Major
The Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster
Major Victor D. Faulkenberry was born July 22, 1945 in Jonesboro, Arkansas and graduated from Bay High School. He received a B.S. in Math, at Arkansas State University in 1968 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.
On 9 May 1969, while serving in Vietnam, First Lieutenant Faulkenberry was a Platoon Leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion 60th Infantry. During a reconnaissance mission in Long An Province, 1LT Faulkenberry's platoon came under attack by a hostile force. Disregarding his own safety, he charged the enemy and silenced an emplacement with a burst of rifle fire. His courageous actions and skillful leadership enabled his unit to rout the enemy force without suffering any casualties. For his actions he was awarded the Silver Star medal.
On 17 May that same year still serving as a Platoon Leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion 60th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Long An Province. His platoon suddenly drew heavy automatic weapons fire from well-concealed enemy emplacements.
1LT Faulkenberry unhesitatingly and singlehandedly assaulted the bunker, running through a curtain of fire to throw a grenade into the bunker and destroy it. Despite being wounded and disregarding the hail of fire 1LT Faulkenberry again charged the enemy, destroying the bunker and the enemy soldiers. He was awarded a second Silver Star. 1LT Faulkenberry's extraordinary heroism in close combat with a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Other awards include The Purple Heart, (with 2 OLC), The Bronze Star with V Device, (2 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal {2 OLC), Various Unit Awards, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device, Sharpshooter Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab. MAJ Faulkenberry was killed in an automobile accident in Shreveport, LA on February 28, 1978. He and his wife Barbara had three children, Makka Faulkenberry Wheeler, Jon Faulkenberry, and Stone Faulkenberry.
