THE WALL OF FACES

At 72, still remember that smile and kind, sincere young man. There is no way to thank you enough for your service.

Dear Lt Thomas Gentinne,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander. Happy Thanksgiving. 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.

Thomas Henry Gentinne
Date of birth: January 14, 1947
Date of death: May 12, 1969
Place of Birth: Michigan, Detroit
Home of record: Dearborn Michigan
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

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 an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Henry Gentinne (ASN: 0/5352729/54965301), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Gentinne distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 12 May 1969, Company A was in a night position near the rock quarry northwest of the Oasis. At approximately 2000 hours Company A began receiving incoming rounds consisting of mortars, rockets and recoilless rifle fire. Immediately, Lieutenant Gentinne, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved through the intense barrage of incoming rounds to better position his men for an expected ground assault by the North Vietnamese. Lieutenant Gentinne then directed his platoon's fire upon the suspected enemy rocket, mortar and recoilless rifle positions. While courageously braving the enemy fire to better position himself, First Lieutenant Gentinne was mortally wounded by an incoming enemy recoilless rifle round. First Lieutenant Gentinne's personal bravery, outstanding performance 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.

General Orders: Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 3075 (June 14, 1969)

Action Date: May 12, 1969

Service: Army

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 35th Infantry Regiment

Division: 4th Infantry Division

Dear 1LT Thomas Henry Gentinne, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

I never had the chance of meeting you, but was named in remembrance. My dad (your brother) still cries any time he brings up your name and always says how brave you were. Thank you for serving our country and watching over us.

Please email me if you have any stories about my uncle.