THE WALL OF FACES

STAFF SERGEANT

RICHARD ROLAND ARSENAULT

was a posthumous recipient of both the


DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

and the

SILVER STAR


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CITATION

FOR POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF THE

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS


The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 9 July 1918 ( amended by act of 25 July 1963 ), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross ( Posthumously ) to Staff Sergeant Richard Roland Arsenault , 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 Advisory Team, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Arsenault distinguished himself on 26 May 1972 while serving as the Operations / Intelligence advisor on a combat operation with the 12th Regional Force Group in Duc Hue District, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. As the 12th Group moved to link up with a friendly unit, an entrenched company size enemy force prepared to initiate an ambush. At the last moment Sergeant Arsenault sensed the ambush and saw a B-40 rocket being fired. He shouted a warning, knocked another American advisor aside and blocked the B-40 round with his body, deliberately sacrificing his life to save the lives of those around him. His heroic and selfless action unquestionably saved the life of the other American advisor and their interpreter and also preserved the 12th Group command element. By saving the command structure from destruction, he made a swift reaction to the ambush possible and prevented it from becoming a disaster. Staff Sergeant Arsenault's 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.

Service: Army

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1633 ( 24 July 1972 )


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CITATION

FOR POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF THE

SILVER STAR



The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 9 July 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star ( Posthumously ) to Staff Sergeant Richard Roland Arsenault (ASN: 51480350), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 12 May 1972, while serving as the Operations Intelligence Advisor to Regional Force units conducting a combat operation in Duc Hue District, Hua Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. While moving out to engage the enemy, Sergeant Arsenault volunteered to serve as Radio Telephone Operator for the operation, knowing full well that by doing so he was making himself a high priority target for hostile fire. The North Vietnamese Army unit was strongly entrenched and was delivering a heavy volume of concentrated mortar, machine gun, B-40, and small arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Arsenault accompanied the District Senior Advisor in the vanguard of the attack, bringing accurate suppressive fire to bear with his M-16. Always remaining well forward so that he could provide essential communication, Sergeant Arsenault provided an outstanding example of calm and courage under fire, inspiring all those around him. He never faltered even though the fighting was finally with hand grenades and small arms at less than 30 meters and the radio he bore marked him as a prime target. During the final assault, eight North Vietnamese Army soldiers flanked the lead friendly element. Staff Sergeant Arsenault attacked them with grenades and his M-16. His deadly fire neutralized the eight North Vietnamese Army and friendly elements took the enemy position with minimal losses. Staff Sergeant Arsenault's gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Service: Army

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1575 ( 17 June 1972 )





THE PROUD YOUNG VALOR THAT ROSE ABOVE THE MORTAL

AND THEN, AT LAST, WAS MORTAL AFTER ALL





YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE

"An God said who shall we send.I answered I am here,send me."

Isaiah 6:8

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam

Richard, Although we never met, I just want you to know you are not forgotten. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for what you believed in. Sleep well my friend and thank you for protecting our freedoms.

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 sun 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.

Mary Frye – 1932

Richard, Although we never met, I just want you to know you are not forgotten. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for what you believed in. Sleep well my friend and thank you for protecting our freedoms.