35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SP4 Carl Foster    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Bravo Company
2nd Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment

Vietnam War


"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"

National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal



The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP4 Carl Foster, who died in the service of his country on February 8th, 1967 in Pleiku Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Drowned in Ia Drang River. At the time of his death Carl was 19 years of age. He was from Belmar, New Jersey. Carl is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 15E, Line 9.

The decorations earned by SP4 Carl Foster include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachute Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.


Bronze Star Citation

For meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, during the period August 1966 to February 1967. Specialist Four Foster distinguished himself by outstanding performance of duty, while serving as a rifleman and grenadier with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry. By his positive attitude, limitless perseverance and sincere desire to promptly and properly execute every mission assigned to him, Specialist Four Foster marked himself as a soldier of the highest caliber. His unswerving dedication and cheerful acceptance of the difficult and dangerous tasks associated with combat operations against a formidable enemy, under the rigorous conditions of climate and terrain encountered in the Republic of Vietnam, exemplify the noblest traits of the American Soldier. Specialist Four Foster was regularly given responsibilities normally fulfilled by individuals of considerably higher rank, yet he exhibited the remarkable ability to achieve excellence regardless of task. On 8 February 1967, Specialist Four Foster, while on a reconnaissance patrol, slipped into a deep, partially concealed waterhole and was drowned. His ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country, coupled with his praiseworthy record of outstanding accomplishments, parallels the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.