THE WALL OF FACES

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

As long as you are remembered you will never die...

Staff Sergeant William Orlando Allen, Served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

SSGT William Orlando Allen is buried at Section 22, Lot 6435, Grave #1 of the Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence, MA.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

"Greater love hath no man..."

HOOAH

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Division: 1st Infantry Division

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant William Orlando Allen, United States Army, for gallantry in action. Staff Sergeant Allen distinguished himself on 23 February 1966 while serving as Platoon Sergeant in Company C, 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Ho Bo, Republic of Vietnam. During the early afternoon hours, Staff Sergeant Allen's platoon received intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from well-fortified Viet Cong positions. Immediately, Staff Sergeant Allen deployed his men to form a defensive perimeter. While directing the retaliatory fire of his men, a hostile bullet ignited smoke grenade on Staff Sergeant Allen's belt. He quickly removed the blazing grenade from his web equipment, severely burning himself in the process. Despite the severity of his burns, Staff Sergeant Allen refused medical aid and continued to effectively direct the fire of his men while repeatedly exposed to hostile fire. During the course of action, a member of his platoon was wounded and unable to move from his exposed position. At this time, Staff Sergeant Allen, undaunted by the intense Viet Cong fire, moved to the assistance of his fallen comrade. He was seriously and painfully wounded in the back while performing this heroic act. While rendering first aid to the wounded soldier, Staff Sergeant Allen was mortally wounded. His heroic actions inspired his men to increase their efforts and rout the Viet Cong force. Staff Sergeant Allen's unimpeachable valor and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

William........Honoring you on your birthday.....Never forgotten......God Bless