THE WALL OF FACES

Darrell is buried at Union Chapel Cemetery, Girard, Macoupin County,IL. DSC PH

Rest in peace with the warriors.

I was 9 when you died but we were some of the last of the family to see you before you shipped out. I'll never forget you!!!

SERGEANT

DARRELL EDWARD WALDEN


served with


COMPANY A

2nd BATTALION

12th INFANTRY REGIMENT

" DUCTI AMORE PATRIAE "

25th INFANTRY DIVISION

" TROPIC LIGHTNING "


CITATION

FOR POSTHUMOUS AWARD

OF THE

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS


The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Darrell Edward Walden (US56588319), Sergeant, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Walden distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 April 1969 as squad leader on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Tam Dinh. While sweeping through a section of rice paddies, his company encountered a heavily booby-trapped area. Although his squad successfully eliminated several of the dangerous devices, Sergeant Walden fell victim to a rigged hand grenade. As his men rushed to his aid, he suddenly detected the presence of a booby-trapped mortar round. Realizing that the insidious booby trap would destroy the majority of his squad, he saved the lives of his men at the sacrifice of his own by throwing himself on the mortar shell at the moment it exploded. Sergeant Walden's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.





YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE

DARRELL, I WISH WE COULD HAVE MADE R&R LIKE WE HAD PLANNED.

WHY I STEPPED OVER THE MINE AND YOU HIT IT...???

YOUR FRIEND ALWAYS.

RICH


RICHARD M. SHEDIS

SERGEANT

2/12 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION