THE WALL OF FACES

Ambrosio Salazar Grandea

DATE OF BIRTH: August 22, 1932

HOME OF RECORD:
Baltimore, Maryland


Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: Captain
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Division: 4th Infantry Division
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 3079 (September 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 Captain (Chaplain) Ambrosio Salazar Grandea (ASN: 0-2300900), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 May 1967 Chaplain Grandea distinguished himself while accompanying Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division on a search and destroy operation near Thanh Hoa. One platoon of the company had been receiving devastating and accurate automatic and small arms fire from enemy forces to the front and flanks which wounded several men. Chaplain Grandea was with the Command Group when the firing started. As he heard the cries of "medic," he left the Command Group, which was not receiving fire and crawled forward to the wounded soldiers. Paying no heed to the heavy volume of fire being directed at the platoon by enemy troops both on the ground and in the trees, Chaplain Grandea moved to each of the wounded and assisted the medics in the administration of first aid. Shouting words of encouragement not only to the stricken men but also to those repelling the attack, he inspired the men of the platoon to fight with renewed vigor and determination. Chaplain Grandea's courageous actions were in large part responsible for the defeat of the enemy. His unselfish gallantry is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Dear Major Ambrosio Salazar Grandea, 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

i meet Chaplin Grandea on a chopper flight into a Forward camp in Quang Tin Province, He was a nice Guy and invited me to mass the next day ( so it must have been a Saturday ) next morning in the A.M we took on enemy fire. never made it to Mass. i herd the Chaplin & his assistant had been hurt. I never got to see Chaplin Grandea again, but after all these years He left an everlasting impression on me. I still think about hem from time to time.

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you,.

Ambrosio is buried at Arlington Nat Cem.