THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Distinguished Service Cross citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Richard, I didn't know you but I also grew up in Pengilly, MN. I was friends and classmate of your sister Wendy, You were a few years ahead of us in school. I knew your mom and dad as they knew my parents. May you rest in peace, may God hold you close. Sincerely Josi Fragnito.

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Richard.

Dear 1LT Richard Arne Koski, 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.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

*KOSKI, RICHARD ARNE
First Lieutenant (Artillery), U.S. Army
Battery A, 3d Battalion, 34th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division
Date of Action: March 8, 1968
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard Arne Koski, First Lieutenant (Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Battery A, 3d Battalion, 34th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Koski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 March 1968 as artillery forward observer with an infantry unit during an airmobile assault mission near My Tho. The helicopter formation received a devastating volume of automatic weapons and machine gun fire as it arrived at the landing zone, and only Lieutenant Koski's ship and one other aircraft were able to discharge their passengers onto the battlefield. The insurgents immediately pressed a furious assault on the outnumbered friendly forces with savage rocket, mortar and small arms fire. Braving the withering fusillade, Lieutenant Koski called for artillery support and skillfully adjusted the fire to within twenty-five meters of the defenders' perimeter. Shrapnel and enemy bullets struck all around him, but he moved into the open time after time to locate Viet Cong emplacements and destroy them with deadly strikes. Seriously wounded by an exploding enemy round, he fearlessly continued his mission until he succumbed to his injuries. His gallant and selfless actions in the heat of battle were instrumental in repelling the determined hostile attack and forcing the insurgents to withdraw. First Lieutenant Koski's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.