THE WALL OF FACES

Dear LCPL John Robert Baird Jr, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

John and I played ball while at McDonald’s school in Oak Lawn. If I got to pick a team, I always picked John to be on my team. We lost touch after grade school and I only heard about John’s death when I returned home from Vietnam. John, thank you for your service to our country. Semper Fi you old Jar Head.

Today is my birthday just like it is yours. I was 23 when I was sent to Vietnam and didn’t think I would live to be 24. I was in an Army infantry unit and somehow by the grace of God survived. Today I am thinking of all of you whose birthday it is, cut down too soon from family and friends not growing old with them or hearing your grandchildren call you Grand Pa. I will say a prayer today as I always do for those who did not return. I hope I have lived my life correctly in return for the gift of old age. God bless all of you perished and to their family and friends who had to carry on without them.

Silver Star

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal John R. 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.

Action Date: 22-Feb-69

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 9th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

John is buried at Mt Hope Cemetery, Oak Lawn, IL. SS PH