THE WALL OF FACES

Dear SP4 Clarence Lee Shaw, 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

Thank you so much for the short service you gave during the Vietnam war.I thank your family for being strong and understaning throughout your service. Also understanding why you did it. I pray that as time goes on, people will understand more the sacrifice that our vererans, casualties,and everyone elce that was lost. Most of all, I pray that they will understand why you and evryone elce did it.

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Clarence Lee Shaw (ASN: RA-67136332), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Shaw distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 November 1967 while serving as acting sergeant of an infantry unit on a two-company search and destroy operation near Loc Ninh. Specialist Shaw and his squad were providing flank security for his company when forward elements located and killed an enemy sniper. A large Viet Cong force immediately triggered a savage attack on the entire unit with claymore mines, automatic weapons and small arms fire. After quickly deploying his squad in an extremely effective defensive perimeter, he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense barrage to locate the targets and direct fire on the enemy positions which inflicted heavy casualties on the determined insurgents. He was seriously wounded when the Viet Cong began hitting his position with accurate rocket fire, and his squad was ordered to join the main body of the company. Completely disregarding his own safety, Specialist Shaw directed his men to move back while he remained behind to cover their movement. The Viet Cong intensified their attack on his position, but instead of seeking shelter, Specialist Shaw braved the withering fire and charged the advancing enemy, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers with rifle fire and grenades. He was mortally wounded while unselfishly placing the lives of his fellow soldiers above his own welfare in the face of grave danger. His gallant actions completely disorganized the insurgents and enabled his company to totally defeat them in a fierce battle. Specialist Four Shaw's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of 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, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 6501 (December 18, 1967)

Action Date: 11-Nov-67

Service: Army

Rank: Specialist Fourth Class

Company: Company D

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 26th Infantry Regiment

Division: 1st Infantry Division

Clarence is buried at Clearview Cemetery in Ardmore, OK. PH

Clarence, Although we never met,
I just want you to know you are
not forgotten. You gave the ultimate
sacrifice, your life for what you believed
in. Sleep well my friend, and thank you
for protecting the freedoms we enjoy
today.
A true American Hero.