THE WALL OF FACES

Sergeant First Class George William Harris, Served with Detachment A-302, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group, United States Army Vietnam.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Dear SFC George Harris,
Thank you for your service as a Special Forces Qualified Radio Operator. It is Lent, which is a time of preparation. The war was years ago, but we all need 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.

George William Harris

DATE OF BIRTH: 2-Jun-34

HOME OF RECORD:
Stratford, Connecticut


Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Division: 1st Special Forces
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3307 (July 1, 1967)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class George William Harris (ASN: RA-11301176), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Detachment A-302, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Harris distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 26 May 1967 while serving as Special Forces Commander of a Vietnamese reconnaissance platoon during a search and destroy mission near Tong Le Chon. When two Vietnamese companies made contact with Viet Cong, they deployed for an advance into the hostile positions with Sergeant Harris' platoon in the lead. His unit soon received fire from an enemy company guarding the base camp. Heedless of booby traps and intense machine gun fire from fortified positions, Sergeant Harris led his men into the midst of the Viet Cong fortifications. When a burst of hostile fire killed a machine gun crew next to him and severely wounded him in the right shoulder, he picked up the machine gun and continued the assault. Reaching the first bunker, he killed the two insurgents inside, then rallied his men to continue the attack. While pressing the assault, Sergeant Harris was mortally wounded. Sergeant First Class Harris' gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Dear SFC George William Harris, 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