Just Writing Through: Traveling Vietnam Wall, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient U.S. Army Sgt. Allen Lynch

This weekend, a good friend asked me to visit the traveling Vietnam Wall presented by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and hosted by the DeKalb chapter of VietNow. He has been involved with bringing the Wall to Sycamore in the past and told me that I had to photograph it at night, so I did.

Thirty-five years ago, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund unveiled its product – a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This Wall, unlike the permanent Wall in our nation’s capital, was designed to travel across the nation, providing healing to those who returned home to a harsh and often cruel political climate and to allow more accessibility to those who cannot visit the Wall that preserves the names of loved ones who never returned home alive.

Over 400 cities and towns throughout the nation have hosted the chevron-shaped wall. The town of Sycamore alone has hosted the Wall three times – once every ten years – beginning in 1997.

Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Allen Lynch spoke during one of the nights. He praised the Wall for its ability to not only educate, but also to heal. He spoke of the importance of the mission of Vietnam Veterans – to never let what happened to them happen again. He exhorted the community and our nation for welcoming our veterans home in ways the Vietnam Veterans never experienced. He didn’t speak of his own bravery – but, instead, expressed gratitude for those currently serving our nation – including the members of the United States Army who presented the Battlefield Cross.

In 1970 President Richard Nixon formally presented Lynch, who served with Company D, 1^st Battalion of the 12^th Cavalry Regiment, 1^st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) from May 1967 through June 1968, the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valiant actions.

Lynch’s website details his actions:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SGT Lynch (then Sp4) distinguished himself while serving as a radiotelephone operator with Company D. While serving in the forward element on an operation near the village of My An, his unit became heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force. Quickly and accurately assessing the situation, SGT Lynch provided his commander with information which subsequently proved essential to the unit's successful actions. Observing three wounded comrades Lying exposed to enemy fire, SGT Lynch dashed across 50 meters of open ground through a withering hail of enemy fire to administer aid. Reconnoitering a nearby trench for a covered position to protect the wounded from intense hostile fire, he killed two enemy soldiers at point blank range. With the trench cleared, he unhesitatingly returned to the fire-swept area three times to carry the wounded men to safety. When his company was forced to withdraw by the superior firepower of the enemy, SGT Lynch remained to aid his comrades at the risk of his life rather than abandon them. Alone, he defended his isolated position for two hours against the advancing enemy. Using only his rifle and a grenade, he stopped them just short of his trench, killing five. Again, disregarding his safety in the face of withering hostile fire, he crossed 70 meters of exposed terrain five times to carry his wounded comrades to a more secure area. Once he had assured their comfort and safety, SGT Lynch located the counterattacking friendly company to assist in directing the attack and evacuating the three casualties. His gallantry at the risk of his life is in the highest traditions of the military service. SGT Lynch has reflected great credit on himself, the 12th Cavalry and the U.S. Army.

Near My An (2), Binh Dinh province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 December 1967.

Another good friend, Paul Turnbaugh, artist and owner of WildHeartland Inc. who specializes in military art and paintings of heartland Americana (check out his Facebook page here), knew Allen Lynch and presented him with yet another print featuring the iconic Bald Eagle. He also got me some special privileges to take these photos of Lynch – and then, took my camera and photographed my own family with Allen Lynch – Thank you, Paul!

So the DeKalb chapter of VietNow welcomed the Wall, bringing with it comfort, peace and much-needed appreciation -- healing moments for veterans and civilians alike.