THE WALL OF FACES

Hal and I went to the same high school, North Rockland HS in Haverstraw, NY. He was a senior when I was a freshman, and I did not really know him. I remember reading that he had died in Vietnam while I myself was serving in the Army in Germany. I made the Army a career, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for those men and women who served and are serving our country, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. RIP Hal.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

CITATION:
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 Captain (Infantry) Harold John Faldermeyer, 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 21st DCAT, Advisory Team 51, Military Assistance Command Vietnam. Captain Faldermeyer distinguished himself on 11 May 1972 while serving as Advisor, 2d Battalion, 32d Regiment, 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this date the 2d Battalion, which had been in heavy contact for two days without resupply, was on an offensive operation against a firmly entrenched North Vietnamese Army Regiment to open Highway 13 to relieve the tightening ring of enemy forces around the beleaguered friendly forces at An Loc. Captain Faldermeyer, with disregard for his own safety, repeatedly throughout the day, exposed himself to enemy fire to direct a series of deadly effective tactical airstrikes against the enemy positions. At approximately 1030 hours the 2d Battalion was attacked by at least one NVA reinforced battalion. Captain Faldermeyer, as the ground controller for U.S. air assets, with single minded determination to accomplish the mission and at great risk to his life, moved under heavy enemy mortar fire across Highway 13, to a vantage point from which to direct and coordinate friendly airstrikes. His position was extremely perilous as he was exposed on three sides with the remainder of his unit across Highway 13. Despite intense enemy mortar and rocket fire, Captain Faldermeyer remained at this position. Captain Faldermeyer'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.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/5378

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Harold John Faldermeyer, United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Faldermeyer distinguished himself by gallantry in action during the period 10 to 12 March 1972 while serving as Advisory, 2d Battalion, 32d Regiment, 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 March 1972, Captain Faldermeyer conducted an air assault with the 2d Battalion, 32d Regiment in an operation designed for training evaluation. As the battalion emerged from the assault area it immediately came under intense hostile enemy fire pinning down the point element. Repeatedly throughout the remainder of 10 and 11 March 1972, the battalion continued to maneuver without success and remained under almost continuous fire from 400 well dug in enemy soldiers. Captain Faldermeyer, with disregard for his own safety, moved to the lead element and repeatedly requested and directed black Pony and COBRA gunship strikes and adjusted artillery fire to break the enemy resistance and to reduce friendly casualties. Captain Faldermeyer repeatedly exposed himself to hostile enemy fire to move to locations from which he could attain a better view of the situation. Inspired by his courageous and gallant actions, the battalion moved forward on the morning of 12 March 1972 and routed the fleeing enemy. The success attained by the 2d Battalion, 32d Regiment was directly attributable to the heroic actions of Captain Faldermeyer. Captain Faldermeyer's conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/5378

Captain Harold John Faldermeyer, in addition to the Distinguished Service Cross Award and Silver Star Medal Award, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Merit for his sustained meritorious service. He served as an Infantry Unit Commander and was assigned to ADV TEAM 51, HQ, MACV ADVISORS.
See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org/detreq2.php