Casualty Occurrence: This soldier was killed by hostile small arms fire during a combat operation in Quang Tin Province.

Silver Star Citation

Lawrence Russell Detwiler , Jr. Date of birth: August 3, 1946 Place of Birth: Pennsylvania, Mont Clare Home of record: Phoenixville Pennsylvania 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 Sergeant Lawrence Russell Detwiler, Jr. (ASN: 52814854), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Detwiler distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 22 August 1969 while serving as a squad leader with Company C, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, Americal Division. On that date, the company was conducting search and clear operations near An Lam when it came under intense hostile fire from a large enemy force in well fortified emplacements. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Detwiler unhesitatingly led his squad in an assault against the enemy bunkers. Throughout the advance, he remained in a forward position to maintain positive control of the squad and assess the tactical situation as rapidly as possible. Upon approaching the point man, Sergeant Detwiler detected enemy movement to his right front. Reacting instantly, he lunged at his comrade and pushed him to safety just as the insurgents opened up with a devastating barrage of fire. During this action, Sergeant Detwiler was mortally wounded. His courageous and timely actions were directly responsible for saving the life of his comrade and forced the enemy to spring their ambush prematurely. Sergeant Detwiler'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. 9177 (September 8, 1969) Action Date: August 22, 1969 Service: Army Rank: Sergeant Company: Company C Battalion: 2d Battalion Regiment: 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade Division: Americal Division Aug 22, 2015.

POSTED ON 5.23.2022, POSTED BY: JOHN FABRIS. HONORING YOU..Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered, you will always be with us.

POSTED ON 5.23.2018, POSTED BY: PAT REBER. REMEMBERED BY YOUR JUNIATA CLASSMATES. Larry attended Juniata College for two years, and we included him in our 50th Reunion newsletter story about those who served in Vietnam. I wanted the family to know that we did this. I can be reached via Juniata College if the family would like to see the newsletter.

POSTED ON 12.31.2012, POSTED BY: BULLWINKLE (TED VAN AULEN) & WARLOCK. BEST SOLDIER I EVER SAW!. As a scout dog handler, I work with various companies and knew firsthand the best of the best. Larry was the best soldier I ever served with, always upfront. That led to issue because my dog and I were trained to be on point. We worked it out, but I was not there the day he was KIA.

POSTED ON 5.16.2005, POSTED BY: MARTHA DETWILER LAIRD. HE IS REMEMBERED. My brother, Sgt. Lawrence R. Detwiler Jr., was killed in Vietnam. My mother, who was a Gold Star Mother, and who passed away two years ago, was a frequent visitor to the Wall in Washington.

POSTED ON 11.11.2002, POSTED BY: MORT MORGAN. 2002. WELL 35 YEARS NOW HAVE PASSED BETWEEN US AND WORDS ARE HARD TO FIND ANYMORE FOR IT SEEMS THEY'VE ALL BEEN SAID.IT'S NOW THE 20TH YEAR OF THIS WALL THAT WE TALK TO AS A BROTHER...THIS BLACK GRANITE WALL THAT DRAWS US ALWAYS BACK...TO FEEL AND REMEMBER AND TO CRY AND HEAL...IT'S A SIGHT TO BEHOLD AND ONE THING IS CERTAIN MY BROTHER...YOUR SCRAFICE WAS NOT IN VAIN...FOREVER MY BROTHER AND FRIEND..."LOYALITY AND COURAGE". MORT, A2/5 CAV, 68-69.

Detwiler, Lawrence Russell, Jr. (Duck), SGT