THE WALL OF FACES

August 10, 1969 will always be a date remembered not only for the terrible things we had to deal with, but also because of the inspirational bravery demonstrated in the face of danger by Sgt Andy. I remember him checking the fighting position I was in, patting my helment , and making sure we were alert and safe. That day, we lost a remarkable man and an outstanding Marine.

Dear SGT Alberto Torres Anzaldua, 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

Alberto is buried at Restlawn Memorial Park, La Feria,TX. SS NCM PH-GS

Silver Star

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Alberto T. Anzaldua, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company A, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 August 1969, the Third Platoon and the Command Group of Company A were heli-lifted to a hilltop approximately nine miles northwest of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province and assigned the mission of relieving a friendly unit which was heavily engaged with the enemy. Upon debarking from the helicopter, Sergeant Anzaldua immediately established his men in defensive positions and assisted in carrying the wounded to the waiting medical evacuation aircraft. Suddenly, the Marines came under an intense volume of enemy mortar fire. Reacting instantly and with complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Anzaldua commenced firing his rifle at the North Vietnamese Army positions, temporarily silencing the hostile fire, and thereby saving his companions from further serious injury. Subsequently informed that the platoon had received several casualties who were located at the base of the hill, he fearlessly maneuvered to the designated area and, while carrying two severely wounded Marines to a position of relative safety, was mortally wounded by fragments of an enemy mortar round. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, aggressive leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Sergeant Anzaldua contributed significantly to the defeat of the North Vietnamese Army force and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: August 10, 1969

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Sergeant

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 3d Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

MANY YEARS HAVE PASSED--YOUR MEMORY IS AS ALIVE AS THE LAST DAY I SAW YOU--AND YOU WENT TO VIET-NAM--I MISS YOU SO--YOUR BABY GIRL IS A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN--WITH YOUR SMILE AND LAUGHTER-THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR HER-SEE YOU SOON--LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER.. YOLANDA ANZALDUA