THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage. May you rest in eternal peace.

Rest in peace Leroy. We didn't know each other real well, but from our small hometown we pretty much knew everyone. I was in that hell hole a year before you, you are a true hero, my brother , we will never forget.

Dear Cpl Leroy Charboneau,
Thank you for your service as a Field Artillery Basic. I read about the Ia Drang Valley - so sad. This is the month that we remember all those who have passed-on. We remember you. It is so 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 strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

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 Private First Class LeRoy Harland Charboneau (ASN: US-55895329), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 July 1967 Private First Class Charboneau distinguished himself while serving as a Radio-Telephone Operator in a Forward Observer Team from Battery B, 4th Battalion, 42d Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, attached to an infantry unit operating near the Cambodian border. When his company command group was attacked by a numerically superior force, he immediately went to asset the forward observer, who had assumed command when the Company Commander was mortally wounded. As the forward observer moved about the position organizing the defense and calling in artillery fire, Private First Class Charboneau moved with him to keep the radio within reach. When his radio was damaged by the intense enemy fire, he remained exposed as he made his way across the open battlefield and secured another radio from a wounded soldier. He was wounded himself in his heroic action, but he succeeded in re-establishing contact with higher headquarters and continued to relay adjustments for artillery fire. Due to his continual exposure to hostile fire, his second radio was destroyed. At this point he began collecting a few remaining rounds of ammunition to prepare himself to repel a forthcoming enemy assault. As the enemy advanced in overwhelming numbers, he fired his rifle until the magazine was empty, and then picked up a pistol and resumed fire. He persevered in his gallant defense until he was mortally wounded. Private First Class Charboneau's conspicuous courage and extraordinary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2555 (August 12, 1967)

Action Date: July 12, 1967

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Battery B

Battalion: 4th Battalion

Regiment: 42d Artillery Regiment

Division: 4th Infantry Division