Dan Lee Neely

The database page for Dan Lee Neely

06 Aug 2005 We have been trying to get in touch with some of Dan's company. We have recently heard from a few but would like to hear from more. We keep in touch with Dan Doyle and he told us of the recent reunion in Killeen, Texas. Dan was a well-loved soldier and son, he is still missed today and thought of often. He was always thinking of others instead of himself. Dan was a true Christian, always putting God first. We have never recieved Dan's dogtags, if anyone has any information about their whereabouts please let us know. Please contact us by mail, phone or e-mail if you knew this great person. From his mother and niece, Levern Neely and Tammy Whittington twhittington@otelco.net The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS posthumously to DAN LEE NEELY Private First Class United States Army for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Private First Class Neely distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 March 1968 as radio-telephone operator of an airmobile infantry company on a search and destroy mission northwest of Hue. One of the company's platoons made contact with an estimated company of North Vietnamese Army regulars and immediately suffered several casualties. A reinforcement platoon moved up to assist and became pinned down behind a small bush line. Several medics attempted to crawl forward to give aid to the wounded who were lying in exposed positions, and they were hit by the enemy fire as they advanced. Private Neely began to move from position to position, exposing himself to the fusillade to collect hand grenades. Discarding his equipment and carrying only grenades and medical bandages, he then crawled forward toward the casualties. He maneuvered to within a few meters of a Viet Cong bunker and threw grenades at it in an attempt to silence its weapons. The attempt failed and he was driven back by a fierce enemy barrage. While the reinforcement platoon concentrated covering fire on the enemy position, Private Neely again moved forward, this time succeeding in reaching one of the wounded medics. After applying first aid to the man, he dragged him back to the relative safety of the friendly force's perimeter. Private Neely secured a further supply of grenades and attempted to return to the remaining wounded. While crawling forward in the face of withering fire, throwing hand grenades at the enemy, he was mortally wounded. Private Neely'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.

A Note from The Virtual Wall B Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, lost two men on 01 March 1968: PFC Dan L. Neely, Birmingham, AL (Dist Svc Cross) PFC Rodolfo Valenzuela, Chandler, AZ The photo immediately above is from Laura Palmer's book "Shrapnel in the Heart". The one at the top of this page was provided by his family.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is his mother and niece, Levern Neely and Tammy Whittington 7834 Co Hwy 26, Blountsville, Al 35031 twhittington@otelco.net 7 Aug 2005

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 08/07/2005