THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace LCPL. Kaler, I salute your brave soul. We can never truly repay the great debt we owe our fallen heroes. My heart goes out to you and your family. Semper Fidelis!

Dear Lcpl Richard Kaler, Thank you for your service as a Machine Gunner. Your 76th birthday just passed, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Halloween is today, happy Halloween. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

I learned of you while researching my family tree. I had an opportunity to see and etch your name today on the traveling memorial. Thank for your service, your sacrifice for this country is not forgotten.

Richard David Kaler
Date of birth: 13-Oct-43
Date of death: DOW July 23, 1966
Home of record: Patchogue New York
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Richard David Kaler (MCSN: 2031739), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a machine gunner with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 July 1966. The company was engaged in a search and destroy mission during Operation HASTINGS when the point man of Corporal Kaler's platoon was fired upon and killed by an enemy machine gun. Disregarding his own personal safety, he immediately moved forward through the heavy fire and carried the body back. The following day, the platoon attacked the same position. When several machine guns opened fire cutting down several of his comrades and pinning the rest of the platoon, Corporal Kaler, knowing the hazards involved, without hesitation and in complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to the intense fire and charged the enemy positions. Receiving a bullet in the thigh, he nevertheless closed with the North Vietnamese, silencing one position before he was struck and mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his daring initiative, valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of insurmountable odds, Corporal Kaler was responsible in a great measure for saving many of his comrades and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: 21-Jul-66

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Company: Company H

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 4th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF