THE WALL OF FACES

Timothy Harrington

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Distinguished Flying Cross


Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Specialist Timothy Harrington, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 February 1969. Specialist Harrington distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions, while serving as crew chief of a UH-1H helicopter over Quan Nam Hoa District, Republic of Vietnam. During a period of extremely poor weather, several units, isolated except by air, were in desperate need of food and ammunition. Resupply had been impossible because of extremely poor visibility and low ceilings for several days. On the cited date, the weather improved to the point where there were intermittent periods of marginal flying conditions. Taking advantage of these short periods of time during which aerial resupply, while extremely difficult, was possible, Specialist Harrington and his fellow crew members resupplied all of the isolated units of the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry, except one. Despite deteriorating weather conditions, he volunteered to act as crew chief of the aircraft in an attempt to resupply the last unit, a remote radar position. While demonstrating outstanding courage and exceptional skill, Specialist Harrington, despite nearly impossible weather conditions, assisted the pilot in navigating his aircraft through the mountains and clouds to the radar site. Less than one-half mile short of their destination, the aircraft was engaged by hostile ground fire, disabling the aircraft and causing it to crash against the side of the mountain Specialist Harrington sacrificed his life in a courageous attempt to provide critical supplies to an American Unit. Specialist Harrington's personal bravery and devotion to duty 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: Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society - www.dfcsociety.org

Action Date: 5-Feb-69

Service: Army

Rank: Specialist

Dear SP4 Timothy Michae Harrington, 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

Tim is buried at San Fernando Mission Cemetery, San Fernando,CA. DFC BSM AM-2OLC ARCOM PH

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

Timothy Harrington - 20 yrs.

I feel everyone here needs some acknowledgement of their ultimate sacrifice for our country. You died much too young. You had a life that deserved many more years. There are people left behind who loved you and who, I imagine still feel the pain of your loss to this day. I hope they have comfort in knowing you are at rest and that they will someday see you again in a much better place.

Your courage and efforts in Vietnam will never be forgotten in my heart and in a multitude of others who have the upmost respect and honor for the soldiers who lost their lives there.

in Peace always
February 5, 2003