THE WALL OF FACES

You are not forgotten for your loyal service to our country.

I met him while a patient at the USNH in Beaufort . I was young Marine with mono. Nice, caring decent guy. Felt awful when I learned he was KIA in RVN. Not surprised he died a genuine hero.

Conal Joseph Byrne , Jr.
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Drexel Hill Pennsylvania
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 Hospital Corpsman Third Class Conal Joseph Byrne, Jr. (NSN: 7887094), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Corpsman with Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 21 September 1967. While on a search and destroy mission, Company F was taken under fire by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. During the vicious battle that followed, many friendly casualties were incurred. Although seriously wounded in the shoulder during the initial rain of fire, Petty Officer Byrne began moving among the Marine casualties, rendering medical aid while exposing himself to the intense barrage of fire being delivered by the hostile force. Defying the enemy fire, he advanced forty meters over fire-swept terrain to aid a wounded Marine. Mortally wounded while performing this last selfless act, Petty Officer Byrne, by his outstanding courage and inspiring devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: September 21, 1967

Service: Navy

Rank: Hospital Corpsman Third Class

Company: Corpsman (Attached), Company F

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 4th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division

Dear HM3 Conal Byrne,
Thank you for your service as a Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class with the 3rd Marine Division. Semper Fi. Thank you for the lives you saved. As we celebrate Labor Day, and enjoy our freedom, it is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

I was there when Conal was killed in September 1967. He was brave till the end. He saved many lives that day.