THE WALL OF FACES

Staff Sergeant Richard Roosevelt Banks, Served with Advisory Team 87, Headquarters, Military Assistance Command Vietnam Advisors, Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV), United States Army Vietnam.

Staff Sergeant Richard Roosevelt Banks, Served with Advisory Team 87, Headquarters, Military Assistance Command Vietnam Advisors, Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV).

DEAR STAFF SERGEANT BANKS,
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN INDIRECT FIRE INFANTRYMAN. WATCH OVER AMERICA. IT STILL NEEDS YOUR GRACE. VETERANS' DAY IS APPROACHING AND- SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER AND HONOR ALL OF YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS GUIDE YOU. REST IN PEACE

Dear SSGT Richard Roosevelt Banks, 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

Richard Roosevelt Banks
Date of birth: December 14, 1934
Date of death: June 30, 1966
Place of Birth: North Carolina, Linwood
Home of record: Lexington North Carolina
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

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 Staff Sergeant Richard Roosevelt Banks (ASN: RA-53152967), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Staff Sergeant Banks distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 30 June 1966, while serving as Advisor to the 2d Troop, 5th Armored Cavalry Squadron, 10th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat patrol the unit was attacked by a large Viet Cong force utilizing recoilless rifle, automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire. Sergeant Banks immediately took the enemy under fire from his position in an armored personnel carrier, and his Vietnamese counterparts were able to withstand the initial enemy attack. Minutes later, Sergeant Banks' armored personnel carrier was disabled by an enemy recoilless rifle round and, though severely wounded, Sergeant Banks assisted two Vietnamese crew members from the vehicle. Disregarding his personal safety, Sergeant Banks then exposed himself to the intense hostile fire, initiated an assault against the well entrenched insurgent positions, and was instrumental in inflicting heavy casualties before he was mortally wounded by the communist fire. Sergeant Banks' conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1054 (July 15, 1966)

Action Date: June 30, 1966

Service: Army

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Company: Advisory Team 87

Division: Military Assistance Command, Vietnam