THE WALL OF FACES

HAMPTON, Tenn. (WJHL) - A bridge over Laurel Fork Creek has been dedicated in honor of a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Command Sgt. Maj. James C. Gilbert was killed while serving in Vietnam back in 1969. He was recognized for evacuating wounded soldiers from the battlefield by helicopter.

At a ceremony Saturday, the bridge in Hampton was dedicated to Gilbert.

Back in February, the Carter County Commission approved dedicating the bridge. Mayor Rusty Barnett said it was finally time to show their appreciation for Gilbert's sacrifice.

"People don't realize what freedom we have because they laid their lives on the line for us," Barnett said.

The bridge is located on U.S. Highway 19E.

Dear SMAJ James Caroll Gilbert, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War

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 Sergeant Major James Caroll Gilbert (ASN: RA-44041639), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Sergeant Major Gilbert distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 March 1969 while flying in a command and control helicopter with his brigade commander near Kontum. An ambulance helicopter evacuated a load of casualties from an infantry company in heavy contact with a battalion-size North Vietnamese Army force, but it was so badly damaged by enemy fire that it was unable to return for the remaining wounded. Realizing that the ground unit would be unable to maneuver until the injured men were extracted, Sergeant Major Gilbert urged the brigade commander to use his aircraft to complete the evacuation. He fired at the communists from tree-top level and directed the fire of the door gunners on two flights to the landing zone. On both attempts, however, the infantrymen were pinned down by hostile fire and unable to reach the ship. Although the helicopter had received a number of hits in the fuselage, Sergeant Major Gilbert directed the pilot to fly over the North Vietnamese nearest the pickup site and exposed himself to a hail of bullets by leaning out and firing into the enemy positions. During an approach to the landing zone, automatic weapons fire wounded the pilot and door gunner, forcing the co-pilot to wrench the ship into a series of evasive actions. Sergeant Major Gilbert detached his seat harness and braced himself in the doorway to shield the brigade commander and bring the most effective fire against the North Vietnamese. He succeeded in silencing one emplacement and was engaging another as the helicopter was nearing safety when he was struck and killed by the hostile fusillade. Command Sergeant Major Gilbert'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.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1723 (May 14, 1969)

Action Date: 12-Mar-69

Service: Army

Rank: Sergeant Major

Company: Headquarters and Headquarters Company

Regiment: 1st Brigade

Division: 4th Infantry Division

James is buried at Elks Mills Cemetery in Butler,TN. DSC SSOLC LM AM14 OLC ARCOM PH

Brave soldier,
As part of the Gridley High School Posting Project in Gridley Illinois, I would like to take a moment to remember the sacrifice that you made for this country. I wish that I could have known you, so that I would know what about you inspired your dedication. You are a true hero!