THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to 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...

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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert Knapp Henderson, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 26 March 1970. Lieutenant Henderson was serving as platoon leader of the third platoon with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of South Vietnam. On 26 March 1970, Alpha Troop and attached infantry company volunteered to rescue Charlie Company, Second Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, a unit that was surrounded by a North Vietnamese battalion and that faced annihilation within hours. The trapped infantry company had no chance of withdrawal on its own, reinforcement by air was impossible, its ammunition was dwindling and it already had incurred most of the 37 wounded and 3 killed that it would suffer that day. Charlie Company was pinned down by intense machine gun, rifle and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a large fortified bunker complex and by its immobile casualties. Upon reaching the embattled infantry unit, Alpha Troop and its attached infantry company unhesitatingly confronted the enemy and shielded the survivors of Charlie Company from further harm. Alpha Troop then executed a valiant assault into the entrenched bunker complex, directing fierce tank and machine gun fire toward camouflaged North Vietnamese positions. Hostile automatic weapons, recoilless rifle and rocket-propelled grenade fire was intense as the enemy, probably outnumbering Alpha Troop three to one, defended itself with extreme determination. One hour after the assault began, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the tank of Lieutenant Henderson's platoon sergeant, killing the sergeant and removing his powerful vehicle from the battle. Although tragically deprived of his principal subordinate and his firepower, Lieutenant Henderson courageously remained in command, continued to direct his troopers in concentrating suppressive fire against a powerful enemy barrage of rocket-propelled grenade and automatic weapons. Throughout the battle, his valor was instrumental in the third platoon's leading all of Alpha Troop in the advance against the entrenched enemy . . .
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/67652 for full citation.

Lt. Robert Knapp Henderson, Jr. was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He served as a Tank Unit Commander and was assigned to A TRP, 1ST SQDN, 11TH ARMORED CAVALRY.
See See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org/

Dear Lt Robert Henderson,
Thank you for your service as a Tank Unit Commander. It's Mother's Day Weekend. 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.

Dear 1LT Robert Knapp Henderson 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, Sir

Curt Carter