Staff Sergeant Michelle Langhorst

U.S. Army

SSG Michelle Rachael Langhorst
U.S. Army | Military Police
May 13, 1983 – March 30, 2015

Staff Sergeant Michelle Rachael Langhorst was born on May 13, 1983, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The beloved daughter of Michael and Concetta Langhorst and sister of Nicole Langhorst, Michelle was deeply loved by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched.

Raised in Pittsburgh, Michelle was a bright, vivacious, and athletic young woman with a passion for sports, especially soccer. Her energy, determination, compassion, and natural desire to help others would become defining qualities throughout both her life and military career.

In February 2002, Michelle enlisted in the United States Army and became a Military Police Soldier. After completing her initial military training, she was assigned to Germany and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan with the 212th Military Police Company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Following her service in Afghanistan and Germany, Michelle was one of only two women selected for a special assignment in Brussels, Belgium, where she performed protective-service duties in support of NATO. The assignment reflected the trust placed in her abilities, professionalism, and dedication as a Soldier.

Over the course of more than nine years of honorable service, Michelle earned numerous awards and accolades and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Her Army career ultimately came to an end after she sustained an injury to her arm and was honorably discharged.

Michelle's commitment to serving others did not end when she took off the uniform. Following her military service, she devoted significant time to helping fellow veterans, including volunteering with the Wounded Warrior Project. Caring for others came naturally to Michelle, and she continued to give of herself to the veteran community she loved.

Michelle passed away on March 30, 2015, at the age of 31.

While her military accomplishments speak to her strength and dedication, those who knew Michelle best remember her for something even greater—her heart. She was an extraordinarily giving and compassionate person who consistently placed the needs of others before her own. Whether serving her country, supporting her fellow Soldiers and veterans, or simply being there for the people she loved, Michelle gave generously of herself.

She was a daughter, sister, Soldier, athlete, veteran, friend, and advocate for others whose kindness left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know her.

SSG Michelle Rachael Langhorst served her country with honor and continued serving others long after her military career ended. She lived with compassion, generosity, and a genuine desire to care for those around her. She is loved beyond words, deeply missed, and her life, service, and legacy will always be remembered.

SSG Lawrence Woods

U.S. Army

SSG Lawrence Woods
U.S. Army | 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
March 18, 1925 – October 24, 1964

Staff Sergeant Lawrence Woods was born on March 18, 1925, in Clarksville, Tennessee. His remarkable military career began when, determined to serve his country, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 15 years old after misrepresenting his age. When the Army discovered he was underage, he was discharged and told to return when he turned 18. He did exactly that.

SSG Woods went on to serve his country through three wars—World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. During his long Army career, he served in roles that included medic and cook and ultimately became a member of the famed 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

When the conflict in Vietnam intensified, SSG Woods volunteered to go. On October 24, 1964, he was aboard a U.S. Air Force C-123B Fairchild Provider when the aircraft was struck by enemy fire and crashed. The aircraft was largely destroyed by fire, with the tail section among the few portions that remained recognizable. Subsequent searches of the crash site resulted in the recovery or accounting of seven individuals who had been aboard, but SSG Woods could not be located.

For nearly 49 years, his family waited for answers.

On September 27, 2013, SSG Woods' remains were finally recovered from the crash site. After nearly half a century, a soldier who had served his nation through three wars was coming home.

On March 21, 2014, SSG Lawrence Woods was laid to rest with honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Over the course of his distinguished military career, SSG Woods earned more than 18 military medals and decorations. But his legacy extends far beyond the medals he wore. It is a legacy of service, sacrifice, courage, and an extraordinary determination to serve his country—a commitment that began with a 15-year-old boy who wanted so badly to serve that, when told he was too young, he simply waited until the Army would take him back.

SSG Lawrence Woods served through three wars. He volunteered when his country called. He gave his life in Vietnam. And nearly 50 years later, he finally came home.

We remember his name. We honor his service. We will never forget his sacrifice.

PFC Samuel S Lance

U.S. Army

PFC Samuel Stephen Lance
U.S. Army | 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)
November 24, 1949 – May 1, 1970

Private First Class Samuel Stephen “Steve” Lance was born on November 24, 1949, and was from Chickamauga, Georgia, in Walker County. The oldest child of Jo O'Neal, Samuel was remembered by his mother as a handsome, good-natured young man who never gave his family trouble.

As the Vietnam War continued, Samuel faced a decision familiar to many young Americans of his generation. College was an option, but according to his mother, Samuel refused to attend college simply as a means of avoiding military service. Instead, he chose to serve his country.

Samuel entered the United States Army and was assigned to 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)—the famed “Screaming Eagles.”

In the spring of 1970, Samuel deployed to the Republic of Vietnam. Tragically, his time in country would be extraordinarily short. Only about 30 days after arriving in Vietnam, the 20-year-old infantryman found himself engaged in intense combat during Operation Texas Star in Thua Thien Province.

In late April 1970, Bravo Company was operating near Firebase Maureen in the rugged mountains of northern South Vietnam. On April 25, the company conducted a combat assault into an area occupied by a substantial North Vietnamese Army force. Over the following days, Bravo Company fought to clear the surrounding ridgeline while supplies of ammunition, radio batteries, and other necessities became critically low.

On May 1, 1970, the company moved from the ridgeline toward an old landing zone where helicopters could conduct a badly needed resupply. Bravo Company established a defensive perimeter, with 2nd and 3rd Platoons positioned to protect the force.

Approximately two hours into the resupply operation, North Vietnamese troops launched a fierce attack against the American position. Enemy soldiers penetrated the company's rear security and poured fire into 2nd Platoon's command area. The platoon leader was wounded, his radio operator was killed, and communications were disrupted as the fighting intensified.

Samuel's 3rd Platoon maneuvered to assist the embattled Soldiers of 2nd Platoon.

During the battle, PFC Samuel Stephen Lance and fellow 3rd Platoon Soldier Robert Lee Collett Jr. were killed. Other members of their platoon were wounded as Bravo Company fought to repel the attack. By the end of the engagement, seven members of Bravo Company had been killed or mortally wounded, and many others had been wounded.

Samuel was only 20 years old.

His death left a loss his family would carry for decades. More than half a century later, his mother, Jo O'Neal, continued to speak about her son and the life he never had the opportunity to finish. She later devoted herself to honoring Vietnam veterans who returned home, offering them the welcome that her own son would never receive.

In 2026, the Chickamauga community again honored Jo as a Gold Star Mother and remembered Samuel's sacrifice during its celebration of America's 250th anniversary—a testament to a young Soldier whose life and sacrifice remain part of his community's history more than 55 years after his death.

PFC Samuel Stephen Lance is memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Panel 11W, Line 81.

Samuel was a son, brother, Soldier, and Screaming Eagle. At only 20 years old, he chose service during a difficult period in America's history and gave his life alongside the Soldiers of his platoon.

PFC Samuel Stephen Lance answered his nation's call and gave his life in the mountains of Vietnam. More than half a century later, his family continues to carry his memory, and we remain committed to ensuring that his name, his service, and his sacrifice are never forgotten.

Honor Through Action.

SSG Nathaniel Nyren

U.S. Army

SSG Nathaniel “Nate” [Last Name]
U.S. Army | 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
[Date of Birth] – [Date of Death]

Staff Sergeant Nathaniel “Nate” [Last Name] was raised in Reston, Virginia, where he developed a love for both athletics and music. While attending South Lakes High School, Nate wrestled and was a member of the marching band, demonstrating the wide range of interests and talents that would remain part of his life.

After graduating from high school, Nate continued his education at Virginia Tech and Northern Virginia Community College before answering the call to serve his country. In 1995, he enlisted in the United States Army.

Following basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nate was stationed in Germany for three years. During that assignment, he spent nearly six months serving as a peacekeeper in Macedonia. As his Army career progressed, Nate accepted increasing levels of responsibility and leadership, eventually serving for two years as an Army recruiter in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Nate later deployed to Iraq, where he served as a squad leader with the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas.

Tragically, while leading a convoy of military vehicles in Baghdad, Nate's vehicle was struck by a civilian vehicle traveling at an excessive rate of speed. The collision resulted in his death.

Outside of the Army, Nate enjoyed playing golf with his wife, Becky, and spending time playing video games. Those who knew him remember a kind and quiet man whose greatest devotion was to his family. He deeply loved his wife, Becky, and his daughter, Brooke.

Nate was a husband, father, Soldier, peacekeeper, recruiter, and leader who dedicated years of his life to serving his country and caring for those entrusted to his leadership.

SSG Nathaniel “Nate” [Last Name] served his nation with honor at home and abroad. While his life was tragically cut short during his deployment to Iraq, his legacy continues through his wife and daughter, his family and friends, and the Soldiers who had the privilege of serving alongside him. His life and service will never be forgotten.