THE WALL OF FACES

Private First Class Roberto Alvarez, Served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Rest in eternal peace.

Dear PFC Alvarez,
I served in Vietnam, in the Army from 1969 to 1971.
I read your Silver Star citation, and I am in awe. I would have been honored to have served with a man such as you. Your family have every right to be proud of you. God bless.

I was your Squad Leader. It was me you alerted of the enemy's presence that fateful morning. You stood in your portion of the gap, defending with your life your brothers you served with, those you loved back home and your beloved America. I am honored to have known you, Roberto. God bless you my brother.

Roberto Alvarez
DATE OF BIRTH: January 22, 1947
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Fabens, Texas
HOME OF RECORD:
Clint, Texas

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Roberto Alvarez (MCSN: 2193505), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Second Squad, First Platoon, Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early in the morning of 24 March 1967, the Second Squad was returning from an ambush site to the Company perimeter. Private First Class Alvarez, the point man, spotted two North Vietnamese Army troops and immediately alerted his squad, then killed the enemy troops before they could penetrate the Company perimeter. Observing three more enemy soldiers, he fired on them. In the ensuing firefight with the enemy Private First Class Alvarez was seriously wounded but he remained at his post preventing them from establishing a position and enabling his fellow Marines to cross into the Company perimeter. Just as a Corpsman was about to aid Private First Class Alvarez, three rockets landed close by and he was mortally wounded. By his outstanding courage, indomitable fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.