THE WALL OF FACES

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.

Dear LCPL Larkin Oscar Vallerand, 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

Larkin is buried at Tracy Public Cemetery, Tracy, San Joaquin County, CA. PH