THE WALL OF FACES

John P. Rackhaus
Date of birth: July 21, 1949
Date of death: November 16, 1969
Home of record: Marshall Illinois

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal John P. Rackhaus (MCSN: 2471130), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the night of 29 May 1969, Private First Class Rackhaus' platoon was occupying an ambush site along a trail in Quang Nam Province approximately 500 meters from the company command post. Suddenly, an estimated North Vietnamese Army company utilizing rocket--propelled grenades, small arms, and automatic weapons launched a determined attack from three sides against the outnumbered Marines. When his sector of the platoon's defensive position was attacked, Private First Class Rackhaus joined in delivering such a heavy volume of return fire that the enemy advance was halted. Observing a wounded Marine fall in front of the enemy, he completely disregarded his own safety as he boldly left his position to assist the injured man. Although wounded in one hand by hostile fire, which rendered it nearly useless, he ignored his painful injury as he resolutely continued to move toward the wounded Marine. As he reached his comrade, he was confronted with four enemy soldiers and, reacting instantly, accurately fired his M-16 rifle and killed all four North Vietnamese. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting around him, Private First Class Rackhaus used his one good hand to pull the wounded Marine to a casualty collection point. Alertly observing one of the injured men stop breathing, he immediately applied mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and successfully revived the Marine. During the remainder of the fierce fire fight, Private First Class Rackhaus assisted in treating the casualties until reinforcements and medical evacuation helicopters arrived. His heroic actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy force. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Rackhaus upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: May 29, 1969

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 7th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

John Rackhaus was in my platoon , and squad in boot camp. I will never forget him . Years later I found out about his death and earning the silver star in Vietnam. I wish i could have known him better, but we were all rushed through training , and on our way over there. God bless you John, Robert Buhl from platoon 3096 and the 1st Marine Division Vietnam 1969-1970.

I reckon John was quite a Marine. It would have been a honor to have know him.
He was awarded the Silver Star.

I was with John in platoon 3096 in san Diego Ca. I will always remember him. God bless you John.

Dear LCPL John Pell Rackhaus, 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