THE WALL OF FACES

Dear HN James Tarrance, Thank you for your service as a Hospitalman with the 26th Marines, Semper Fi. Thank you for the lives you saved. Your 74th birthday is soon, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

On the remembrance of your 73rd birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

"Greater love hath no man, than that man lay down his life for a friend."

Semper Fi, Doc

Our search for your photo started in Florida but ended in Georgia, thanks to the volunteers who traced your family there. James and his father, James Isaac, also a Navy veteran, are both buried in Marietta National Cemetery, just outside Atlanta. James Curtis Tarrance attended Newton County High School in Covington, Georgia.

In 1968 I was a Navy Lieutenant assigned to Naval Air Station Atlanta, located in Marietta, Georgia. One of my duties was acting as a casualty affairs communications officer (CACO) for Naval casualities from the Atlanta area.

It was my sad duty to visit Corpsman Tarrance's mother with the news of his death. The base had an awards ceremony for his Silver Star. I presided at his funeral and presented his mother with the flag. I now live in Arlington, Virginia and visit the Wall several times a year. I look at his name and those of my other casualty calls. I never went to Viet Nam - I brought Viet Nam with me on those visits.

James Curtis Tarrance
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Jacksonville Florida
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospitalman James Curtis Tarrance (NSN: B-317129), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 December 1968, Company I was participating in Operation MEADE RIVER south of DaNang when the Second Platoon came under a heavy volume of machine gun fire from a hostile bunker complex approximately twenty meters to their front and sustained numerous casualties. Reacting immediately, Hospitalman Tarrance left his position of relative safety and fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the side of a wounded Marine. Placing himself between the source of enemy fire and the injured man, he ignored the hostile rounds impacting around him and was skillfully administering first aid when he was mortally wounded. His heroic actions and calm presence of mind inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of his companion. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty, Hospitalman Tarrance upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: 4-Dec-68

Service: Navy

Rank: Hospitalman

Company: Corpsman (Attached), Company I

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 26th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division