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 always be with us….

Thank you for your service and sacrifice in Vietnam, lieutenant.

Second Lieutenant John Lance Geoghegan, Served with the 2nd Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) John Lance Geoghegan, United States Army, for gallantry in action against a numerically superior force of North Vietnamese Regulars on 15 November 1965 while assigned as Platoon Leader, 2d Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. When his company was attacked by a large enemy force, the weight of the attack fell on Lieutenant Geoghegan's platoon and the platoon on line to his right. Within minutes, the fighting became close-in and furious as the North Vietnamese attempted to overrun the American positions. Suddenly, one of Lieutenant Geoghegan's riflemen was wounded a few meters to his right and yelled for help. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Geoghegan rose from his foxhole command post and selflessly exposed himself to the sheets of enemy fire as he ran out to assist his wounded trooper, receiving fatal wounds in the process. Ultimately, his platoon held their ground and repelled the attack. Lieutenant Geoghegan's intrepid gallantry in action in voluntarily laying his own life on the line for love of one of his men was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Cavalry Regiment, and the United States Army.

Lt. John Lance Geoghegan was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He served as an Infantry Unit Commander and was assigned to ND PLT, C CO, 1ST BN, 7TH CAVALRY, 1ST CAV DIV, USARV.
See http://www.virtualwall.org/dg/GeogheganJL01a.htm