THE WALL OF FACES

"An God said who shall we send.I answered I am here,send me."

Isaiah 6:8

Facta Non Verba
Laus Deo

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die

In an act of Heroism above and beyond the call of duty, this American gave the ultimate sacricice for his brothers.

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS


BILLY LANE LAUFFER


served as a


RIFLEMAN


with


COMPANY ' C '

2nd BATTALION

5th CAVALRY

1st AIR CAVALRY DIVISION


and was a posthumous recipient of the


<><><><>CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR<><><><>


who rests in honored glory in


MURRAY MEMORIAL GARDENS

CALLOWAY COUNTY

MURRAY, KENTUCKY



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CITATION

FOR AWARD OF THE

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR

TO

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS

BILLY LANE LAUFFER



near BON SON

BINH DINH PROVINCE

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

21 SEPTEMBER 1966



For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty. PFC Lauffer's
squad, a part of Company ' C ', was suddenly struck at close
range by an intense machine - gun crossfire from two
concealed bunkers astride the squad's route. PFC Lauffer,
the second man in the column, saw the lead man fall and
noted that the remainder of the squad was unable to move.
Two comrades, previously wounded and being carried on
litters, were lying helpless in the beaten zone of the enemy
fire. Reacting instinctively, PFC Lauffer quickly engaged
both bunkers with fire from his rifle, but when the other
squad members attempted to manoeuvre under his
covering fire, the enemy fusillade increased in volume and
thwarted every attempt to move. Seeing this and his
wounded comrades helpless in the open, PFC Lauffer rose
to his feet and charged the enemy machine - gun positions,
firing his weapon and drawing the enemy's attention.
Keeping the enemy confused and off - balance, his one - man
assault provided the crucial moments for the wounded point
man to crawl to a covered position, the squad to move the
exposed litter patients to safety, and his comrades to gain
more advantageous positions. PFC Lauffer was fatally
wounded during his selfless act of courage and devotion to
his fellow soldiers. His gallantry at the cost of his life served
as an inspiration to comrades and saved the lives of untold
number of his companions. His actions are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.



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CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR


was presented to his family

on 15 August 1968

at

The Pentagon

by the

Secretary of the United States Army

Stanley R. Resor



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THE PROUD YOUNG VALOR THAT ROSE ABOVE THE MORTAL

AND THEN, AT LAST, WAS MORTAL AFTER ALL





YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE

I was in High School with Bill and his brother Rodney.
He was a good friend. I remember the last thing I said to him. " Becareful and come back safe. "I regret that he did not.

Jim Wasson
Sunnyside High School class of 1966
Tucson, AZ