THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

GARRYOWEN

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Distinguished Service Cross citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Maj. Marvin Siders, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Valentine’s Day. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Marvin Isaac Siders
Date of birth: 23-May-40
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Macy Indiana
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Distinguished Service Cross


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 act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Marvin Isaac Siders (ASN: OF-110427), 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, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Captain Siders distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 November 1968 while leading his company on a search and clear operation. The unit made contact with a large, well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force and during the initial volley was pinned down by the intense hostile fire and sustained heavy casualties. Captain Siders moved through the aggressors' barrage to effectively position his troops and organize the evacuation of the wounded. After guiding in the ambulance helicopter and insuring that the injured men were safely evacuated, he ran to the foremost fighting position and directed both aerial rocket artillery and air strikes to within one hundred meters of his location. As he moved forward during a brief lull in the fighting to assess the damage of the tactical air strikes, the enemy suddenly unleashed a heavy bombardment of rocket, semi-automatic and automatic weapons fire. From his advanced position, Captain Siders spotted a strategic bunker which was directing the greatest volume of fire on his element. He immediately maneuvered toward the emplacement in a courageous attempt to draw the hostile fire. Skillfully employing his weapon and hurling grenades as he charged, Captain Siders was within feet of the fortification before being mortally wounded. Captain Siders' 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. 387 (February 4, 1969)

Action Date: 6-Nov-68

Service: Army

Rank: Captain

Company: Company D

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade

Division: 1st Cavalry Division

Dear Major Marvin Isaac Siders, 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