THE WALL OF FACES

Lance Corporal Larkin Oscar Vallerand, Served with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

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

Dear Lcpl Larkin Vallerand, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. The 57th anniversary of the start of your tour just passed. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the end of summer. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Larkin O. Vallerand

DATE OF BIRTH: March 31, 1945
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Antioch, California
HOME OF RECORD:
Tracy, California

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lance Corporal
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Larkin O. Vallerand (MCSN: 21113431), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as an Automatic Rifleman with Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 25 June 1966. Participating in Operation Jay in the vicinity of Chinh An Village, Thua Thien Province, Corporal Vallerand and his squad encountered intense automatic weapons and small-arms fire from fortified position. They began to seek cover, which was very sparse, and were forced to advance by fire and maneuver to a covered position forward. With complete disregard of his own safety, Corporal Vallerand remained in the open and continued effective fire, giving his men the opportunity to move to safety. He then shouted to his squad leader, identifying automatic weapon emplacements and pointing out known enemy targets. Due to his courageous act the squad was successful in gaining the fire superiority needed for the successful evacuation of the wounded and necessary employment of the squad's automatic weapons and machine guns to cause numerous enemy casualties. While moving forward to a more suitable position, Corporal Vallerand was mortally wounded. By his outstanding courage, indomitable fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, he materially aided in repulsing the hostile attack and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.