An important symbol in the book Last Stand at Khe Sanh by Gregg Jones is the Navy Cross awarded to Bill Dabney, commander of the American outpost on Hill 881 south. Bill Dabney was a prominent figure in the Battle of Khe Sanh. Gregg Jones writes: "His health was failing in April 2005 when he was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions at Khe Sanh. In a ceremony at Virginia Military Institute, Dabney rolled into the hall in a wheelchair, tethered to an oxygen tank. He said, "I wear this honor today only symbolically… It is they [those who fought at Khe Sanh[ who earned it." Dabney wrote, "Through it all, the troops did their duty. They stood their watches, flew their aircraft or serviced helicopter zones, manned outposts, engaged the enemy and