The Moving Wall - Vietnam War Memorial will come to Shelbyville from Oct. 29 through Nov. 3, and will be set up at Riverwalk Park (behind the Fly Arts Center) for viewing. This moving tribute, a replica of the wall that stands in Washington, D.C., memorializes American service members who died during the Vietnam War. The Moving Wall travels throughout the U.S. and is set up in communities that were home to some of those whose names are inscribed on the wall. Bedford County was the home to 12 men who died for their country during the conflict. Leading up to October, the Times-Gazette will pay tribute to the fallen men during the month that each was killed. One of those men is honored here.

Pfc. Larry Wayne Neill, U.S. Army

Pfc. Larry Wayne Neill [Click to enlarge]

Larry Wayne Neill was a native of Bedford County, born April 2, 1948. He was the son of Vollie and Lettie Ella Neill. He graduated from Shelbyville Central High School. Prior to entering service he was employed by Heil-Quaker Corp. in Lewisburg.

He entered the U.S. Army on Feb. 13, 1968. His tour of duty began on Aug. 21, 1968. He was a PFC-E3 with the U. S. Army Paratroopers, 4th Infantry Division.

Neill was fatally wounded on February 2, 1969 in Pleiku, South Vietnam, as a result of hostile ground small arms fire. He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medal for his actions in Vietnam.