THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. May you rest in eternal peace.

Second Lieutenant John Francis Bergerson, Served with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

You will never be forgotten. You were so kind and so respectful and respected.

John Francis Bergerson

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant John Francis Bergerson (MCSN: 0-92624), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Artillery Forward Observer with Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, near the city of DaNang, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 January 1967, Lieutenant Bergerson was attached to the Third Platoon, which was moving to a blocking force position by helicopter in support of Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines. During the landing, the platoon came under heavy sniper fire, which forced the helicopters to withdraw before all members had disembarked. Lieutenant Bergerson distinguished himself by moving to a dangerously exposed position in order to effectively call in supporting fire, enabling the men in the landing zone to maneuver to a covered position about 200 meters away. At this time they came under intensive machine gun fire from an estimated 30 Viet Cong to their front and left flank. Two men were hit in the initial burst of fire. Lieutenant Bergerson fearlessly moved forward in the face of heavy enemy fire. Completely disregarding his own personal safety, he exposed himself to the fire in order to call in close, accurate supporting fire. It was at this time that he was mortally wounded by small arms fire. Second Lieutenant Bergerson's courageous and heroic actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

DEAR LIEUTENANT BERGERSON,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A FIELD ARTILLERY OFFICER. ARTILLERYMEN WILL ALWAYS BE SPECIAL TO ME. SEMPER FI. IT IS 2017, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. IT IS ALSO PRESIDENTS' DAY WEEKEND. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.