THE WALL OF FACES

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 always be with us.

Franklin V. Delara was a leader who saw the potential in others and helped them to have confidence in themselves and achieve that potential.
He was a friend and mentor and was wise beyond his years. His death was a loss to family, friends and country. He made the ultimate sacrifice while saving others.
Frankie, you are remembered and still helping others through the Franklin V. Delara scholarship at Florida State University.

First Lieutenant Franklin Victory Delara, Served with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 14th Artillery Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Lt Franklin Delara,
Thank you for your service as a Field Artillery Unit Commander. It has been too long, and it's about time 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.

Franklin Victory Delara
Date of birth: August 14, 1945
Date of death: May 23, 1968
Home of record: Hialeah Florida
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 Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Franklin Victory Delara (ASN: 0-5427347), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 23 May 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Delara distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a Forward Observer with Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, his company was on a combat sweep operation west of Tam Ky when they suddenly came under intense fire from an enemy force of undetermined size. Realizing that the enemy positions had to be pin-pointed for the supporting artillery fire, Lieutenant Delara left his covered position, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, sought high ground from which he could adjust the artillery fire. After he reached a good position, he courageously continued to expose himself to the intense hostile fire while expertly directing the artillery until he fell mortally wounded. Through his courageous act, the accurate artillery fire destroyed the hostile mortar positions and his company was able to repel the enemy, forcing them to retreat. Second Lieutenant Delara's unquestionable valor while in close combat with a numerically superior enemy force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 3704 (July 5, 1968)

Action Date: May 23, 1968

Service: Army

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Company: Battery A

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 14th Artillery Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade

Division: Americal Division