THE WALL OF FACES

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.

DEAR PFC ALVAREZ,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A MARINE TANK/ASSAULT GUIDED MISSILE MAN.
REST IN PEACE AND SEMPER FI.

I never got to meet you....my father (your brother Carlos) spoke of you often. He tells me how proud he was of you. He tells me what an amazing person you were. He misses you so much. There is so much family that have followed in your footsteps to defend and serve. It makes me so proud to be a part of such an inspirational family. Even though we never got to meet here on earth......I want you to know, what you stood for......the lives you made an impression on, and the legacy you have left......it's remembered in everything we do. Our family, our friends, we always will remember and love you. I'm a part of the next generation after you. My father even named my oldest brother after you......your name lives on. I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you. Thank you for showing me what it means to stand for something. Thank you for giving me hope.....most of all, thank you for impacting my fathers life as much as you did. There was a street in front of San Lorenzo Church that was named after you. My brother Robert cut the ribbon to reveal it. It was beautiful. Until I meet you in heaven, I will do my best to keep you in my heart tio. - your nephew Eddie

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them. ~ Robert Laurence Binyon

Robert, thank you for your service and supreme sacrifice. Rest well with the warriors. May God bless you always!