SSGT LARRY LA MONT CUNNINGHAM

LARRY LA MONT CUNNINGHAM

Distinguished Service Cross Citation
Distinguished Service Cross 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 act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Larry LaMont Cunningham (ASN: RA-12868960), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company F, 51st Infantry, II Field Force. Staff Sergeant Cunningham distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 December 1968, as the team leader of a long range patrol in Phuoc Vinh Province. Sergeant Cunningham's team was conducting a reconnaissance mission when it was suddenly ambushed by a company-size, well entrenched enemy force. Although wounded in the leg during the initial barrage, he determinedly provided defensive fire for his men and directed their withdrawal to a nearby landing zone. Realizing that the aggressors' murderous fire would endanger the security of the pickup site, Sergeant Cunningham courageously exposed himself to the fusillade and provided covering fire so that the team could reach the extraction point. While insuring the safe evacuation of his comrades, he was mortally wounded by hostile rifle fire. Staff Sergeant Cunningham's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were 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, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 280 (January 24, 1969) Action Date: 3-Dec-68 Service: Army Rank: Staff Sergeant Company: Company F Regiment: 51st Infantry Regiment Division: II Field Force
Dec 3, 2013

Arnold Dyre
adyre@comcast.net
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity brother
3020 Tidewater Circle Madison MS 39110 USA
The Best of Us
Larry, you were the BEST of us and you gave MORE than the rest of us.
May 30, 2011

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
Dec 3, 2007

John Chichester
johnchi8@aol.com
Team member, on that awful day
1318, Crossings Parkway, Westlake, Oh., 44145, USA
Thinking of you, on this Veteran's Day - Almost 34, years, later
Larry, Today, (Nov 12, 2001) we are celebrating, Veterans Day. It was a sad day, for me as I spent, most, of the day, reflecting, on my time, in Vietnam and remembering those friends, that did not return. If you can hear me, always remember, that you have and will, never be forgotton. I have been, to the memorial in DC., more, than one dozen, times and each time, I go there, my heart fills with sadness, for those good friends, I lost, in combat. I hope you, have it good, where you are and if it, is any consolation, the world has gone, to hell. Your team member, John.
Monday, November 12, 2001

Giles Ward
g.ward@mchsi.com
High School, Classmate and Boy Scout
114, Jordan Circle, Louisville, MS., 39339, USA
A quiet, unassuming hero. Larry Cunningham, was a gentleman's, gentleman. I visited his final resting place, here in Louisville, when visiting family plots. I wish, he could have grown old, with the rest of us. He gave his life, so that we could.
Thursday, September 23, 2004

Leslie Stapp
StappL@MarineCorps.com
Jackson, Ms. USA
A fellow Mississippian. My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends.(W.Shapespeare) "He which hath no stomach to this fight, let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered we few, we happy few, we band of brothers For he today that sheds his blood with me shall always be my brother". Rest in peace brave soldier,you have not been forgotten. I served in DaNang of 68/69 with the 1st Marine div
Sunday, October 27, 2002