THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. You 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…..

Dad,

I know we only met once. I was 6 months old. You had 2 weeks R&R and I have 3 pictures of us together. You were killed 2 months later. Mom really took it hard and the telegram of your wounds arrived two days before her birthday and the telegram of your death came 4 days after.

There are so many days I think about what life would be like had you survived. Mom ended up putting me in a foster home for about 5 years until Aunt Karen found me.

I wish we could talk. There have been lots of father figures in my life, but somehow it doesn’t feel quite the same. I grew up hearing so many stories about you. I’m not sure I add up to the legacy you left, but I’m trying. Sometimes I need advice. Sometimes I need help fixing things around the house...sometimes my kids need a grandfather to lean on. They don’t know you either, but they ask me questions about you often.

Dad, I don’t know you, but I miss you. I miss you a lot. I

Dear Captain Robert De Celle,
Thank you for your service as an Armored Reconnaissance Unit Commander. 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.

Having served with Bob for over a year in Bamberg, Germany, I was delighted to run into him in Long Binh, Vietnam in mid-February, 1971. We caught up on old times and good friends over lunch at the Chinese restaurant in Long Binh. As a Cobra gunship pilot, he was understandably nervous about upcoming support missions, but confident in his abilities as a pilot. We spoke of his wife and young son born in Germany, and he greatly looked forward to returning to their California home. I am so glad we had lunch that sunny day. He was a good man.

Robert Eugene DeCelle
Date of birth: October 18, 1945
Date of death: February 21, 1971
Place of Birth: California, Alameda
Home of record: Alameda California
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 (Armor) Robert Eugene DeCelle (ASN: 0-5347615), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop A, 3d Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 February 1971. Captain DeCelle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of an observation helicopter performing a low level reconnaissance mission. As he was directing the ground troops toward an area of recent enemy activity, they were ambushed. Surveying the situation quickly, Captain DeCelle, without regard for his own safety, maneuvered his aircraft into position to use suppressive fire to help the friendly troops break contact. However, his aircraft received intense ground fire and sustained numerous hits, one of which seriously wounded him. Even though he was critically injured, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft into a small clearing 100 meters away from the enemy. His outstanding flying ability and persistence enabled him to safely land without further damage or injury to his aircraft or crew. Captain DeCelle's gallantry in action 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, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 2558 (March 27, 1971)

Action Date: February 15, 1971

Service: Army

Rank: Captain

Company: Troop A

Battalion: 3d Armored Squadron

Regiment: 17th Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade