Allen J. Lynch to be awarded the DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal by North Shore Chapter, Lake Forest, Illinois - National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
On February 8, 2018, North Shore Chapter, NSDAR, will recognize Allen Lynch with a DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal for a lifetime of valiant and honorable service to his country. His selfless heroism during the Vietnam War and subsequent commitment to service, advocacy and generosity to veterans since his discharge are exemplary and worthy of DAR recognition.
Lynch joined the United States Army in 1964 shortly after graduating high school. He served on active duty in Germany and Vietnam. It was in the fall of 1966 when he was sent to Vietnam with the 12th Cavalry where he was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion (Airmobile). He served as a rifleman for several months before becoming his platoon's radio telephone operator near the Binh Dinh Province.
On December 15, 1967, while serving in the forward element on an operation near the village of My An, Lynch and his platoon were heavily engaged in a firefight with a numerically superior enemy force. Sgt. Lynch is credited with quickly and accurately assessing the situation and providing his commander with information which subsequently proved essential to the unit's successful actions.
Observing three wounded soldiers who were out in the open and under intense enemy fire, Lynch quickly dropped his radio and dashed across 50 meters of open ground through a withering hail of enemy fire to administer emergency aid. Reconnoitering a nearby trench for a covered position in order to continue protecting the wounded from intense hostile fire, he killed two enemy soldiers at point blank range. Once the trench was cleared, Lynch unhesitatingly returned into the fire-swept open area three times to carry each of the wounded men to the safety of the trench. He single-handedly defended them against an advancing enemy force for several hours.
Following his courageous actions, Lynch was promoted to the rank of sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor for going above and beyond the call of duty and risking his own life to save the lives of his wounded comrades.
Of the millions of men and women who have served the United States Armed Services, only 3,468 have ever been awarded our nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.
After the war, Lynch settled in Gurnee, Illinois and worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a frontline advocate of benefits for disabled veterans. He later served as Chief of the Illinois Attorney General's Veterans Rights Bureau until his retirement in 2005.
Lynch continues to volunteer for the Vietnam Veterans of America organization, is the liaison for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and frequently gives speeches at military-related events, such as Memorial Day ceremonies and speaks to school children.
Lynch started the Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization to provide stop-gap measure emergency funding for veterans and their families. The Lynch Foundation joined with Operation Support Our Troops, OSOT, January 2015 and became a program of that organization. OSOT has earned 5 stars on Charity Navigator and has over 10 years of experience in fundraising and charity accounting. A veteran or their dependents generally receive a one-time grant to assist in overcoming financial needs covering a wide range of grant assistance including rent, temporary housing, medical expenses and auto payment. All funds are paid directly to creditors or service providers.
Allen James Lynch is a true American hero and a humble man who continues to support and serve others in need. He is a most worthy recipient of recognition by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
On reflection, National Defense Committee Chair Jo Ann Avellone said: "Our chapter is honored to make this award to Mr. Lynch. We are grateful for his service to the armed forces and to our country. Our chapter's award also recognizes his inspiring civilian life that continues with such dignity and grace. It is humbling to know he is still committed to supporting our active military, veterans and their immediate families overcome the visible and invisible wounds of military service!"
North Shore Chapter, NSDAR was established in 1893 and has proudly initiated projects supporting historic preservation, education and patriotism. Currently, the chapter membership includes approximately 130 members from northern Illinois communities spanning from Lake Forest/Lake Bluff to Highland Park, and from Northbrook to Lincolnshire. An interest in genealogy and community volunteerism is a common thread among members. For more information on Daughters of the American Revolution can be found online at www.dar.org.