THE WALL OF FACES

Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.

Dear PFC John Lane, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. For many of us, we have begun Lent. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear PFC John Timothy Lane, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

Distinguished Service Cross

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 act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class John Timothy Lane (ASN: US-56986266), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Lane distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 May 1968 while serving as a rifleman during an operation near Duc Hoa. His unit had just established its night defensive position when an enemy force began to infiltrate the friendly lines. Private Lane and three men with him moved to a secondary defensive position situated in a small depression. An enemy soldier hurled a grenade into their location. With complete disregard for his safety, Private Lane threw himself on the grenade as it detonated. The explosion killed him instantly and wounded one of his comrades. By his self-sacrifice, Private Lane saved the lives of his fellow soldiers at the cost of his own. Private First Class Lane'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.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4322 (September 11, 1968)

Action Date: 4-May-68

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company B

Battalion: 4th Battalion

Regiment: 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade

Division: 25th Infantry Division

Tim you are missed. Our early childhood was great and then we grew apart when I moved to OK and you to WA. I always looked forward to our vacation time in CA. I now have a Dog Tag tatto with your name on my right arm and I wear it proudly. I think of you often and it makes me proud just to have known you.