THE WALL OF FACES

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

Dear PFC John Larson, Thank you for your service as a Medical Corpsman with the 1st Cavalry. Thank you for the lives you saved. 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.

On Memorial Day, May 30, 2016 in Boise, Idaho at 12 Noon you will be remembered and honored for your service at the dedication of Idaho's Vietnam War Memorial in Veterans Memorial Park by the VVA, Chapter 1025.

John Gilbert Larson
Date of birth: September 12, 1947
Date of death: DOW: December 30, 1966
Home of record: Blackfoot Idaho
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

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 an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John Gilbert Larson (ASN: RA-19843852), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Larson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 17 December 1966, while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during an air assault operation in the Republic of Vietnam. Moments after being air assaulted into an area of suspected enemy activity, Private First Class Larson's company came under heavy fire from well entrenched enemy positions concealed in hedgerows less than forty meters ahead and sustained several casualties. Several key men, including the company commander, a platoon leader and one of the platoon Medical Aidmen, were wounded in the fierce point-blank fire fight. Private First Class Larson immediately rushed forward through the withering fire and began treating the more seriously wounded men in his platoon. Despite pleas by his platoon sergeant to wait until the firing subsided, Private First Class Larson made numerous trips forward to treat and help evacuate the wounded. After he had treated the more seriously wounded in his own platoon, Private First Class Larson moved to the platoon where the Aidman had been wounded, and began treating the casualties in that unit. As the wounded continued to mount, Private First Class Larson moved back and forth between the two units, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire. When a close friend was felled by the hostile fire, Private First Class Larson raced forward still another time and shielded the man with his own body while working feverishly to revive him. Private First Class Larson was critically wounded while attempting to save his friend's life. Private First Class Larson's courageous action stands in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 587 (February 7, 1967)

Action Date: December 17, 1966

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company C

Battalion: 1st Battalion (Airborne)

Regiment: 12th Cavalry Regiment

Division: 1st Cavalry Division

Dear PFC John Gilbert Larson, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter