THE WALL OF FACES

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

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 soldiers. May you rest in eternal peace.

Sergeant Ivy Louis Blair, Served with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

DEAR SERGEANT BLAIR,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN INFANTRYMAN WITH THE 1ST CAVALRY. A FRIEND'S BROTHER WAS 1ST CAV, SO SAY HI TO MIKE. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. 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 ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. MANY OF US HAVE BEGUN OUR JOURNEY TO EASTER. AND YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS.

Ivy Lewis Blair
Date of birth: October 17, 1944
Date of death: May 12, 1968
Place of Birth: Mississippi, Clay County
Home of record: West Point Mississippi
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 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Ivy Lewis Blair (ASN: RA-53375069), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Blair distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 12 May 1968 while serving as a squad leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Division, during a search and destroy mission near Ky Lam in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and sustained several casualties, Specialist Fourth Class Blair exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he placed effective suppressive fire on the enemy positions, enabling the injured to be evacuated to safety. At this time he was mortally wounded. The heroic actions of Specialist Fourth Class Blair were directly responsible for saving the lives of several seriously wounded comrades. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 1st Air Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 8117 (July 13, 1968)

Action Date: May 12, 1968

Service: Army

Rank: Specialist Fourth Class

Company: Company B

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 5th Cavalry Regiment

Division: 1st Air Cavalry Division