THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. May you rest in eternal peace.

DEAR PFC BARNHILL,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A GENERAL VEHICLE REPAIRER. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE. ADVENT IS HERE, AND CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE..

Larry M. Barnhill
Date of birth: May 4, 1947
Date of death: December 5, 1966
Home of record: Baltimore Maryland
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 Private First Class Larry M. Barnhill (ASN: RA-013853514), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Barnhill distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 December 1955 while serving on a tank crew of Company M, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, during a search and destroy mission in Phuoc Tuy Province. Private Barnhill was in the exposed machine gun position on the tank as it moved into a blocking maneuver against a well fortified Viet Cong bunker system. When sporadic fire was received from the left flank, the tank immediately moved to engage the insurgents. Again from the left flank, a sudden burst of fire struck the tank commander. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private Barnhill elected to remain in his exposed position, while firing on the Viet Cong, to protect his commander. During the exchange of fire, he received his fatal wound. Private Barnhill's gallantry in action against a hostile force at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam, General Orders No. 7149 (December 31, 1966)

Action Date: December 5, 1966

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company M, 3d Squadron

Regiment: 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

Dear PFC Larry M Barnhill, 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

Larry is buried at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Eastpoint, Baltimore County,MD. SS PH