THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died two days before your 38th birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Dear Gysgt George Kendall, Thank you for your service as an Interrogation - Translation Specialist. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Thanksgiving is next week. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

George P. Kendall , Jr.
Date of birth: 6-Feb-30
Date of death: February 4, 1968
Home of record: Missoula Montana
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant [then Sergeant] George P. Kendall, Jr. (MCSN: 1103292), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Chief Interrogator with the Eleventh Interrogation Translation Team, III Marine Amphibious Force, in the Republic of Vietnam from 31 January to 4 February 1968 during Operation HUE CITY. Serving with Advisory Team Three on 31 January, Gunnery Sergeant Kendall directed the evacuation of casualties throughout the night while the North Vietnamese Army force launched a concentrated mortar and rocket attack upon the city. The following morning, despite intense enemy sniper fire and mortar barrages, he led a group of Marines to the embarkation point and assisted in placing the wounded aboard helicopters. Volunteering, he accompanied reaction forces on patrols in order to obtain vital intelligence information. During the three-day period, he conducted exhaustive interrogations at the Thua Thien refugee center, screening approximately 1,300 refugees and obtaining valuable intelligence information. On 4 February, Sergeant Kendall volunteered to serve as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of a reconnaissance/intelligence patrol in the vicinity of Hue Stadium. After securing vital intelligence information, the patrol leader and another Marine deployed to search the west side of the stadium and immediately became pinned down by intense enemy semiautomatic weapons fire. Sergeant Kendall, in an attempt to aid his besieged comrades, maneuvered around the east wall of the stadium and was wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. With complete disregard for his own safety and his painful wound, he continued his advance but was wounded again by enemy fire. Undaunted, he continued his one-man assault on the enemy machine gun, silencing it before he succumbed to his wounds. By his bold initiative, intrepid fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Sergeant Kendall reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: January 31 - February 4, 1968

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Gunnery Sergeant

Company: 11th Interrogator Translator Team

Division: 3d Marine Amphibious Force

Marine Corps Recruit Depot
Parris Island, SC
Third Battalion
Platoon 352

Commenced Training: 29 June 1964
Completed Training: 09 September 1964

Gunny Kendall served as a Junior Drill Instructor for this Platoon.

Semper Fidelis, Marine!

I was with George when he was killed. He was on a small mixed USMC/ARMY recon patrol in the city of Hue when we were ambushed. The burst of fire which killed him was aimed at me I think and he stepped out in to the street just as the NVA fired. We later killed the shooter. George was one
of the every best Interrogator/Interpreters I ever worked with. He had a magic way with Vietnamese kids which would lead them to tell him/us information
their parents would not. He always carried candy for the kids and they adored him. He was in all respects a good man and he left us way too young.