THE WALL OF FACES

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 remain in our hearts forever.

Dear SSgt Leland Zahn, Thank you for your service as an Artillery Forward Observer. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Lent. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I was there that night

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

Leland D. Zahn
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Harris Iowa
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 Staff Sergeant Leland D. Zahn (MCSN: 1084924), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 5 April 1967, during a combat operation in Thua Thien Province, the Command Group of First Platoon of Company C moved to a forward position to retract two disabled resupply vehicles and air crews, some of whom had been seriously wounded when the small convoy came under enemy fire. Arriving at the scene, the Marines experienced difficulty in rescuing the casualties because of hostile fire, presumed to be from a small hostile unit occupying well-concealed emplacements. In an effort to evacuate the critically wounded men as expeditiously as possible, the Marines initiated an aggressive attack against the enemy positions and immediately came under withering fire from a North Vietnamese Army force estimated to be battalion-sized. During the initial moments of the assault, the entire Command Group and several members of the platoon became casualties. Reacting instantly, Staff Sergeant Zahn unhesitatingly assumed command of the remaining physically able Marines and, throughout the remainder of the night, repeatedly braved the enemy fusillade to direct medical treatment of the casualties, organize a defensive perimeter and adjust supporting artillery fire on the hostile force. During the fierce battle, he was critically wounded when he valiantly diverted enemy fire to himself during a hostile attack against the forward observer team. Although suffering intense pain, he resolutely continued his vigorous efforts to control the action and defeat the enemy. By his courage, gallant fighting spirit, and unfaltering devotion to duty during an extremely critical situation, Staff Sergeant Zahn inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: 5-Apr-67

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Company: Company C

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 9th Marines

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