THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Gysgt Harold Tatum, Thank you for your service as a Tank Crewman. 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.

Harold D. Tatum
Date of birth: August 6, 1932
Date of death: KIA
Place of Birth: Georgia, Dawsonville
Home of record: Sandy Springs Georgia
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 Gunnery Sergeant Harold D. Tatum (MCSN: 1102779), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, Third Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 September 1967. While participating in Operation KINGFISHER in direct support of the Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, during a sweeping operation, Gunnery Sergeant Tatum's section of tanks came into contact with the lead elements of attacking enemy forces. He unhesitatingly reacted to the situation and positioned his tanks to repel the brunt of the enemy attack, effectively preventing Companies I and L of the Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines from being overrun. In the ensuing battle, Gunnery Sergeant Tatum's tank was penetrated by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade which set off several rounds of white phosphorous ammunition, resulting in an intense fire inside the tank. Disregarding his own personal safety, Gunnery Sergeant Tatum remained inside the burning tank and assisted in the removal of a mortally wounded comrade. As a direct result of his heroic and unselfish actions, Gunnery Sergeant Tatum received severe burns over 40% of his body. Gunnery Sergeant Tatum's initiative, outstanding courage and selfless efforts in behalf of another reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: September 10, 1967

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Gunnery Sergeant

Company: Company B

Battalion: 3d Tank Battalion

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

uncle harold thank you for serving our country and all you did to defend our freedom.i read the citation for the silver star you received posthumously and when i read it i cannot help but cry and be thankfull for what you did for your fellow comrades on that sunday sept 10 1967.when i get to heaven i am going to give you a big hug uncle harold any say thank you so very much for the ultamate sacrifice for our freedom.i know that the good lord is truly giving you you richest rewards.see you in heaven someday uncle harold.

Semper Fi, Gunny.

Dear GSGT Harold Dean Tatum, 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