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. May you rest in eternal peace.

John Robert Baird

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lance Corporal
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal John Robert Baird, Jr. (MCSN: 2423144), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 February 1969, during Operation DEWEY CANYON, Company A was conducting a combat patrol in A Shau Valley when the Marines came under a heavy volume of fire from an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion occupying well-fortified positions. Accurately assessing the situation and realizing the need for immediate action, Lance Corporal Baird fearlessly exposed himself to the hostile fire and commenced delivering rapid grenade launcher fire upon the enemy positions, thereby enabling his companions to organize for an assault on the bunkers. Skillfully maneuvering to an advantageous position, he was seriously wounded while destroying a machine gun emplacement. Ignoring his painful injury, Lance Corporal Baird resolutely continued his determined efforts to neutralize the enemy position when he was mortally wounded by automatic weapons fire. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the subsequently successful accomplishment of his company's mission. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Baird upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

John I'll always remember you. We were fellow buckeyes together. I was wounded the same day in the same battle you lost your life. We were to leave Vietnam the same time together. Semper Fi Marine.

John was one of my best boot camp friends. We spent a lot of time together while on leave. I stayed at his home in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and got to meet his family and fiancé , before leaving for Viet Nam. After John and I landed in Viet Nam we rode in the Jeep together out to our base, in Quang Tri area. I had to go In thundering 3rd and He went to the Walking Dead. Even though we kept in touch through letters. We never got to see each other again. John I miss you and will never forget all the good times we had together. Thank you John for your sacrifice.

DEAR LANCE CORPORAL BAIRD,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A GRUNT. SEMPER FI. HALLOWEEN IS APPROACHING, AND ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS' DAYS - THE DAYS WE HONOR THOSE WHO LEFT US. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS GUIDE YOU. REST IN PEACE.