THE WALL OF FACES

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 remain in our hearts forever…..

First Lieutenant Thomas Henry Gentinne, Served with the Weapons Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

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