THE WALL OF FACES

An email from another fellow grad prompted me to leave this note. I graduated with Bernie and was commissioned with him from Duquesne University. My most vivid memory of Bernie is of him leading our ROTC detachment's "Ranger Raiders." He led a motivated crew of men, running up and down those Pittsburgh streets. Very gung ho, in a good way! Our paths diverged after graduation. We were both in VN at about the same time, but I was much farther north in I Corps (with the Americal Division). I knew for many years, of course, that Bernie had been killed but not the details that the Silver Star citation provide. Rest in peace, my friend, a true hero.

CITATION:
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 Captain (Field Artillery) Bernard George Albertson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 5th Battalion, 42d Artillery, 23d Artillery Group in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Albertson distinguished himself while serving s artillery advisory to the 302d Territorial Forces Battalion conducting operations in the Long Hai mountains, Phuoc Tuy Province. While on patrol in this rugged terrain, the point man detonated a mine, seriously wounding three other soldiers. Immediately Captain Albertson summoned a medical evacuation helicopter to the area. Upon arrival, the helicopter could not land on the steep slope, but was forced to hover hazardously 10 feet above the ground. Although receiving enemy fire, Captain Albertson exposed himself to the hostile fusillade in an attempt to hoist the critically wounded soldier into the air ambulance. The aircraft was hit by enemy fire, causing it to crash. Captain Albertson, who was working directly beneath the aircraft, was killed instantly. Captain Albertson's gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/88230

I was there, II Corps, 173rd Abn, on that day... no one told me until I returned home months later. Had I known, I would have been at your side on the journey home to Pittsburgh. Decades have not softened my guilt. May thoughts across time have not faded, nor my prayers.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long a syou are remembered you will never truly die.

You're remembered.