Private First Class Larry Edward Foster was born on June 20, 1950, and was originally from Lenoir City, Tennessee. He served his country in the viet War in the United States Marine Corps, as a machine gunner in M Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. His tour began on July 31, 1968. On December 27, 1968, PFC Foster died from wounds sustained in an engagement with North Vietnamese forces during the previous night in Quang Nam province, South Vietnam at the age of 18; he received the Silver Star posthumously for his courageous actions during the fight. PFC Foster is memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 36W, Line 80. The following is the Silver Star Citation for PFC Foster:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Larry E. Foster, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Grenadier with Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam . On the night of 26 December 1968, the Second Platoon had established a night ambush southwest of DaNang when a platoon-size North Vietnamese Army force was detected near the Marines’ position. Disregarding his own safety, Private First Class Foster unhesitatingly joined a three-man patrol which deployed in pursuit of the hostile soldiers, and directing a heavy volume of grenade launcher fire upon the enemy, he skillfully forced the North vietese toward the Marine ambush. During the ensuing engagement, he was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire. His heroic actions and calm presence of mind enabled his platoon to capture numerous documents containing valuable intelligence information. By his courage, bold initiative and unfaltering devotion to duty, Private First Class Foster inspired all who served with him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Date of birth:
  • 20 June 1950
  • Date of death: 27 December 1968
  • County: Loudon
  • Hometown: Lenoir City
  • Service Branch: Marine Corps
  • Division/Assignment: 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
  • Conflict: Vietnam
  • Awards: Silver Star
  • Burial/Memorial Location: Loudon County Memorial Gardens, Loudon, Loudon County, TN
  • Location In Memorial: Pillar XXIII, Middle Panel
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