THE WALL OF FACES

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Dear Sp4 Larry Nelson, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It’s a New Year, but not necessarily better. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Larry Douglas Nelson
Date of birth: 26-Jul-47
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Royal Oak Michigan
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

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 Specialist Fourth Class Larry Douglas Nelson (ASN: US-54968767), 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 C, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Nelson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 August 1968 during combat operations east of Can Giuoc. While his platoon was receiving fire from a Viet Cong bunker system, Specialist Nelson spotted an approaching enemy soldier armed with a grenade. With complete disregard for his safety, he charged the advancing foe and wrested the grenade from him. During the struggle the pin on the grenade was pulled. Specialist Nelson immediately retrieved the deadly explosive and threw it away from the platoon so that it detonated harmlessly. As a squad began to assault the bunkers, one of the men fell seriously wounded. Specialist Nelson unhesitatingly crawled through the intense hostile fire to the injured man and returned him to safety. His platoon continued its efforts to destroy the fortified enemy bunker complex, and he began to move toward a bunker which was the source of heavy fire. Exposing himself to a hail of bullets, he stood up to hurl a hand grenade into the emplacement and was mortally wounded. Specialist Four Nelson'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. 5003 (October 29, 1968)

Action Date: 7-Aug-68

Service: Army

Rank: Specialist Fourth Class

Company: Company C

Battalion: 6th Battalion

Regiment: 31st Infantry Regiment

Division: 9th Infantry Division

Dear SP4 Larry Douglas Nelson, 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

Larry is buried at Roseland Park Cemetery, Royal Oak,MI. DSC BSM ARCOM PH