THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just two days before your 20th birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Dear Cpl Walter Washut, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Your name will be read at the wall today. You are remembered. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Veterans’ Day is in 3 days, and today is Election Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Corporal Walter Junior Washut, Served with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Walter J. Washut


HOME OF RECORD:
Sheridan, Wyoming

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Corporal
Battalion: 3d 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 Corporal Walter J. Washut (MCSN: 2156755), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 April and 20 May 20, 1967. During the battle for Hill 881 on 30 April, Corporal Washut's unit was engaged in intensive fighting against deeply entrenched North Vietnamese Regulars. Observing several dead and wounded Marines in ann open area covered by intense machine gun and rifle fire, he courageously, and with complete disregard for his own safety, maneuvered through the intense fire, making repeated trips until all casualties were safely evacuated. He distinguished himself again on the night of 20 May, while his platoon was moving through dense underbrush and was ambushed and cut off from the main body of the unit. In the initial burst of devastating enemy automatic weapons, small arms and mortar fire, numerous casualties were taken. He immediately deployed his platoon and directed their fire into the enemy positions, allowing the platoon to break contact and fight their way back to the company position. After reaching the company positions, he courageously moved from position to position directing his men's fire upon the enemy. Observing an enemy mortar delivering fire upon his men, he procured an anti-tank assault weapon and fearlessly exposing himself to the enemy fire, single-handedly destroyed the position. Hearing a wounded comrade trapped outside the perimeter, near the enemy lines, he heroically, and with complete disregard for his own safety rushed to aid him. Upon finding several more wounded, he summoned aid and directed their evacuation, but remained behind to administer first aid to the wounded man. While administering first aid to his fallen comrade, Corporal Washut was mortally wounded. By his dauntless courage, bold initiative and loyal devotion to his comrades, Corporal Washut upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Dear CPL Walter Junior Washut, 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, Sir

Curt Carter