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….

I remember being in boy scouts with you. You went to Vietnam before me. On this memorial day I want to remember your sacrifice.
Eric Randau

My name is Calvin Gooch, I served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Sep. in Vietnam in 1966-67, I am from Georgia and I do Not know If Jerry Is Part Of My Family Or Not, But I do Know That I Am A Vietnam Brother of His. I Was Also A Airborne Combat Infantryman 11B4P (GROUND POUNDER) and I have Now, And Will Forever Have, The Up-most Respect For Him, Because I Walked The Same Walk He Walked. GOD Bless You Brother--RIP.

Dear Sp4 Jerry Gooch,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Happy New Year. 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.

Jerry Dale Gooch

DATE OF BIRTH: December 15, 1946
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Flint, Michigan
HOME OF RECORD:
Detroit, Michigan

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Division: 25th Infantry Division
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2665 (August 23, 1967)
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 Specialist Fourth Class Jerry Dale Gooch (ASN: US-55893630), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 July 1967, Specialist Fourth Class Gooch distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader in the Reconnaissance Platoon of the 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, operating south of Quang Ngai. His squad had made a helicopter assault into enemy territory when it encountered heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. Specialist Fourth Class Gooch reached the comparative safety of a trench when he saw that the rest of his squad had taken cover in a shell crater and was without means of communication. Disregarding the intense hostile fire, he ran across approximately twenty-five meters of open terrain to reach his squad, and then led them back to the trench line. He discovered that one of his men was wounded and had been unable to follow him. Directing the supporting fire of his men into the enemy positions, he climbed out of the trench and again braved the relentless enemy fire as he made his way to the wounded man. He picked the man up and carried him back to the squad's position, but before he could regain safety himself, he was mortally wounded. Specialist Fourth Class Gooch's leadership and conspicuous gallantry at the sacrifice of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.