Eldon Cunningham, 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

Wells is buried at St Joseph Memorial Park, St Joseph,MO. SS PH

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Completye these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchnace, may therein comfort you.

Wells and I were room mates in Pleiku. He got Duc Co and I later got Tan Rai. Here is a picture in March 66. He was my hero.