Wasco in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Photographed By Don Morfe, September 20, 2007

1. Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Marker

Inscription. For the comrades and families
who gave of themselves to
insure America’s Freedom.

Dedicated to the memory of SSG Larry S. Pierce, Sept 1965, MOH-RVN; Sgt. Steven Chavira, 1971 MIA-RVN.

Erected 1992 by VFW Post No. 6742.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: War, Korean • War, Vietnam.

Location. 35° 36.171′ N, 119° 23.013′ W. Marker is in Wasco, California, in Kern County. Memorial can be reached from Leonard Avenue north of Paso Robles Highway (Route 46), on the right when traveling north. This marker is located at the Wasco Memorial Park Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Leonard Avenue, Wasco CA 93280, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Shafter Cotton Research Station (approx. 7.7 miles away); Shafter Depot (approx. 9 miles away); The Green Hotel (approx. 9.3 miles away); The Forty Acres (approx. 12.3 miles away); Site of Gossamer Condor Flight (approx. 13.4 miles away); Buttonwillow Tree (approx. 14½ miles away).

Additional commentary.
1. SSG Larry S. Pierce
Larry Pierce is

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buried in Wasco Memorial Park Cemetery in Block 62, Lot L. The grave GPS coordinates are N35.6025 W119.3833.
MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION:
*PIERCE, LARRY S. (KILLED IN ACTION)
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Place and date: Near Ben Cat, Republic of Vietnam, 20 September 1965. Entered service at: Fresno, Calif. Born: 6 July 1941, Wewoka, Okla. G.O. No.: 7, 24 February 1966. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Pierce was serving as squad leader in a reconnaissance platoon when his patrol was ambushed by hostile forces. Through his inspiring leadership and personal courage, the squad succeeded in eliminating an enemy machinegun and routing the opposing force. While pursuing the fleeing enemy, the squad came upon a dirt road and, as the main body of his men entered the road, Sgt. Pierce discovered an antipersonnel mine emplaced in the road bed. Realizing that the mine could destroy the majority of his squad, Sgt. Pierce saved the lives of his men at the sacrifice of his life by throwing himself directly onto the mine as it exploded. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, he averted loss of life and injury to the

Gravesite of Larry Pierce at Wasco Memorial Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, September 20, 2007

2. Gravesite of Larry Pierce at Wasco Memorial Park

members of his squad. Sgt. Pierce's extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

— Submitted February 21, 2013.

2013

3. Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 592 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on February 27, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 24, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on February 27, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.