THE WALL OF FACES

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

Dear PFC John Odom, Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Infantryman. Your 54th anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is Valentine’s Day and tomorrow is Presidents’ Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

John Thomas Odom
Date of birth: 14-Aug-46
Date of death: February 18, 1967
Home of record: Alexander City Alabama
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 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John Thomas Odom (ASN: RA-24602563), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on 18 February 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Private First Class Odom was accompanying a team from the reconnaissance platoon on a patrol in the vicinity of Phan Thiet,. While his unit was moving down the trail, a mine was command detonated. Private First Class Odom, the radio telephone operator, was mortally wounded along with two men who were seriously wounded. Immediately after the detonation of the mine, Viet Cong snipers began firing intensely on the two remaining members of the squad. Private First Class Odom realized that if the snipers continued to keep the two men pinned down the entire squad would be annihilated. Even though mortally wounded and in extreme pain he began placing effective suppressive fire on the enemy, giving the two pinned down men the cover fire they needed to maneuver on the insurgents. Sustaining his fire, he radioed to another element for assistance. Private First Class Odom was solely responsible for saving the patrol from annihilation. His unimpeachable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and cast great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Action Date: 18-Feb-67

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Headquarters and Headquarters Company

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 327th Infantry Regiment

Division: 101st Airborne Division

Private First Class John Thomas Odom, Served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Dear PFC John Thomas Odom, 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