THE WALL OF FACES

I served under Gen. Bond and reported to him directly, as the Counter Intelligence Team Leader of the 179th Military Intelligence Detachment of the 199th Lt. Inf. Brig. My Chain of Command was Maj. Stackman, the Commander of the MID, and Gen. Bond. I ran a number of missions under his personal command. He was every thing you would ever want in a General Officer. He was deeply respected by the men of his Command. He died as he served, leading from the front. But, he was also very human. Once, when he was decorating me, I took my Fathers advice. He said "if you ever find yourself being decorated by a General, ask for a promotion instead". I did so.
I said, "Sir, I would much rather be promoted". Gen. Bond smiled and said, "Me, Too" and moved on to the next Trooper. 53 years later, I still miss him. Serving under his Command is the Greatest Honor of My Life. Spec. 5 Patrick Snyder, Counterintelligence Team Leader, 179th M.I.D, 199TH L.I.B. 69/70 "Redcatcher, Sir!"

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The account of your words during your final moments is especially poignant. May you rest in eternal peace.

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Cavalry) William R. Bond, United States Army, for gallantry in action while Commanding Company A, First Ranger Battalion, near Cisterna De Littoria, Italy, on 29 January 1944. When the First Ranger Battalion was ordered to infiltrate through the enemy lines and capture the town of Cisterna De Littoria and after traveling five miles through enemy territory, had reached a point approximately 660 yards south of the town, the enemy became alerted and directed intense rifle and machine gun fire on the raiders. Captain Bond led his company into a position facing the entrenched enemy 200 yards away, then disregarding his own safety from enemy machine gun, mortar and artillery fire, he constantly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to visit his company positions and direct their fire, and during one enemy attack on his position, he procured a rifle and destroyed fifteen of the enemy. Then upon learning that all the officers of Company F had been killed and the Battalion Commander wounded, Captain Bond continued to expose himself by visiting that portion of the line occupied by Company F in order to direct their fire and encourage their efforts. By his coolness and gallantry in continually exposing himself to withering enemy fire, Captain Bond was an inspiration to all who witnessed his actions. Captain Bond's gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/25571

Synopsis: Brigadier General William Ross Bond (ASN: 0-1012727), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding General, 199th Infantry Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/25571

CITATION:
Captain (Cavalry) William Ross Bond, United States Army, was captured during fighting in Italy on or about 29 January 1944, and was held by the Germans as a Prisoner of War until his successful escape from captivity on or about 21 January 1945.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/25571