THE WALL OF FACES

Jack, The guys from Mendel Catholic H.S. still remember you and pray for your soul.
Rest in Peace.
We also hold a mass for you and other Mendel men lost ever November 11th, at St. Rita H. S.

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. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

On November 17, 1966, three companies from the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, began reconnaissance in force operations in the southwestern corner of Pleiku Province along the Cambodian border in support of Operation Paul Revere IV. The companies were air assaulted into widely dispersed landing zones, and after four days of searching and reconnoitering, the 1/5 was scattered about their area of operations. On November 21st, Company C was situated in an ambush posture along a well-used trail they had discovered the previous day. During the morning, its three platoons resumed patrolling a short distance from the border. Small groups of enemy soldiers were observed, and the platoons maneuvered to gain fire superiority. Second Platoon was soon in contact. As Third Platoon moved across low ground beneath a hill to reach Second’s location, they were ambushed by a superior-size force. They took cover and immediately returned fire. In a few moments, Third Platoon was taking heavy fire on three sides. While trying to fight their way to higher ground, the platoon was nearly wiped out. Only two men survived, one by smearing blood from his own wounds on his face and playing dead. The enemy moved in, killing the wounded, and picking up all their weapons and radio. Second Platoon was also heavily engaged in a wooded area; its First Squad was completely wiped out. In total, C-1/5 lost 33 men killed in action. They included SFC Bobby W. Letbetter, SSG Charles K. Malone, SSG Max M. Woodsmall, SGT Theodore A. Alkire Jr., SP4 Norman C. Farris (awarded the Bronze Star), SP4 Eugene E. Mitchell, SP4 James E. Smythe, SP4 Wilbert Stewart Jr., SP4 Lester E. Unger Jr., SP4 Donald G. Vernon, PFC Gary D. Byford, SP4 Louis Castillo, PFC Eduardo Chavez, PFC John M. Dalton (awarded the Silver Star), PFC Carlito L. Dorsey, PFC John L. Godfrey, PFC Ralls Hawkins, PFC Charles L. Hicks, PFC Harvey Johnson, PFC Marion E. Johnson, PFC Carroll H. Jones, PFC Arnold R. Krasnoff, PFC Gamaliel Marcano-Diaz, PFC Larry D. Naasz, PFC Joseph L. Rabon, PFC Edward J. Scahill, PFC Joseph Scicutella, PFC Samuel W. Smith, PFC Andrew L. Stephens, PFC Clifford R. Stout, PFC Alvin B. Tucker, PFC George A. Turner (Forward Observer from B/1/77th Arty), and PFC John F. Waden. Eleven others were wounded. Enemy losses were reported at 145 killed, many by airstrikes and artillery while withdrawing from the battle area. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, virtualwall.org, and ttu.edu]

Dear PFC John Dalton,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Your birthday was this month, happy birthday. Easter is coming up. Happy Easter. 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.

John Michael Dalton
Date of birth: 8-Mar-47
Date of death: November 21, 1966
Home of record: Chicago Illinois
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 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John Michael Dalton (ASN: RA-16832512), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force. Private First Class Dalton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 21 November 1966, while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a search and destroy mission near the Cambodian border in the Republic of Vietnam. When his platoon was attacked by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force, Private First Class Dalton immediately set up his machine gun and personally repelled several enemy assaults with his accurate fire. Although wounded twice by the intense hostile fire, he remained steadfast. His courageous and aggressive action was instrumental in enabling a supporting element to move into the area and drive out the North Vietnamese force. Private First Class Dalton's outstanding display of personal bravery and devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 1767 (April 17, 1967)

Action Date: 21-Nov-66

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company C

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 5th Cavalry Regiment

Division: 1st Cavalry Division