THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

I think of Gary often. I was only 10 years old at the time, but I still remember my dad trying to comfort my crying mom. I don’t remember being told what happened, but I remember walking from my house to the Pagan’s. There were lots of people there. I loved Mrs. Pagan. I remember seeing her smile when she was approached, and then the smile going away. I don’t remember if I got close enough to talk to her. If not, I hope she saw me & knew how sorry I was for her loss. That’s all I remember from back then. I never think of soldiers, or veterans, or Vietnam, without thinking of Gary Pagan and his mom.

Dear Sgt Gary Pagan, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Lent, and Daylight Savings Time begins today. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Gary Don Pagan
Date of birth: 9-Sep-46
Date of death: November 20, 1968
Place of Birth: Texas, Big Spring
Home of record: Ozona Texas
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 Sergeant Gary Don Pagan (ASN: US-54387878), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action on 20 November 1968. Sergeant Pagan distinguished himself while participating in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Pagan was serving as a squad leader on a reconnaissance in force mission near the city of Phan Thiet in Binh Thuan Province. As his platoon prepared to move early that morning, they were heavily engaged by an intense volume of automatic weapons fire from ten Viet Cong in the high ground to their rear. Racing under an intense volume of fire, Sergeant Pagan and one other man sought cover and an advantageous fighting position behind a small pile of rocks. When more enemy fire began to hit their position from behind and his comrade was seriously wounded, Sergeant Pagan courageously got up from behind his cover and placed an intense volume of return fire on the enemy causing them to flee. In the ensuing intense fighting, as he continued to provide cover for his wounded comrade by gallantly exposing himself, Sergeant Pagan was mortally wounded. Through his tremendous personal valor and at the sacrifice of his own life, Sergeant Pagan averted certain death for his fellow paratroopers and greatly inspired all of his men in repelling the violent enemy onslaught. The outstanding devotion to duty and tremendous courage displayed by Sergeant Pagan, in the face of extreme personal danger that cost him 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, 101st Airborne Division, General Orders No. 11274 (December 30, 1968)

Action Date: 20-Nov-68

Service: Army

Rank: Sergeant

Company: Company C

Battalion: 3d Battalion (Airborne)

Regiment: 506th Infantry Regiment

Division: 101st Airborne Division

Dear SGT Gary Don Pagan, 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