THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

"Greater love hath no man, than that man lay down his life for a friend."

Semper Fi, Doc.

Dear PO2C Terrence Kierznowski, Thank you for your service as a Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class with the 3rd Marine Regiment. Semper Fi. Thank you for he lives you saved. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Advent, and we are beginning our preparations. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Terrence E. Kierznowski

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Navy
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Second Class Terrence E. Kierznowski (NSN: B-509521), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Corpsman with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 September 1969, while Company K was occupying a night defensive position in mountainous territory north of the Elliot Combat Base in Quang Tri Province, the Marines came under a heavy volume of mortar fire which immediately resulted in several casualties among men in forward fighting holes. Responding immediately to the situation, Petty Officer Kierznowski left his covered position and, running to the side of a seriously wounded man, commenced treating him. While he was performing this lifesaving task, Marines nearby shouted a warning of additional incoming rounds and called to him to seek cover. Although fully award of the possible consequences of his action, Petty Officer Kierznowski quickly pushed the wounded man down and, covering him with his own body, absorbed the full impact of three mortar rounds which detonated close to them. By his courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty and to his fellow man, Petty Officer Kierznowski sacrificed his own life to save that of his patient, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Sorry I see it has been posted, my mistake.
Ed klek