The Moving Wall

Allen J. Lynch is a retired United States Army soldier and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War. Lynch was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions on December 15, 1967, while serving as a radio telephone operator with Company D, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

During a mission near the village of My An, Vietnam, Lynch's unit came under heavy enemy attack. Despite being wounded himself, Lynch braved intense enemy fire to help evacuate wounded comrades and led assaults on enemy positions. His actions saved the lives of several fellow soldiers and prevented further casualties. Allen J. Lynch received the Medal of Honor from President Richard Nixon on May 14, 1970, for his extraordinary heroism and selflessness in combat.

Chief Wanatah: Veteran and Advocate for Native American Heritage

Chief Wanatah, a member of the Comanche Nation, is the Chief of the Convention of Oklahoma and a key advocate for recognizing Native American contributions to the U.S. military. Drafted in 1965 during the Vietnam War, he served with one of 14 Native American nations and endured a harrowing experience of imprisonment. Rising to the rank of Brigadier General, Chief Wanatah's bravery earned him the Medal of Valor from Native American nations and the Gold Star medal from Congress on Veterans Day, September 11, 2021. At the Closing Ceremony, he passionately shared the stories of his fellow servicemen, honoring the 58,479 lives lost in Vietnam and highlighting the sacrifices of Native American soldiers. At 81, Chief Wanatah continues to inspire others with his reflections on service and commitment, advocating for veterans and promoting awareness of Native American military heritage.