THE WALL OF FACES

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace 1LT. Aschenbrenner, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.

I think of you every day. I served with Dennis and he was more than a soldier's soldier...above and beyond.

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 always be with us....

First Lieutenant Dennis Dale Aschenbrenner, Served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dennis Dale Aschenbrenner

DATE OF BIRTH: 12-Jan-42
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Belle Fourche, South Dakota
HOME OF RECORD:
Lead, South Dakota

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: First Lieutenant
Battalion: 1st Battalion (Airmobile)
Division: 1st Cavalry Division
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Dennis Dale Aschenbrenner (ASN: 0-5326519), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Aschenbrenner distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 2 July 1967, while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations near the hamlet of Binh Do, Republic of Vietnam. When his company came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant Aschenbrenner, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved from his position of safety to the center of the battle area. He exposed himself to the withering enemy fire as he placed a blazing barrage on the enemy positions, drawing the enemy fire to himself and allowing his men to reach safe positions. Even though his weapon jammed, he continued to expose himself to the insurgent fire, undoubtedly saving the lives of several men. While attempting to fix his malfunctioning weapons, Lieutenant Aschenbrenner was struck and mortally wounded by the enemy fire. His display of courageous leadership and concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.