THE WALL OF FACES

Corporal Leo Paul Dunsmore, Served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam. He was assigned to Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, When He was Killed in Action.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Dear Cpl Leo Dunsmore,
Thank you for your service as a Medical Corpsman with the 1st Cavalry. Thank you for the lives you saved. Yesterday was your 72nd birthday. Happy birthday. Independence Day is approaching, and we remember your sacrifice. We remember all you who gave their all. 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.

Leo and I were and aways will be best friends. I knew his mother,brother and his grandmother. We had many good tlmes together, l miss him a lot. May god bless you buddy!

Distinguished Service Cross
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 act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Leo Paul Dunsmore (ASN: RA-11903314), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Dunsmore distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 February 1968 as a medic accompanying an infantry company during a search and destroy operation in Quan Huong Tra Province. The unit was moving toward a treeline on the far side of a rice paddy when it was subjected to heavy mortar, recoilless rifle and small arms fire from a North Vietnamese Army force occupying entrenched and fortified positions in the woods. Private Dunsmore's platoon, the lead element, was temporarily pinned down behind earthen grave mounds, but soon began to assault the enemy across the one hundred meters of open rice paddy. The platoon engaged the North Vietnamese at close range, but was forced to withdraw from the increasingly intense enemy fusillade. Seeing many casualties lying fully exposed to the enemy weapons, Private Dunsmore unhesitant moved back into the open terrain to aid his comrades. He repeatedly crossed the bullet-swept rice paddy to skillfully treat the casualties and carry them to safety. While administering aid to one fallen soldier, Private Dunsmore was mortally wounded by the relentless enemy fire. Private First Class Dunsmore extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1570 (April 8, 1968)

Action Date: 12-Feb-68

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company A

Battalion: 5th Battalion (Airmobile)

Regiment: 7th Cavalry Regiment

Division: 1st Cavalry Division