THE WALL OF FACES

Bronze Star Medal for Heroism - General Order 5307, Issued 4 October 1968



For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Ackerman distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader with Company B, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. On 3 September 1968, Sergeant Ackerman's company and a sister element (Delta Company) were in a defensive perimeter on Hill 851, northwest of Dak To. At midnight the perimeter was subjected to a heavy automatic weapons, small arms and rifle grenade fire from an unknown size enemy force. The main force of the initial enemy attack was borne by Company B's sector of the perimeter. During the initial burst of enemy fire Sergeant Ackerman was injured. Disregarding his wounds Sergeant Ackerman refused medical evacuation and remained in his position to direct his men. During the rest of the night, Sergeant Ackerman refused to relinquish command of his squad while the perimeter was subjected to enemy ground attacks. At dawn, during still another attack, Sergeant Ackerman was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire. His skillful leadership greatly aided and inspired his men in successfully repelling the prolonged assault. Sergeant Ackerman's personal bravery, determination and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

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.

As long as you are remembered you will never truly die.

George Marchese
[email protected]
served with Him
17, wilsonview place, Staten Island, new york, 10304, USA.

Bravest Guy, I ever Knew Why today ... i don't know, woke up, at 2, a.m. and you, were, on my mind. You were, the hot shot kid, from new jersey and I was, the hot shot, from brooklyn. we bumped heads, a few time, in pleku, or dak to,but we shared, a mutual respect, for each other, but I'll never forget, your bravery, as you successfully stopped, the nva, from overrunning, our position. As I and my fellow grunts, fired, from our foxhole, (aimlessly) you were, out there, lobbing grenades and firing precisely, with the m-60, machine gun, Audy Murphy, style and when the gun, jammed, you came, to my hole, for my gun and used it, till it, ran out of ammo, you came back, to me and finally, got me out of the foxhole, to find machine gun ammo, after scurring around, for 60 seconds, or so, you got, the ammo and I went back, to my foxhole, begging you, to get down! Bullets, were whizzing, by you and tree branches, were being shot off, where you stood, the firing was intense, you directed me, to throw grenades from the safety of my hole, by this time, I was in someone elses foxhole. YOU were doing, a helluva, job and with your buddies, held off, the advance and slowed, the heavy firing, from the nva. But then the worse thing happened........ YOU WENT DOWN ...HARD! WHILE BLAZING AWAY, WITH ANOTHER M-60, SHOOTING, FROM THE HIP, FROM THE SIDE, OF YOUR FOXHOLE ...... NO HELMET! WHERE, DID YOU, DROP IT? SILENCE, WHICH SEEMED, VERY EERIE. I CLIMBED, OUTTA MY HOLE AND CRAWLED, OVER TO YOU ............ YOU WERE GONE ........... I jumped, in your foxhole, as the firing resumed, from the nva. they were firing, at the other foxholes and positions, now that you were knocked out. Some of our guys came out and helped to get you out of the line of fire but it was to late and Without you, we now had to retreat, to the captains bunker, where, he was frantically, trying to call in air support and finally succeded. we continued, to fight till daylight from the big bunker, until ground support, showed up. finally it ended, Why today, so many years later, Does it come back to me so clearly I don't know. FORGET NAMING A BRIDGE AFTER YOU, THEY SHOULD NAME, THE TOWN, AFTER YOU!!!! I'LL, NEVER FORGET YOU........GOD'S PEACE TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS .............REST IN PEACE"HERO" REST IN PEACE

Dear SGT Thomas Alan Ackerman, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

DEAR SGT. ACKERMAN,

This is the week we are celebrating our nation's birthday. It is only fitting that we remember you, and the ultimate sacrifice you gave to our nation.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

REST IN PEACE.