THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Second Lieutenant Donald Priester Candler, Served with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

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.

Dear Lt Donald Candler,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander. It is another autumn, and time has passed since this war. 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.

Donald Priester Candler
Date of birth: November 5, 1944
Date of death: August 8, 1969
Place of Birth: Texas, Corpus Christi
Home of record: Temple Texas
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Donald Priester Candler (ASN: 0-5357917/RA-15846721), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Candler distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 8 August 1969 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company B, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, the company was sweeping an area northwest of Quang Ngain City when it received information that another friendly unit was in heavy contact with the enemy and in need of immediate assistance. The element quickly proceeded to the point of contact and met with intense hostile rocket propelled grenade, automatic weapons, and small arms fire. In the ensuing battle, the friendly unit sustained numerous casualties and many elements were pinned down in exposed positions. Observing several enemy positions in a trench directly to his front, Lieutenant Candler began maneuvering against the emplacements, using fire and movement tactics. Upon reaching the trench, Lieutenant Candler fiercely engaged the insurgents and succeeded in greatly reducing the hostile fire before he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions were instrumental in defeating the enemy force and in the overall success of the mission. Second Lieutenant Candler's personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 8539 (August 28, 1969)

Action Date: August 8, 1969

Service: Army

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Company: Company B

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 1st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade

Division: Americal Division