BADNEK, SAMUEL J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Samuel J. Badnek (2102032), Private, U.S. Marine Corps,
for extraordinary heroism while serving with Company H, Second
Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet
Marine Force, during Operation Starlite near Chu Lai, Vietnam on 18
August 1965. Private Badnek's platoon was temporarily pinned down by
intense automatic weapons, mortar and grenade fire delivered by an
insurgent communist (Viet Cong) assault force. In the early moments of
the engagement, two enemy grenadiers were silenced, causing the Viet
Cong to fall back and regroup, all the while keeping the Marines under
intense fire. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, and with
total disregard for his own safety, Private Badnek stripped all combat
equipment from his body and boldly dashed forty-five yards through
heavy fire to reach the enemy. Hurling several grenades into the enemy
position, he personally killed eight of the guerrillas. Stunned by his
one man assault, the remaining enemy forces rapidly became
disorganized and were unable to conduct a counterattack on the Marines
now advancing on them. Although he sustained a head wound during his
heroic act, Private Badnek remained undeterred as he continued to
ferociously engage the enemy, directing accurate and effective rifle
fire into the enemy position. Later, after withdrawing to a helicopter
evacuation site, he assisted in loading his wounded comrades aboard
the aircraft, refusing evacuation himself until all other casualties
had embarked. Private Badnek's courageous actions, inspiring combative
spirit and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon
traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Youngstown, Ohio
*BAGGETT, CURTIS FRANKLIN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Curtis Franklin Baggett (1384825), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving
as a Platoon Sergeant with Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines,
FIRST Marine Division ( Reinforced ), Fleet Marine Force, in
connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of
Vietnam. On the afternoon of 6 February 1968, Staff Sergeant Baggett's
platoon was attached to Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines,
THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), which was heavily engaged with a
numerically superior North Vietnamese Army Force occupying fortified
positions in the village of Phong Luc (1) in Quang Nam Province. As
his unit assaulted the enemy, the Marines came under intense automatic
weapons, mortar, and B-40 rocket fire. Although armed with only a .45
caliber pistol, Staff Sergeant Baggett quickly rallied his men and led
them in a determined assault against the hostile emplacements,
overrunning one position and seizing a light machine gun after
annihilating two enemy soldiers. Ignoring the hostile fire around him,
he unhesitatingly led his men in assaulting the enemy, who were firing
from positions in a nearby tree line, utilizing the confiscated
machine gun to deliver effective fire as he advanced. Observing that
the enemy was located in a well prepared trench line, he disregarded
his own safety and courageously maneuvered to a position approximately
five meters from the rear of the North Vietnamese emplacements. He
exposed himself to enemy hand grenades and .50-caliber machine-gun
fire in order to bring effective fire to bear on the entrenched enemy.
Subsequently moving to a partially destroyed Vietnamese hut, he
delivered a heavy volume of fire against the enemy and repeatedly
maneuvered into the fire-swept area to pinpoint the source of enemy
fire and direct the actions of his men. Disregarding his personal
safety, he steadfastly maintained his vulnerable position until he was
killed by a North Vietnamese B-40 rocket round. By his intrepid
fighting spirit, superior leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty
at the risk of his own life, Staff Sergeant Baggett inspired all those
who observed him, contributed significantly to the defeat of the
enemy, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine
Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Raleigh, North Carolina
BAILEY, WALTER F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Walter F. Bailey, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving as Weapons Platoon Sergeant with
Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division
(Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations
against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 21 March
1970, Sergeant Bailey's unit was tasked with the security of Liberty
Bridge in Quang Nam Province. While on watch, he observed a bamboo
raft, laden with high explosives, floating downstream toward the
bridge. Immediately alerting his fellow Marines, he directed them in
delivering a heavy volume of fire at the floating object in an attempt
to detonate the explosives before the raft reached the bridge.
However, the Marines' fire failed to detonate the raft's cargo and it
subsequently lodged among the bridge's pilings. Surveying the
situation, Sergeant Bailey discovered that the raft contained a
250-pound bomb and numerous additional explosives, as well as a large
number of connecting wires and cables which trailed off into the
water. He then dived into the water and, with two other Marines,
struggled for fifteen minutes to free it from the bridge's supports
and push it back into the current. As it floated downstream, he
observed the raft lodge on a sandbar approximately twenty-five meters
away. Sergeant Bailey quickly swam to the sandbar, placed a small
explosive charge around the bomb, shoved the raft back into the river
current, and then detonated the charge. When the charge failed to
detonate the bomb, he continued to follow the raft downstream until it
again lodged on a sandbar, where he immediately secured it in place
and subsequently directed an explosive ordnance team to the site to
destroy the bomb. By his selfless courage, bold initiative, and
steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger,
Sergeant Bailey prevented probable serious damage to a vital bridge
and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the
United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
BARNES, ROBERT C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Robert C. Barnes (2083790), Corporal [then Lance
Corporal], U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a squad
leader, with Company B, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam
on 17 December 1966. Corporal Barnes was the assistant patrol leader
of a nine-man reconnaissance patrol penetrating deep into enemy
controlled territory. Sighting two Viet Cong on a hill during the
course of an ambush which the patrol was conducting, Corporal Barnes
fired on them, mortally wounding one Viet Cong. Receiving instructions
from the patrol leader to check out the area, Corporal Barnes and
three men advanced toward the hill. Before they were halfway to their
objective the small team suddenly came under a hail of automatic
weapons and machine gun fire. At the same time, the remainder of the
patrol also came under fire from these same Viet Cong and an
additional force of equal size. At this point, with the two teams
separated and out of communications, the patrol was in imminent danger
of destruction by the withering fire and advancing enemy. After
surveying the situation, Corporal Barnes unhesitatingly led his small
team into a fierce and direct assault on the enemy position. Shouting
encouragement and directions, he bravely directed his men in an almost
impossible advance across 200 meters of open terrain through heavy
automatic weapons fire. Corporal Barnes personally accounted for two
enemy killed and several wounded. In the face of this fiercely
determined and unexpected assault, the enemy was forced to withdraw.
By his courageous actions, inspiring leadership and loyal devotion to
duty, Corporal Barnes reflected great credit upon himself and the
Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States
Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Nashville, Tennessee
BARNETT, ROBERT L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Robert L. Barnett (2259704), Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Machine Gun Squad
Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 May
1969, during a battalion-sized reconnaissance in force in Quang Nam
Province, Corporal Barnett was moving with the point position across
rice paddies bordered by tree lines when the Marines came under
intense small-arms fire and were pinned down by a large North
Vietnamese Army force. During the initial burst of enemy fire, four
men in the lead platoon were wounded, including Corporal Barnett.
Observing the wounded Corpsman and another Marine lying in a
dangerously exposed position, Corporal Barnett completely disregarded
his own safety as he rushed across the fire-swept terrain to reach his
fallen comrades and administer first aid. Locating another casualty,
he ignored his own painful injuries as he braved the enemy fire to run
100 meters across the open terrain to reach the wounded Marine.
Although injured a second time, he managed to assist in moving the
casualty to a covered position. He refused evacuation for himself and
boldly delivered effective fire which killed four North Vietnamese
soldiers and suppressed the hostile fire sufficiently to enable the
aircraft to land. Although wounded again by enemy fire, he remained
oblivious to the intense pain and valiantly continued to deliver a
heavy volume of accurate and effective covering fire while the
casualties were embarked and the helicopter lifted out of the
hazardous area. Despite his weakened condition, he continued to
aggressively engage the enemy until wounded a fourth time and
medically evacuated. His heroic actions inspired all who observed him
and contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy. By his courage,
bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great
personal danger, Corporal Barnett upheld the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
BARRETT, JAMES J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to James J. Barrett, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader with Company I,
Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division
(Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 19
September 1967. While positioned in an area southwest of Con Thien,
Corporal Barrett's company came under heavy mortar, rocket and
artillery fire followed by a supported infantry assault by a
numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. In the initial
attack, numerous casualties were taken and the company was forced to
withdraw to a more advantageous position. Undaunted, Corporal Barrett
courageously maintained his squad's position and directed accurate
counter fire against the hordes of assaulting enemy. Assuming control
of the platoon when his platoon commander became a casualty, he
rallied his men, reorganized the platoon and led them in an effective
counterattack against the enemy. With complete disregard for his own
safety, he moved from position to position, encouraging his men and
re-supplying them with ammunition. Unhesitatingly, he aided the
wounded and directed their evacuation. During the six hour ordeal, he
repositioned his men five times to thwart the enemy advance and
inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy force. By his bold
initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty,
Corporal Barrett reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine
Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval
Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
BARRETT, JOHN J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to John J. Barrett (0-85356), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps,
for extraordinary heroism in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot
with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE
(HMM-263), First Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. After
aborting two re-supply missions to a Marine company on the night of 26
February 1969 due to mechanical difficulties and extremely adverse
weather conditions, Captain Barrett launched at midnight as Section
Leader in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the
emergency re-supply of ammunition to the beleaguered unit heavily
engaged with a large hostile force two miles northwest of An Hoa.
Realizing the seriousness of the situation when informed that the
Marines had expended nearly all their small-arms ammunition, he
resolutely elected to attempt the mission despite only a slight
improvement in the weather. Acquiring his external load at An Hoa, he
extinguished his aircraft's exterior lights and skillfully maneuvered
his helicopter below the 800-foot ceiling in the designated area.
Captain Barrett, guided only by a single strobe light and undaunted by
the extremely heavy volume of hostile machine-gun fire directed
against his CH-46, fearlessly maneuvered his aircraft in a tight
spiral approach to a hover and boldly remained in his dangerously
exposed position to stabilize his load before dropping the critically
needed ammunition to the waiting Marines. Quickly lifting out of the
fire-swept area, he maneuvered his helicopter up through the overcast
and proceeded above the clouds to the Marble Mountain Air Facility.
Captain Barrett's courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering
devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were
instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were
in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the
United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
BASKIN, RICHARD W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Richard W. Baskin (2051026), Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Squad Leader, First Squad while
serving with Security Platoon, Sub Unit #1, Headquarters Company,
Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade near Khe Sanh,
Republic of Vietnam on 6 June 1967. Sergeant Baskin with seventeen men
was responsible for security of the vital radio relay position on Hill
950 near Khe Sanh, when in the early morning hours the position was
suddenly attacked by a ninety man enemy company employing mortars,
rocket launchers, machine guns and grenades. Six men were immediately
killed and four others seriously wounded. Sergeant Baskin directed
that artillery fire be called in and quickly organized his men,
positioning them in the most advantageous positions to return a heavy
volume of fire upon the enemy and effectively block enemy penetration.
Throughout the night, although painfully wounded, Sergeant Baskin,
with complete disregard for his personal safety exposed himself
continuously to enemy machine gun fire located only fifteen yards from
his position. Shouting encouragement to his men, he led them on
several occasions to positions that blocked enemy attempts to outflank
and overrun the position. After over seven hours of close and
continuous combat, during which time he tended the wounded and
assembled all available weapons, Sergeant Baskin led his remaining men
in a fierce counterattack which overran an enemy machine gun
emplacement, killing one enemy and capturing another. This last attack
resulted in the enemy fleeing, carrying some of their dead and
wounded. Sergeant Baskin, then consolidated the position and directed
the evacuation of the dead and wounded before he himself was
evacuated. As a result of his dauntless leadership, Sergeant Baskin
and his men inflicted great damage on the enemy who left ten of their
dead and one wounded. Sergeant Baskin's bold initiative, exceptional
fortitude and valiant fighting spirit served to inspire all who
observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and
the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
BATCHELLER, GORDON D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Gordon D. Batcheller (0-80672), Captain, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer,
Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division
(Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 31
January 1986. Elements of Company A were assigned the mission of
reinforcing a unit of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam in the city
of Hue. Joining a small armored column north of Phu Bai in Thua Thien
Province, the unit proceeded along National Route One toward Hue. On
the southern edge of the city the column was ambushed by a numerically
superior enemy force using automatic weapons, mortars, recoilless
rifles and B-40 rockets. Quickly organizing his outnumbered forces
into a defensive perimeter and unmindful of the danger, Captain
Batcheller boldly began directing his unit's return fire. Exhibiting
sound tactical judgment and calm presence of mind under enemy fire, he
formulated a plan of attack and courageously exposed himself to the
intense enemy barrage as he began shifting his men to more
advantageous positions from which they delivered accurate suppressive
fire against the hostile emplacements. Although injured by fragments
of an exploding enemy rocket round, he aggressively led his men in a
fierce assault against the enemy blocking positions, steadfastly
advancing until he reached a besieged Popular Force compound. As the
enemy increased the intensity of their attack, one of the Marine tanks
was hit by hostile automatic weapons fire and B-40 rockets which
wounded several of the crew members. Ignoring the danger from enemy
rounds exploding all around him, Captain Batcheller unhesitatingly
moved to the damaged vehicle to assist in removing the casualties.
Simultaneously, he reorganized his force and succeeded in routing the
enemy from its fortified positions. As the intensity of enemy fire to
the front lessened, the column began receiving heavy automatic weapons
fire from both flanks, seriously wounding Captain Batcheller in both
legs. Exhibiting great courage and physical stamina, he supported
himself with his elbows and resolutely continued to direct his men in
repulsing the enemy until, weakened by the loss of blood from his
serious injuries, his voice fell to a whisper. Even then, he bravely
encouraged those near him as he lay receiving medical treatment. As a
result of his determined efforts, National Route One was reopened,
enabling the reaction force to reach the embattled city of Hue. By his
exceptional heroism, outstanding tactical ability and steadfast
devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Batcheller upheld the
highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval
Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Hingham, Massachusetts
BATEMAN, KENT C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Kent C. Bateman (0-73614), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism as a Pilot of an A6A Intruder Aircraft with
Marine All Weather Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMA(AW)-533),
First Marine Aircraft Wing, in the Republic of Vietnam on 25 October
1967. Assigned the mission of attacking a heavily defended airfield
complex, Major Bateman launched his aircraft that night. Aware of the
intense enemy surface-to-air missile fire, he formulated and executed
a plan to penetrate the hostile defenses. Exposed to interception by
enemy fighters at high level, he descended on instruments to minimum
altitude. Maneuvering his aircraft over and around treacherous and
uncertain terrain, he successfully pierced the enemy's outer missile
ring and penetrated deep within his inner defenses. As he neared the
initial attack point, Major Bateman was subjected to intense enemy
tracking fire. Although losing radio contact with an electronic
counter measure aircraft and realizing that it placed his aircraft and
himself in serious danger, he nonetheless courageously continued his
attack. Disregarding the intense enemy antiaircraft fire and
surface-to-air missiles, he completed his daring attack. By his bold
initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Major
Bateman was instrumental in destroying an enemy airfield, thereby
reflecting great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and
upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Salt Lake City, Utah
*BEAULIEU, LEO VERNON
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Leo Vernon Beaulieu (2162804), Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a machine
gunner serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST
Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action near Chu
Lai, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 May 1966. Private Beaulieu's squad was
engaged in search and destroy operations against Communist insurgent
forces when it was ambushed by a Viet Cong force of sixty men. Heavy
machine gun and automatic rifle fire from three sides pinned down the
squad in an area offering little or no protection. Private Beaulieu
was hit in the first volley of fire and knocked away from his machine
gun. Although critically wounded in the chest, he crawled back to his
gun and put it into action, delivering heavy, accurate fire on the
enemy. He refused to take advantage of the limited cover available in
order to bring punishing fire on the ambushing force, and as a result
he was hit a second time as the machine gun malfunctioned. Still
disregarding his own personal safety, he worked desperately to clear
the weapon, and while doing so he received a third wound, which was
fatal. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the
face of almost certain death, he kept the enemy at a distance until
reinforcements arrived, and enabled most of the members of his squad
to be rescued. Private Beaulieu's calm and courageous actions under
hostile fire upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine
Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
in the cause of freedom.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Lengby, Minnesota
BELL, VAN D., JR.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold
Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Van D. Bell, Jr.
(0-44563), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary
heroism while serving as Commanding Officer, First Battalion, First
Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in
the Republic of Vietnam on 6 June 1966. Lieutenant Colonel Bell led a
small complement consisting of himself, ten Marines and three Ontos
deep into enemy controlled territory to personally take charge of one
of his platoons that was heavily engaged in enemy fire. Arriving on
the scene with the battle still in progress, he immediately employed
the fire of the Ontos to suppress the enemy fire and called in
artillery fire inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and causing
them to withdraw. He then proceeded through extremely hazardous
terrain to visit Company B, which had recently established a patrol
base well within the enemy stronghold. En route, one of the Ontos ran
out of fuel, causing the small group to be stranded adjacent to the
enemy-controlled village of Phong Ho (2). Realizing the seriousness of
the situation, he immediately established a hasty defense and called
for fuel re-supply by helicopter. The helicopter arrived with the fuel
and as it began to depart, the landing zone was attacked with heavy
enemy small-arms fire. Lieutenant Colonel Bell directed the fire of
his small unit to suppress the enemy fire and protect the helicopter.
Almost simultaneously, the small unit was brought under a withering
hail of small arms and automatic weapons fire from three sides in an
all out effort by the enemy to annihilate the small group. With
complete disregard for his own personal safety, he moved from Ontos to
Ontos pinpointing targets and encouraging his men. With full knowledge
of the risk involved, he elected to keep the enemy engaged rather than
withdraw while he maneuvered a platoon from more than a mile away to
trap the enemy. This valiant and daring action was a resounding
success and resulted in over thirty enemy killed and the capture of
sixteen weapons. With darkness drawing near, Lieutenant Colonel Bell
elected to return to his Command Post. At a point located two miles
from friendly units, the lead Ontos hit an enemy mine, totally
destroying it and causing severe injuries to Lieutenant Colonel Bell
and three other Marines. Again the enemy brought the group under fire
and although in considerable pain, he gallantly rallied his small
remaining force of seven, and once more repelled an enemy attack. Upon
sighting the relief column and realizing that the safety of the
remainder of his group was assured, he calmly called in a helicopter
and directed the evacuation of himself and the other wounded Marines.
Through his dynamic leadership, inspiring valor and loyal devotion to
duty, Lieutenant Colonel Bell reflected great credit upon himself and
the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Born: August 15, 1918 at Atlanta, Georgia
Home Town: Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Other Award: Navy Cross (Korea)
*BENDORF, DAVID GLEN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to David Glen Bendorf (2247275), Lance Corporal,
U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a
Machine Gun Team Leader of the Second Platoon of Company L, Third
Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet
Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 May 1967. The company
was moving to bring a relief force to an embattled sister company when
it engaged a strong blocking force. Lance Corporal Bendorf and his
gunner had volunteered to provide point for the platoon. When the
enemy opened up in the darkness, he led his gunner to a foremost
position and directed accurate fire into the enemy positions to
support the assault. After a vicious exchange of fire and grenades,
during which many Marines were wounded, the platoon was forced to
withdraw and regroup. Lance Corporal Bendorf knew that without the
firepower of his gun the platoon would be unable to recover the
casualties and carry them back to safety. Calmly accepting whatever
consequences their bravery might cost, he and his gunner held their
position under heavy automatic fire and a barrage of grenades,
allowing the others to pull out of the trap. Both men were aware that
death was inevitable and they chose to face the enemy alone in the
infested area. As a direct result of their heroic sacrifice, a
successful assault was launched which relieved the pressure on the
other company and saved an untold number of lives, if not the entire
unit. His outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit and selfless
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Livingston, Wisconsin
BENOIT, RONALD R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Ronald R. Benoit (0-96153), Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as a
Platoon Commander with Company D, First Reconnaissance Battalion,
FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the
Republic of Vietnam on 25 February 1967. Second Lieutenant Benoit and
his platoon were inserted by helicopter deep into hostile territory on
a reconnaissance mission. He and half of his platoon were in the first
helicopter which landed in a heavily booby trapped and mined area, and
immediately came under intense enemy small arms and .60 caliber
machine gun fire. Quickly assessing the situation he exposed himself
to the withering small arms fire to wave off the second helicopter.
With extreme composure under fire, he immediately called for and
directed artillery fire on the Viet Cong emplacements. Constantly
exposed to enemy fire, he secured medical attention for his wounded,
guided the second helicopter in and directed the evacuation of his
wounded. While deploying the remainder of the platoon, a booby trap
was detonated, killing one Marine, wounding others and rupturing
Second Lieutenant Benoit's eardrums. At the same time his unit was hit
again by intense enemy fire and although in extreme pain and almost
totally deaf, he courageously and skillfully directed effective air
strikes on the enemy. With the enemy fire suppressed, enabling the
helicopters to land again, he expertly supervised the loading of the
wounded and only after his entire platoon had been embarked aboard the
aircraft did he allow his own retraction. By his extraordinary
initiative, uncommon courage and complete disregard for his own
safety, he undoubtedly saved numerous Marine lives, reflected great
credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and upheld the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Brunswick, Maine
BERGER, DONALD JOSEPH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Donald Joseph Berger (0-64100), Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as an Aircraft
Commander with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED
SIXTY-THREE (HMM-163), First Marine Aircraft Wing, in operations in
the Republic of Vietnam on 11 and 12 March 1966. Lieutenant Berger was
assigned to participate in a mission to evacuate a large number of
American and Vietnamese personnel from the besieged garrison at A Shau.
Controlling his aircraft with exceptional skill, he hovered over the
trees thirty to fifty feet tall while the stranded personnel were
hoisted aboard. After discharging the passengers at Heu Phu Bai,
Lieutenant Berger returned to A Shau and was directed to another
clearing where two Special Forces personnel and six Vietnamese
soldiers awaited rescue. Since jungle growth prevented landing, he was
attempting to hoist the defenders aboard when hostile automatic
weapons fire damaged the tail pylon of his aircraft, causing complete
loss of tail rotor control. Exhibiting great presence of mind,
Lieutenant Berger effected a controlled crash landing and promptly
instructed the copilot and one of the crewmembers to board another
rescue helicopter. Due to the darkness and inclement weather
precluding further rescue attempts, he calmly guided the outpost
defenders through difficult terrain where they encountered and
successfully fought off an enemy patrol. After putting a defensive
plan into action and maintaining a watch throughout the night, he
moved the group to another location at first light, then signaled for
help and succeeded in getting a rescue aircraft to hoist the exhausted
men aboard. His stalwart effort was directly responsible for saving
his crewmen, as well as the group of outpost survivors, from capture
or death at the hands of the Viet Cong. By his intrepid fighting
spirit, brilliant initiative and fortitude in the face of grave
danger, and unfaltering dedication to duty, Lieutenant Berger upheld
the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States
Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Williamsville, New York
BINNS, RICARDO C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Ricardo C. Binns (2031505), Corporal [then Lance
Corporal], U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Scout
Team Leader, Company C, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam
on the night of 15 - 16 June 1966. Corporal Binns' platoon established
an observation post deep within communist controlled territory to
observe enemy movement. At 0100 a massive assault was launched against
the Marine position by a determined and well-trained North Vietnamese
battalion. The murderous enemy fire was so intense that five of the
eighteen-man platoon were killed and the remainder wounded. On two
separate occasions, with complete disregard for his personal safety,
Corporal Binns braved the withering enemy fire to forcibly pull to the
ground severely wounded Marines who had unconsciously exposed
themselves to almost certain death. Realizing that his Platoon Leader
was wounded and unable to move, and preoccupied with the direction of
close support aircraft, Corporal Binns took it upon himself to direct
the fire of the remaining seven Marines, redistribute the ammunition
of those who could not use it, and care for the wounded. Although
painfully wounded in both legs, Corporal Binns displayed magnificent
courage throughout the night and long into the following morning. His
selfless devotion to duty, superb professional skill, deep concern for
his fellow Marines, and extraordinary heroism inspired all who
observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Bronx, New York
BIRD, WILLIAM C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to William C. Bird (2449630), Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Rifleman
with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division
(Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 May
1969. The First Platoon of Company E was assigned the mission of
relieving a friendly unit heavily engaged in combat with a North
Vietnamese Army battalion near An Hoa in Quang Nam Province. As the
point squad of Company E crossed an open field, it came under a heavy
volume of rocket and automatic weapons fire from a large hostile unit
occupying well-camouflaged bunkers. Alertly observing two wounded
Marines lying dangerously exposed to the enemy fire, Private First
Class Bird, despite the intense volume of hostile rounds impacting
near him, pulled his comrades to a position of relative safety.
Reacting instantly, he fearlessly stood up and, effectively firing his
M-16 rifle, provided enough covering fire to enable a Corpsman to
reach the wounded Marines. Continuing to expose himself to the intense
hostile fire, he delivered accurate covering fire for the Corpsman as
he moved throughout the hazardous area and administered emergency
medical treatment to all the wounded. At dusk, another reaction force
and two supporting tanks were deployed from the company command post.
Alertly observing that the tank commanders were having difficulty
discerning the enemy targets because of the approaching darkness,
Private First Class Bird unhesitatingly climbed aboard the lead tank,
despite the intense volume of enemy fire directed at him and,
skillfully pointing out the hostile positions to the tank commander,
was instrumental in bringing devastating fire to bear upon the enemy.
As the platoon withdrew to a night defensive position, Private First
Class Bird personally carried two wounded Marines to the friendly
perimeter and subsequently assisted in loading the remainder of the
casualties aboard the tanks for rapid evacuation. When an enemy rocket
impacted on one of the tanks, seriously wounding the driver, Private
First Class Bird positioned himself between the tank and the nearby
hostile emplacement and, accurately firing his rifle, suppressed the
enemy fire while the tank crew reorganized and continued firing.
Private First Class Bird was directly responsible for saving the lives
of six Marines. His courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering
devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and
the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Benton, Louisiana
*BLANN, STEPHEN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Stephen Blann (2391078), Lance Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Squad Leader with the
Third Platoon, Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD
Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, against North
Vietnamese Army forces in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. On
16 February 1969, Company E was attacking south along an enemy road
with the Third Platoon providing rear security. Intermittent sniper
fire had been received throughout the day. In the afternoon the
company halted to conduct a reconnaissance of a large area and to
secure a stream-crossing site before continuing its movement. As the
lead elements resumed the attack, Lance Corporal Blann observed a
number of enemy troops flanking the company in an attempt to attack
from the rear. Without hesitation he deployed his squad to counter the
enemy's movement as the sporadic sniper fire increased to a heavy
volume of small-arms and automatic weapons fire. Lance Corporal Blann
immediately evaluated the situation and maneuvered his squad with
great professional skill into an assault position against the
encircling enemy as one of his men was immediately wounded. Noticing
the seriousness of the man's wounds and hearing his painful cry for
help, Lance Corporal Blann, while under an intense volume of fire and
disregarding his own personal safety, moved into the open area to the
wounded man. Shouting encouragement to his squad and continuing to
direct the attack upon the enemy, Lance Corporal Blann shielded the
wounded man with his own body by kneeling in front of him in line with
the enemy fire. While trying to administer first aid and move the man
to a safer position, Lance Corporal Blann was mortally wounded. By his
extraordinary heroism and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal
Blann saved the life of his fellow Marine and upheld the highest
traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Pompano Beach, Florida
*BLEVINS,
THOMAS LEE, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Thomas Lee Blevins, Jr. (2255036), Corporal,
U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad
Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth
Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations
against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 31 May 1969, while
Corporal Blevins maneuvered his squad as the point element of a
company- sized search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province, the
Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from a
large enemy force occupying well-concealed, fortified emplacements.
Observing that three of his men had been wounded and had fallen in an
unprotected area close to the hostile positions, Corporal Blevins
unhesitatingly left his relatively secure position and ran across the
fire-swept terrain to the side of his companions. After kneeling in a
dangerously exposed position to administer first aid to one of his
comrades, he removed the man to waiting medical attention behind the
friendly line. He then again braved the hostile fire raking the area
and, after administering brief emergency treatment to the second
wounded Marine, moved him back to the company's defensive perimeter.
When he raced to the aid of the third man, they both became pinned
down by concentrated enemy fire. Corporal Blevins, in full view of the
enemy troops, hurled a hand grenade which diverted their attention
sufficiently to allow him time to move the injured Marine to safety,
but before he could attain a covered position himself, he was mortally
wounded by small-arms fire. His heroic efforts and selfless concern
for his fellow men inspired all who observed him and were instrumental
in saving the lives of three Marines. By his courage, aggressive
fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Blevins
upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and
the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Middletown, New Jersey
BOGAN, RICHARD E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Richard E. Bogan (2357980), Lance Corporal [then Private
First Class], U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while
serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth
Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in
the Republic of Vietnam on 12 April 1968. While conducting a night
ambush near the village of Thon Ha Vinh, Thua Thien Province, Lance
Corporal Bogan alertly observed several North Vietnamese Army soldiers
approaching his position. Reacting instantly, he directed a heavy
volume of fire upon the hostile force, inflicting numerous casualties
and forcing the enemy to disperse. Within a few moments, an enemy
grenade landed among the Marines, and exploded harmlessly. Almost
immediately, another grenade impacted extremely close to Corporal
Bogan and a companion. Disregarding his own safety, he shouted a
warning to his comrade and unhesitatingly jumped on top of the
missile, absorbing the blast with his body. Although seriously
wounded, he moved to his squad leader's position and informed him of
the situation. By his dauntless courage, initiative and selfless
efforts in behalf of another, Corporal Bogan saved his comrade from
serious injury or possible death and upheld the highest traditions of
the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Lebanon, Indiana
BRADY,
EUGENE R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Eugene R. Brady (0-51664), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and intrepidity in action
while serving as Commanding Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter
Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group
SIXTEEN (MAG-16), First Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with
combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15
May 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Brady launched as Aircraft Commander of a
transport helicopter assigned the mission of medically evacuating
several seriously wounded Marines from an area northwest of An Hoa in
Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated location, he was
advised by the ground commander that the vastly outnumbered unit was
surrounded by the enemy, some as close as thirty meters to the
Marines' positions. Fully aware of the dangers involved, and despite
rapidly approaching darkness and deteriorating weather conditions,
Lieutenant Colonel Brady elected to complete his mission. As he
commenced a high-speed, low-altitude approach to the confined zone, he
came under a heavy volume of hostile automatic weapons fire which
damaged his aircraft but did not deter him from landing. During the
considerable period of time required to embark the casualties, the
landing zone was subjected to intense enemy mortar fire, several
rounds of which landed perilously close to the transport, rendering
additional damage to the helicopter. However, Lieutenant Colonel Brady
displayed exceptional composure as he calmly relayed hostile firing
positions to fixed-wing aircraft overhead and steadfastly remained in
his dangerously exposed position until all the wounded men were safely
aboard. Demonstrating superb airmanship, he then executed a series of
evasive maneuvers as he lifted from the fire-swept zone, and
subsequently delivered the casualties to the nearest medical facility.
His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and
were instrumental in saving the lives of eight fellow Marines. By his
courage, superior aeronautical ability, and unfaltering devotion to
duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Brady
upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United
States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: York, Pennsylvania
BRANDTNER,
MARTIN L.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Martin L. Brandtner (0-80625), Captain, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer
of Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division
(Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations
against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 September 1968,
while conducting a reconnaissance in force near the village of Lan
Phouc in Quang Nam Province, the lead platoon of Company D became
pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from a large North
Vietnamese Army force. As he moved forward to assess the situation,
Captain Brandtner was wounded by grenade launcher fire from an enemy
soldier standing in a nearby trench. With complete disregard for his
own safety, Captain Brandtner boldly exposed himself to the hostile
fire and hurling a hand grenade, killed the North Vietnamese soldier.
Suddenly, the Marines came under an intense North Vietnamese hand
grenade attack, and when one of the lethal objects landed at Captain
Brandtner's feet, he unhesitatingly seized the grenade and threw it
back at the enemy. On two more occasions he completely disregarded his
own safety to seize hand grenades which were thrown near his position
and hurl them toward the hostile force. When another grenade landed in
the midst of four nearby Marines, Captain Brandtner fearlessly rushed
to their position, picked up the lethal object and hurled it away from
his companions. Then, concerned only for the welfare of his fellow
Marines, he knocked two of the men to the ground and quickly placed
himself on top of them, thereby absorbing the fragments from the
exploding grenade in his protective armor and preventing possible
death or serious injury to his companions. Realizing the numerical
superiority of the enemy, he consolidated his company's position and
skillfully adjusted effective supporting arms fire which caused the
hostile force to flee and enabled his Marines to overrun the
objective. By his courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and selfless
devotion to duty at the risk of his life, Captain Brandtner sustained
and enhanced the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the
United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Other Award: Navy Cross w/Gold Star (Vietnam)
BRANDTNER,
MARTIN L.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold
Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Martin L.
Brandtner (0-80625), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary
heroism in action while serving as the Commanding Officer, Company D,
First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced),
Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 11 September 1968.
Assigned a mission to conduct a search and destroy operation near the
village of My Binh, Quang Dia Loc District, Quang Nam Province,
Captain Brandtner selected his defensive position and began deploying
his platoons for their assigned night activities. As the First Platoon
departed, en route to their night ambush site, they began receiving
intense small arms, automatic weapons and rocket fire from a
numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Simultaneously, the
enemy, approximately the size of the two North Vietnamese Army
companies, began an attack on the Command Group with 82-mm. mortars,
intense automatic weapons fire and P40 rockets. Quickly analyzing the
situation and immediately realizing the seriousness and the danger
involved, Captain Brandtner disregarded his own personal safety and
moved forward to an extremely exposed position in order that he could
personally control the battle at hand. When the enemy began the first
of a series of "human wave" sapper attacks against the
company's position, he calmly and with outstanding presence of mind
moved from position to position reorganizing, encouraging and rallying
his outnumbered and dazed company into an inspired fighting unit which
completely stopped the momentum of the enemy attack and forced them to
withdraw. Realizing the enemy were regrouping for subsequent attacks,
he calmly adjusted his supporting artillery fire to within 200 meters
of his lines, again raising havoc and confusion within the enemy's
ranks. When the North Vietnamese Army units began their second attack,
the devastating fires of a well organized Marine Corps rifle company
caught them off balance and inflicted heavy enemy casualties. Twice
more, the determined enemy launched massive "human wave"
assaults on the perimeter of Company D, but the steadfast efforts of
the men of the company proved to be too much for the now overwhelmed
and demoralized enemy. After more than two hours of persistent
attempts to overrun the company, the enemy broke contact. Daylight
revealed 67 North Vietnamese dead as mute testimony to the ferocious
encounter that had taken place. The number of enemy dead and wounded
evacuated could not be estimated. Company D suffered only one Marine
killed and fourteen wounds serious enough to require evacuation. By
his outstanding courage, superb leadership and unswerving devotion to
duty, Captain Brandtner served to inspire all who observed him and
upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United
States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Other Award: Navy Cross (Vietnam)
*BRANTLEY, LEROY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Leroy Brantley (2392215), Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad
Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam
on 28 March 1969. During a search and clear operation in Quang Nam
Province, Company G's lead platoon was entering the village of Phu
Nhuan when it came under intense rocket and automatic weapons fire
from a North Vietnamese Army company occupying well-fortified
positions in the village and surrounding tree lines. Reacting
instantly Corporal Brantley completely disregarded his own safety as
he maneuvered his squad to defilade positions and skillfully directed
the delivery of a heavy volume of return fire. Although seriously
wounded while deploying his men, he ignored his own painful injury and
repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he rallied his men and
boldly led them in an assault against the enemy. Wounded a second time
by North Vietnamese fire, Corporal Brantley refused medical attention
as he valiantly remained with his men to sustain the momentum of the
attack. Fearlessly directing the actions of his squad and exhorting
them to greater efforts, he continued to brave the intense enemy fire
while aggressively leading the advance toward the hostile emplacements
until he was struck for the third time by hostile fire. Undaunted by
the North Vietnamese rounds impacting near him and weakened by his
serious injuries, Corporal Brantley resolutely continued to move his
men and direct their actions and, as he boldly pushed through the tree
line toward a suspected hostile emplacement, he was mortally wounded.
His intrepid fighting spirit and daring initiative inspired all who
observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of
his unit's mission. By his courage, superb leadership and unwavering
devotion to duty, Corporal Brantley upheld the highest traditions of
the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Charleston, South Carolina
*BRINDLEY, THOMAS DREW
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Thomas Drew Brindley (0-101761), Second
Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism
while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company I, Third Battalion,
Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine
Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 January 1968. Lieutenant
Brindley's unit was maneuvering toward Hill 881, near Khe Sanh, when
the lead elements suddenly came under intense small-arms and automatic
weapons fire and sustained several casualties. Reacting instantly, he
directed a heavy volume of fire against the enemy and moved his second
squad to the point of heaviest contact. Despite the tall elephant
grass which restricted movement, he effectively deployed and
controlled his men, while suppressing the hostile fire sufficiently to
enable the casualties to be taken from the area. Quickly shifting his
unit to the base of the hill, under covering fire, Lieutenant Brindley
lead an aggressive assault against the opposing force which was
entrenched in well-fortified positions supported by .50 caliber
machine gun emplacements. Ignoring the fire impacting around him, he
continuously moved among his men, encouraging them, controlling the
squads and directing his unit's return fire. As the Marines reached
the crest of the hill and overran the North Vietnamese positions, they
again came under intense fire and suffered additional casualties. In
an attempt to pinpoint the source of enemy fire, Lieutenant Brindley,
while freely moving throughout the fire-swept area, was struck by
hostile fire and fell mortally wounded. By his inspiring leadership
and unyielding devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, he
upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and
the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: St. Paul, Minnesota
BROWN, CHARLES EDWARD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Charles Edward Brown (2288651), Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad leader with
Combined Action Platoon H-8, Third Combined Action Group, Third Marine
Amphibious Force in connection with operations against the enemy in
the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours on 31 January
1968, Corporal Brown's platoon, located in a compound at Loc Dien
Village in Thua Thien Province, came under intense enemy mortar,
rocket and small-arms fire. In the initial moments of the attack the
enemy penetrated the perimeter and launched a vicious assault within
the compound. Quickly moving to a critical bunker on the compound's
perimeter, Corporal Brown rallied the three men who were defending the
position and directed a heavy volume of accurate fire against the
determined enemy. Despite repeated attempts by the hostile force to
overrun the bunker, the Marines repulsed each assault, inflicting
heavy losses on the attackers. On two occasions, the enemy utilized
riot control agents in an attempt to dislodge the Marines. On each
occasion, however, Corporal Brown and his companions refused to
abandon their position, even though they were not wearing field
protection masks. When the ammunition supply at his position became
dangerously low, he fearlessly ran across an exposed area and returned
through the hostile fire with the vital ammunition re- supply.
Utilizing his vantage point to observe the enemy, he repeatedly
exposed himself to enemy fire to adjust artillery fire on the enemy
positions near and within the compound. Although his bunker received
three direct hits from antitank rocket rounds and Corporal Brown and
his three men were wounded, he resolutely continued to direct accurate
supporting fires dangerously close to his position, which forced the
hostile force to withdraw and abandon five enemy casualties within the
compound and thirty-three in the surrounding area. His indomitable
fighting spirit and unfaltering determination inspired all who
observed him and were instrumental in repulsing the aggressive enemy
attack. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative and unswerving
dedication to duty, Corporal Brown upheld the highest traditions of
the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*BROWN, DAVID HAROLD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to David Harold Brown (2056298), Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy
while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company L, Third Battalion,
Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine
Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 September 1967. While moving
in support of a sister company, southwest of Con Thien on Hill 48,
Sergeant Brown's platoon came under devastating enemy rocket, mortar,
automatic weapons, small arms, and grenade fire from a numerically
superior enemy force. Quickly assessing the situation, he established
a defensive position and brought fire to bear on the enemy. With
complete disregard for his own safety, he charged the enemy positions,
hurling grenades and temporarily disrupting an enemy assault. Upon
depleting his grenade supply, he returned through the intense enemy
fire and obtained an M-79 grenade launcher and again single-handedly
assaulted the enemy positions, once again breaking up their assault
and accounting for several enemy killed. Upon completion of this task,
he moved among his men, directing their fire and encouraging them
until he was mortally wounded. By his bold initiative, gallant
fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Sergeant Brown was
instrumental in stopping an enemy attack, thereby saving numerous
Marine casualties and upholding the highest traditions of the United
States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Saltillo, Tennessee
BROWNING, RANDALL A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Randall A. Browning (2151453), Corporal [then Lance
Corporal], U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving
as an Ontos Commander with Company A, Third Antitank Battalion, THIRD
Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in support of the
Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines in the Republic of Vietnam on 10
September 1967. While engaged in a search and destroy operation in the
northern sector of Quang Tri Province near the Demilitarized Zone, the
battalion came under a heavy enemy bombardment of artillery and mortar
fire. Although painfully wounded by fragments from an artillery round,
Corporal Browning quickly had his injury treated and immediately
returned to his Ontos where he learned that his was the only tracked
vehicle in operation. Rapidly assessing the situation, he maneuvered
his vehicle through the intense hostile fire to a forward position and
began delivering highly effective machine-gun and recoilless rifle
fire against the enemy. Successfully repulsing the first of several
human wave assaults, he remained undaunted by the vicious enemy fire
and steadfastly continued to deliver a heavy volume of fire during
ensuing fanatical attacks. His aggressive actions repelled the hostile
force on each occasion and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. When
his recoilless rifle ammunition was expended and his machine gun
became inoperable, Corporal Browning unhesitatingly manned a
sub-machine gun and continued to deliver devastating fire on the
enemy. Due largely to his fearless initiative during the four hour
battle, he was undoubtedly instrumental in thwarting the enemy's
attempt to overrun the battalion's position and prevented the capture,
injury or possible death of many Marines. By his resolute
determination, dauntless courage and selfless devotion to duty at
great personal risk, Corporal Browning inspired all who observed him
and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United
States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Cincinnati, Ohio
*BRYAN,
CHARLES WILLIAM
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to Charles William Bryan (2307311), Corporal,
U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Patrol
Leader with Company B, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with
operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the
Republic of Vietnam. On 20 January 1968, a seven man reconnaissance
patrol led by Corporal Bryan was maneuvering with an infantry company
toward Hill 881 North near the Khe Sanh Combat Base. The patrol was
assigned to detach itself from the unit inconspicuously and
reconnoiter the terrain surrounding Hill 881 North. In addition,
Corporal Bryan was instructed to abort the mission and withdraw if the
infantry unit became engaged with the enemy. As the unit approached
the designated area, the Marines suddenly came under intense hostile
small arms and automatic weapons fire, sustaining several casualties.
Reacting instantly, Corporal Bryan deployed his men to establish an
emergency helicopter landing zone to evacuate the wounded men.
Subsequently, the infantry unit was directed to attack the hostile
emplacements, and realizing the unit was greatly depleted by
casualties, Corporal Bryan requested permission from his unit to
reinforce the infantry company with his patrol. Quickly integrating
his men with an infantry squad, he was assigned as Squad Leader and
skillfully maneuvered his unit toward its assigned objective. Upon
approaching the designated area, the Marines began receiving intense
fire from an enemy machine gun position. Undaunted by the hostile
fire, he maneuvered his men around the flank of the emplacement and
launched an aggressive attack which silenced the position. Alertly
observing one of his men fall wounded in an area dangerously exposed
to enemy fire, he fearlessly ran across the fire-swept terrain to the
side of his comrade. While skillfully administering first aid to the
casualty, Corporal Bryan was mortally wounded. His heroic and timely
actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the
subsequent defeat of the enemy force. By his courage, superb
leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Bryan upheld the
highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Born: September 27, 1947 at McKinney, Texas
Home Town: McKinney, Texas
BRYANT, JAROLD O.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Jarold O. Bryant (2061015), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Fire Team Leader
of the Third Squad, Third Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, First
Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in
action against communist insurgent forces in Quang Ngai Province,
Republic of Vietnam, during Operation TEXAS on 21 March 1966. When the
third platoon came under a vicious enemy cross fire, Corporal Bryant's
squad was ordered to destroy an enemy stronghold on the right flank.
While in the assault, his squad suffered numerous casualties including
the squad leader. Unhesitatingly, Corporal Bryant moved from his
position, coolly and courageously disregarding the intense fire, to
assist four of the wounded to positions of safety. Displaying
exceptional initiative and devotion to duty, he rallied to two
remaining members and continued the assault by skillfully maneuvering
through a barren rice paddy. Despite the predominant advantage of the
enemy forces in numbers and prevailing positions, he single-handedly
charged through the fury of hostile automatic weapons fire,
overrunning the vital position by killing two of the enemy and causing
the other to flee. Corporal Bryant's daring exploits were a
determining factor in the rapid seizure of the company objective and
the saving of many lives. By his courageous actions, initiative, and
unswerving devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, Corporal
Bryant upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the
United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Columbus, Ohio
BUCHANAN,
RICHARD W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Richard W. Buchanan (2113260), Lance Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as an Automatic
Rifleman with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines,
FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the
Republic of Vietnam on 24 May 1968. While participating in Operation
ALLEN BROOK in Quang Nam Province, Corporal Buchanan's company was
serving as battalion reserve, following in trace of Company K, as the
unit moved against well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army forces in the
village of Le Bac (1). Advancing into the objective area, Company K
was ambushed by an enemy force in a tree line and two platoons were
separated from the remainder of the company. As Corporal Buchanan's
platoon quickly maneuvered toward the beleaguered Marines, it suddenly
came under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire from a North
Vietnamese Army unit entrenched in a series of bunkers and spider
holes. In the initial burst of fire, several Marines were killed or
seriously wounded, including the platoon commander, platoon sergeant,
all the squad leaders and the radio operator. Observing a well- hidden
enemy bunker, he fearlessly assaulted the position and directed
accurate rifle fire into the emplacement. Then, retrieving the platoon
radio and shouting to his comrades to follow, he led the Marines to
the relative safety of a nearby pagoda where he established a hasty
defense. Unable to establish radio communication with his company and
upon observing several medical evacuation helicopters in the vicinity,
he relayed a request for armed helicopter support. As he directed
numerous air strikes on the enemy positions, often within ten feet of
his position, he courageously rushed into the fire-swept area to move
the casualties to better protected positions. Upon discovering an
adjacent bunker occupied by several North Vietnamese Army soldiers,
Corporal Buchanan boldly assaulted it single-handedly, silencing the
hostile fire. Throughout the intense three-hour battle, his superb
command ability and calm presence of mind in hazardous situations
undoubtedly saved numerous Marine lives and inspired all who observed
him. By his outstanding leadership, intrepid fighting spirit and
selfless devotion to duty Corporal Buchanan upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Placerville, California
*BURKE,
JOHN ROLAND
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy
Cross (Posthumously) to John Roland Burke (2200142), Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Sniper Team
Leader with Headquarters and Service Company, First Battalion,
Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine
Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 June 1967. Assigned the mission
of defending an outpost on Hill 950 at Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province,
Corporal Burke's team was taken under attack by a numerically superior
enemy force. During the initial assault, Corporal Burke was wounded by
an enemy grenade. Ignoring his wound, he administered first aid to a
severely wounded comrade and placed him in a relatively safe position,
covering the wounded man with his own body to protect him from further
injury. Heeding a call for help from outside the bunker, he
unhesitatingly went to the aid of another Marine. While he and a
companion were moving the man to the security of the bunker an enemy
grenade exploded, knocking him and his comrade into the bunker.
Although seriously wounded, he moved the wounded man to a tunnel to
protect him from the devastating enemy fire. With all his team members
casualties, Corporal Burke unhesitatingly and with complete disregard
for his own safety armed himself with grenades, and shouting words of
encouragement to his men, stormed from the bunker in a valiant one-man
assault against the enemy positions. While firing his weapon and
throwing grenades at the enemy positions, Corporal Burke was mortally
wounded. By his dauntless courage, bold initiative and devotion to
duty, he was instrumental in stopping the enemy attack and saving his
men from possible further injury or death, thereby reflecting great
credit upon himself and the United States Marine Corps and upholding
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Clearwater, Florida
BURNHAM, THOMAS R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Thomas R. Burnham (1426163), Corporal [then Lance
Corporal], U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving
as a Fire Team Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines,
FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, at Nong Son,
Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam on 1 October 1967. While in a
defensive position, Corporal Burnham observed a trip flare burning
outside the perimeter of his unit. He was directed to lead his fire
team to search and secure the area. Assessing the situation, he
cautiously deployed his men to carry out the assignment. While slowly
maneuvering toward the position, an enemy hand grenade landed in the
midst of the fire team. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for
his own safety, he shoved a comrade to the ground and dived on the
grenade. While lying on the deadly missile, he yelled instructions to
his men to take cover. As the moments passed, it became evident that
the grenade had malfunctioned, however, the slightest jar could still
activate the grenade. Courageously remaining in this precarious
position for approximately ten minutes, Corporal Burnham, after
considering the consequences, hurled himself into a ditch
approximately four feet away. The grenade failed to detonate; however,
had it exploded, his fearless action could well have saved the lives
of his fellow Marines. By his bold initiative and grave concern for
others, Corporal Burnham reflected great credit upon himself and the
Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States
Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: , Pennsylvania
BURNS, LEON R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Leon R. Burns (1487956), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with operations against
the enemy while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company B, First
Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet
Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 July 1967. Company B was
engaged in a search and destroy operation when it was taken under
intense small-arms, automatic weapons, mortar and rocket fire from an
estimated two battalions of North Vietnamese troops. In the initial
burst of enemy fire, the commanding officer and two platoon commanders
became casualties. Immediately reacting to the situation, Staff
Sergeant Burns moved his platoon forward only to be pinned down by a
heavy volume of small-arms fire from both flanks and the front. He
moved through the intense fire, with complete disregard for his own
safety, to call in and adjust air strikes against the numerically
superior enemy force. The air strikes erupted within fifty meters of
his position, disrupting an enemy assault against his flanks. Exposing
himself to the intense enemy fire, he organized the remnants of the
company into a hasty defense and began treating and evacuating the
wounded. Upon being joined by a relief column, he unhesitatingly
volunteered to go forward to guide the column and assist in recovering
the wounded and dead Marines. After the fulfillment of this mission,
he led his men in a withdrawal along the highway. As the column moved
along the highway, they were taken under devastating enemy mortar and
artillery fire. Again exhibiting fearless leadership, he moved up and
down the column encouraging his men and directing them into fighting
holes to organize a defense position and personally carried two
wounded Marines to the landing zone. By his bold initiative, dauntless
courage and exceptional fortitude, Staff Sergeant Burns reflected
great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Portland, Maine
*ADAMS,
JOHN TERRY
*AMENDOLA,
WILLET RANKIN
ARMSTRONG,
RUSSELL PAUL
*CALHOUN, JOHN CALDWELL
*CASEY, MICHAEL JAMES
*CAVANAUGH, THOMAS JAMES
CHEATHAM, ERNEST C., JR.
*CHRISTMAN, WILLIAM J., III
CHRISTMAS, GEORGE R.
COFFMAN, CLOVIS C., JR.
COOLICAN, JAMES JOSEPH
*CUMMINGS, ROGER WAYNE
*DAVIS, DENNIS DEAN
*DAY, EDWARD
DEBONA, ANDREW D.
*DICKSON, GROVER LEE
*DUFF, BARRY WILLIAM
*DUNCAN, RICHARD WINERFRED
