Citations for Awards of the Silver Star to U.S. Navy Personnel in The Vietnam War

ALCORN, WENDELL R. (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Wendell R. Alcorn (5965359), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Upon being captured in December 1965, Lieutenant Commander Alcorn's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
ALCORN, WENDELL R. (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Wendell R. Alcorn (5965359), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. During the period 22 October to 31 October 1966, Lieutenant Commander Alcorn's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extremely cruelty in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. By his heroic stand against his captors, he effectively resisted the efforts of the North Vietnamese in spite of the hostile environment; eventually compelling them to abandon their employment of harsh treatment. Using determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Home Town: Kittanning, Pennsylvania
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), 4@ Legion of Merit w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross, 3@ Bronze Stars w/V, 3@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

ALVAREZ, EVERETT, JR. (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Everett Alvarez, Jr. (0-4733517), Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. On 10 August 1966, Commander Alvarez' captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme cruelty in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. By his heroic stand against his captors, he effectively resisted the efforts of the North Vietnamese in spite of the hostile environment; eventually compelling them to abandon their employment of harsh treatment. Using determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: 1937 at Sacramento, California
Home Town: Santa Clara, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star, 2@ Legion of Merit w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2@ Bronze Stars w/V, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

ASHTON, CURTIS MORRIS
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Curtis Morris Ashton, Aviation Electrician First Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Aviation Electrician First Class Ashton distinguished himself by intrepid actions on while serving with Detachment A, 4th Platoon, SEAL Team 2, Task Force 116. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Born: November 30, 1946 at Rotan, Texas
Home Town: Sweetwater, Texas

BAILEY, JAMES WILLIAM (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James William Bailey (0-684790/1325), Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 28 June 1967, as Radar Intercept Officer in Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-THREE (VF-143), during a coordinated strike against the enemy's valuable petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) storage and transshipment areas at Nam Dinh, North Vietnam. Responsible for the navigation of the strike group to the target, Lieutenant Bailey expertly used the aircraft systems and his own outstanding skills to vector his pilot and place the strike group precisely on their desired run in position to the target. Despite the intensive anti-aircraft barrage and increased surface-to-air missile radar activity, he succeeded in furnishing appropriate information which allowed his pilot to execute a devastating delivery of weapons that completely silenced the major threat to the strike group and enabled the bombers to complete a highly successful attack. With his aircraft hit by enemy fire during the attack, Lieutenant Bailey was last seen ejecting from his crippled plane. His professionalism, courage and dedication were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
BAILEY, JAMES WILLIAM (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to James William Bailey (0-684790/1325), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 28 June to 30 June 1967. Lieutenant Commander Bailey's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Bailey reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: January 19, 1943 at Carthage, Mississippi
Home Town: Carthage, Mississippi
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Legion of Merit w/V, 2@ Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star w/V, 12@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

BALDOCK, FREDERICK CHARLES, JR. (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Frederick Charles Baldock, Jr. (666620/1315), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. On October 1966, Lieutenant Commander Baldock's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: May 10, 1939 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2@ Bronze Star w/V, 2@ Air Medals, Prisoner of War Medal

BARDWELL, ROBERT J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert J. Bardwell (6897172), Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force while serving as a Platoon Corpsman for the 1st Platoon, Company A, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during a search and clear operation on 17 July 1965, in the La Chau Village complex, Republic of Vietnam. When the lead element of the second platoon encountered a mine field and was simultaneously brought under Viet Cong fire from several directions, Petty Officer Bardwell, upon receiving a call from the adjacent unit, left his platoon and maneuvered approximately 200 yards across an open rice paddy in the face of heavy fire to locate and administer aid to two Marines, one of whom had been critically wounded by a mine detonation. With additional injuries being sustained by members of his own platoon as the intensity of the fire increased, he again ignored the mortar and automatic weapons fire impacting nearby, returned to his unit via the same open rice paddy and encountered two other Marines requiring medical attention. After administering necessary first aid measures, he assisted the senior corpsman in directing medical evacuation of the wounded by helicopter while under a heavy volume of hostile fire directed into the landing zone. Petty Officer Bardwell's heroism under fire, his resourceful and decisive action, and his determined devotion to his comrades was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Winfield, Kansas

BARNES, GARY L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Gary L. Barnes (B-706764), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 23 February 1968, Company F was conducting a search and destroy operation in the village of Thon Bin Thai, in Quang Nam Province, when the lead platoon came under intense fire from a large enemy force employing automatic weapons, rockets, and hand grenades. In the initial moments of the attack, several Marines were wounded, and elements of the platoon were temporarily pinned down in open terrain. With complete disregard for his own safety, Hospitalman Barnes moved throughout the hazardous area, treating one casualty after another and supervising their evacuation to a secure area. Observing four seriously wounded Marines lying only fifteen meters from an enemy position, he unhesitatingly braved a heavy volume of hostile fire as he advanced to aid the casualties. Determining that two of the Marines might not survive without immediate medical attention, he moved the injured men to the relative security of a small dike, rendered first aid, and placed them aboard an Ontos which evacuated them to the landing zone. Then boldly returning across the fire- swept terrain, Hospitalman Barnes assisted in moving the remaining casualties to a covered position where he treated their wounds and comforted them until they were evacuated. His prompt and fearless actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two Marines and in preventing further injury or possible death to others. By his courage, superb initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Hospitalman Barnes upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Bruceton, Tennessee

BARRAUD, WESLEY L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Wesley L. Barraud (5466509), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force while serving as Chief Corpsman with Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces on 18 December 1965, in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation HARVEST MOON, Petty Officer Barraud was accompanying the command group on a march in the vicinity of Trung Phan when the company was subjected to a fierce attack by heavily armed Viet Cong forces. Observing that the Company Commander and his radio operator were critically wounded and helpless in the field of fire, Petty Officer Barraud immediately left his protected position and moved across the fire-swept area to aid them. Although wounded in the leg in this heroic effort, he administered first aid to the fallen Marines quickly and competently, calmly disregarding the intense enemy fire which pelted the area. When joined by another corpsman, he skillfully advised him on treating the wounded and on their priority of evacuation. Although wounded a second time while waiting for the helicopter, he continued to advise and encourage those around him until he was evacuated. By his exceptional valor in the face of extreme peril, superior professional competence and unswerving dedication to duty throughout, Petty Officer Barraud upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Topeka, Kansas
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

BATES, GILYARD H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Gilyard H. Bates (327217), Master Chief Hospital Corpsman [then Chief], U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force while serving as Battalion Chief Corpsman of the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 7 January 1968. When his battalion came under heavy enemy mortar fire in which 72 men were wounded, Master Chief Bates distinguished himself in the face of the continuing hostile fire in evacuating the wounded. Subsequently, he volunteered to lead a medical assistance team into an area, a few kilometers away, which was also under enemy ground and mortar attacks. Warned that a burning ammunition dump might explode for a third time, Master Chief Petty Officer Bates, observing four wounded men lying within 25 feet of the dump, entered the area with two other corpsmen and succeeded in removing the wounded men to positions of relative safety. Throughout this period, Master Chief Petty Officer Bates continued to render invaluable assistance to the wounded. By his outstanding courage, skill, and dedication, he was instrumental in saving many lives, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Crane, Indiana

BELL, JAMES FRANKLIN (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James Franklin Bell, Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. In October 1966, Commander Bell's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: April 29, 1931 at Cumberland, Maryland
Home Town: Cumberland, Maryland
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2@ Bronze Stars, 2@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

BJISHKIAN, MARK E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Mark E. Bjishkian (7773427), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Bjishkian distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 23 August 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: New York, New York

BLACK, COLE (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Cole Black, Captain, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 22 June 1966. Captain Cole's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Captain Cole reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
BLACK, COLE (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Cole Black, Captain, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in October 1967. Captain Cole's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Captain Cole reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: November 23, 1932 at Lake City, Minnesota
Home Town: Lake City, Minnesota
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Legion of Merit w/V, 2@ Distinguished Flying Crosses, 3@ Bronze Stars w/V, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

BOLLINGER, LAWRENCE C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Lawrence C. Bollinger (7784637), Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 May 1966, Hospital Corpsman Bollinger accompanied the helilift of the Company to a position to block the withdrawal of a Viet Cong force. When the helicopters landed in an open rice paddy, heavy mortar and automatic weapons fire was received from an estimated Viet Cong company firing from all sides. The deadly hostile fire resulted in over twenty casualties in the first few minutes. As he was leaving the helicopter, Hospital Corpsman Bollinger saw a Marine fall critically wounded and helpless in a completely unprotected area swept by hostile fire. Without hesitation, he ran to the wounded man's side and began administering first aid. In the midst of a hail of fire which pelted the ground around him, he calmly worked to keep the stricken Marine alive by stopping the profuse bleeding and injecting serum albumin. Although a burst of fire had knocked his helmet from his head and enemy fire was missing him only by inches, he stalwartly remained at the Marine's side for more than thirty minutes, competently administering treatment. When the casualty sustained two additional enemy hits and was killed, Hospital Corpsman Bollinger unhesitatingly turned his attention to another man who was lying in an open area, wounded and bleeding excessively. Continuing to disregard his own safety, he ably treated the stricken man and helped with his evacuation. By his exceptional determination to aid his wounded comrades at great risk of his own life, coupled with keen professional skill and unswerving dedication to duty throughout, Hospital Corpsman Bollinger upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: New York, New York

BOWLING, RONALD V.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ronald V. Bowling, Hospitalman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communists (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 February 1968, a Marine from Petty Officer Bowling's company had moved into the landing zone on Hill 881 South near Khe Sanh to attach external cargo to a helicopter when an enemy mortar round exploded nearby, severely wounding him. Reacting instantly, Petty Officer Bowling left his covered position and ran through the continuing hostile fire to assist the casualty. With complete disregard for his own safety, he administered first aid to the seriously injured Marine, shielding his comrade with his own body as enemy rounds continued to impact in the area. Requesting an evacuation helicopter, he steadfastly remained with the casualty until the aircraft arrived in the zone. Despite his heroic efforts, however, the Marine succumbed to his wounds en route to the helicopter. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Petty Officer Bowling was an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

*BOWMAN, HARRY THOMAS, II (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Harry Thomas Bowman, II (B-124188), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division. On 9 May 1968, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Bowman's unit came under intense fire from a well entrenched force wounding several Marines. Observing three injured Marines lying in an open area exposed to the hostile fire and the courageously maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain and carried the most seriously injured man to a position of safety. Returning to the hazardous area, he moved the second wounded Marine to a position of relative safety and, before reaching the remaining casualty, was wounded. Despite his injuries, he steadfastly continued toward his fallen comrade and was mortally wounded by heavy enemy fire. By his extraordinary courage, determination and devotion to duty despite extreme personal danger, Hospital Corpsman Third Class BOWMAN saved the lives of two Marines and 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.
Home Town: Wood Ridge, New Jersey

BRADFORD, RICHARD M.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard M. Bradford, Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Second Class Bradford distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 5 March 1969 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Eastoner, South Carolina

BRADY, ALLEN COLBY (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Allen Colby Brady (0-542856/1310), Captain, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 19 January 1967. Captain Brady's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Captain Brady reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Legion of Merit w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star w/V, Air Medal, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

BRASSIER, JOHN J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John J. Brassier (8940182), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to Company I, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 November 1966.
Home Town: Wichita, Kansas

*BROAD, WILLIAM RAY (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to William Ray Broad (3532751), Hospitalman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Third Class Broad distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Tulsa, Oklahoma

*BROWN, BRUCE E. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Bruce E. Brown (B-811996), Hospitalman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Combined Action Platoon 1-3-7, III Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 12 May 1969, Petty Officer Brown was accompanying a six-man patrol in Quang Ngai Province. Suddenly the friendly unit came under intense fire from approximately thirty Viet Cong, employing mortars, satchel charges, small arms, and automatic weapons. In the initial moments of the fire fight, one Marine, one Popular Forces soldier, and Petty Officer Brown were wounded. Despite his serous and painful injury, Petty Officer Brown fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire as he steadfastly moved to assist the other two casualties. While valiantly maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain, he was wounded a second time and was rendered unconscious. Petty Officer Brown subsequently succumbed to his injuries. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his fellowmen and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Brown upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: San Francisco, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

BROWN, CHARLES F.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles F. Brown (5952536), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Brown distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 28 January 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Fairbury, Nebraska

BROWN, ORAN R.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Oran R. Brown, , U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Radar Intercept Officer of Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (VF-161), embarked from the U.S.S. MIDWAY (CVA-41), in operations against an armed enemy on 18 May 1972, in Southeast Asia. While flying cover for a strike force in enemy territory, Lieutenant Brown and his pilot engaged two North Vietnamese MiGs in aerial combat at speeds of up to 500 miles per hour.

*BROWN, ROBERT L. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert L. Brown (9961704), Chief Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company A, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 26 January 1967. While on a reconnaissance patrol operating deep in Viet Cong-controlled territory, Chief Petty Officer Brown's unit was subjected to intense enemy small arms fire from an estimated Viet Cong platoon. The initial hostile fire wounded the point man and the patrol leader. Despite the heavy volume of fire, Chief Petty Officer Brown rapidly moved forward and administered aid to the patrol leader, thus allowing him to continue his duties. Upon learning that there was another wounded Marine on the trail approximately thirty meters from his position, Chief Petty Officer Brown again courageously exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire to render assistance. Unable to move the wounded man, he remained in an exposed position and resolutely continued to give medical aid for approximately five minutes, following which he organized and assisted in the removal of the Marine casualty to a cleared area for evacuation. Shortly after arrival in the evacuation zone, Chief Petty Officer Brown was himself mortally wounded by small arms fire. By his heroic actions and courageous devotion to duty, he served to inspire the men of his patrol and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: East Point, Georgia
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

BRUNHAVER, RICHARD MARTIN (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard Marvin Brunhaver (0-5930390), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. On 15 September 1966, Lieutenant Commander Brunhaver's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, Lieutenant Commander Brunhaver contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Brunhaver reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
BRUNHAVER, RICHARD MARTIN (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Richard Marvin Brunhaver (0-5930390), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. On 10 June 1969, Lieutenant Commander Brunhaver's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, Lieutenant Commander Brunhaver contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Brunhaver reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: February 16, 1940 at Wapto, Washington
Home Town: Yakima, Washington
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Legion of Merit, 2@ Bronze Stars, 9@ Air Medals, 2@ Navy Commendation Medals w/V, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal

*BURNLEY, EARL R., JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Earl R. Burnley, Jr. (B-301618), Hospital Corpsman Third Class [then Hospitalman], U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 16 May 1968. On that date, Company M was maneuvering toward Hill 689 in Quang Tri Province when it suddenly came under intense hostile mortar, small-arms, and automatic-weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force. During the initial moments of the fire fight, several Marines fell wounded in an area dangerously exposed to the enemy fire. Reacting instantly, Petty Officer Burnley ran across the fire-swept terrain to the side of an injured Marine. As he approached his fallen comrade, the fire from several hostile automatic-weapons emplacements concentrated upon his position. Disregarding his own safety, Petty Officer Burnley fearlessly shielded the Marine with his body and commenced rendering first aid. While treating the casualty, Petty Officer Burnley was mortally wounded. His heroic and timely actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and saved the life of the wounded Marine. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his comrade, and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Burnley upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Jackson, Mississippi
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

BURNS, JOHN DOUGLASS (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John Douglass Burns, Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam, in October 1967. Commander Burns' captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, Commander Burns reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: February 16, 1935 at Narberth, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Narberth, Pennsylvania
Personal Awards: Silver Star, Legion of Merit w/V, 3@ Bronze Stars w/V, Air Medal, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

BUTLER, PHILLIP NEAL (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Phillip Neal Butler, Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. On 1 June 1966, Commander Butler's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, Commander Butler reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
BUTLER, PHILLIP NEAL (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Phillip Neal Butler, Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. During the period May to July 1967, Commander Butler's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, Commander Butler reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: August 11, 1938 at Tulsa, Oklahoma
Home Town: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), 2@ Bronze Stars, 2@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

BUTLIN, RONALD QUENTIN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ronald Quentin Butlin (B-518888), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force serving as a Corpsman with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 February 1969, Company F was heavily engaged with a hostile unit near the village of Thon Binh Thai, in Quang Nam Province, when the Marines came under a heavy volume of anti-tank rocket fire, sustaining several casualties. Completely disregarding his own safety, Petty Officer Butlin unhesitatingly moved about the dangerous area rendering first aid to the wounded men. Later that same morning, is platoon was conducting a search of the village when the Marines again came under a heavy volume of hostile fire which caused several casualties and pinned down the lead elements of the unit, preventing them from reaching the injured men. Ignoring the enemy rocket, small arms, and automatic weapons rounds impacting near him, Petty Officer Butlin ran across the fire-swept terrain to within fifteen meters of the hostile emplacements and fearlessly commenced treating the wounded Marines. Seriously injured in the shoulder, he ignored his painful wound and, refusing medical attention, resolutely continued his determined efforts to care for his companions. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Petty Officer Butlin was instrumental in saving the lives of three Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

*BYRNE, CONAL J., JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Conal J. Byrne, Jr. (7887094), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Corpsman with Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 21 September 1967. While on a search and destroy mission, Company F was taken under fire by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. During the vicious battle that followed, many friendly casualties were incurred. Although seriously wounded in the shoulder during the initial rain of fire, Petty Officer Byrne began moving among the Marine casualties, rendering medical aid while exposing himself to the intense barrage of fire being delivered by the hostile force. Defying the enemy fire, he advanced forty meters over fire-swept terrain to aid a wounded Marine. Mortally wounded while performing this last selfless act, Petty Officer Byrne, by his outstanding courage and inspiring devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania

CALHOUN, RONALD JOEL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ronald Joel Calhoun, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Patrol Officer of River Patrol Boats 71 and 76, in the Upper Dong Tranh River, Rung Sat Special Zone, Republic of Vietnam, on 22 September 1967. Lieutenant CALHOUN was proceeding into a hostile area for the purpose of inserting a U. S. Navy SEAL Team in a night ambush position of the north bank of the Upper Dong Tranh River. Without warning, PBRs 71 and 76 were attacked by enemy automatic weapons, small arms and B-40 rockets. Lieutenant Calhoun immediately responded to the surprise Viet Cong attack by closing the initial ambush position and directing a heavy volume of .50 caliber machine gun fire thereby protecting the withdrawal of the cover boat from the area. Lieutenant Calhoun then radioed the Tactical Operations Center and requested the assistance of a Helo Fire Team. Although under fire from enemy positions on three sides, Lieutenant Calhoun effectively directed his boats in suppressing the enemy fire and assisted the Helo Fire Team by directing them to the heaviest concentration of Viet Cong. After having cleared the area, Lieutenant Calhoun was informed that one of the SEAL Team members had fallen overboard. He immediately returned deep into the kill zone and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, exposed himself to enemy fire and directed the recovery of the man in the water. Lieutenant Calhoun's exemplary leadership, courage under fire and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

CAMPBELL, RICHARD A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard A. Campbell, Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Campbell distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 7 August 1969 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Indiana

CAMPION, CHARLES G.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles G. Campion (373910), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Campion distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 5 June 1965 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company C, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Denver, Colorado

CARPENTER, ALLAN R. (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Allan R. Carpenter (0-657951/2107004), Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant], U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 1 November 1966, as a Pilot serving with Attack Squadron SEVENTY-TWO (VA-72), embarked in the U.S.S. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42), during a mission in support of combat operations in Southeast Asia. Lieutenant Commander Carpenter's mission was to provide missile suppression for a vital photographic-reconnaissance flight in an extremely well-defended area of North Vietnam. When an enemy surface-to-air missile was launched against his flight, he immediately reacted with his own air- to-ground missile and, in the face of a solid barrage of light, medium, and heavy anti-aircraft fire, followed his missile's track to the launching site to deliver a devastating rocket attack against the missile guidance vans. Determined to inflict maximum destruction, Lieutenant Commander Carpenter skillfully directed additional attacks by his wingmen against the enemy launching site, thereby significantly reducing the anti-air threat in a major enemy complex, and assuring the successful completion of the photographic mission. His daring actions, inspiring leadership, and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
CARPENTER, ALLAN R. (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Allan R. Carpenter (0-657951/2107004), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 November to 3 November 1966. Lieutenant Commander Carpenter's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Carpenter reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: March 14, 1938 at Springvale, Maine
Personal Awards: 3@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Legion of Merit, 2@ Bronze Star w/V, 12@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

CARPENTER, ALLAN R. (POW)
(Third Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star Medal to Allan R. Carpenter (0-657951/2107004), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in August 1967. Lieutenant Commander Carpenter's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Carpenter reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: March 14, 1938 at Springvale, Maine
Personal Awards: 3@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Legion of Merit, 2@ Bronze Star w/V, 12@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

*CARPER, LORING WILLIAM, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Loring William Carper, Jr. (6894313), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force while serving as a Hospitalman for a twenty-man reconnaissance platoon of First Force Reconnaissance Company, FIRST Marine Division, in the Hue/Phu Bai area, Republic of Vietnam, on the afternoon of 17 May 1966. During an attack by enemy Viet Cong forces, one of the Marines fell critically wounded. Displaying a complete disregard for his own safety, Hospitalman Carper, in the midst of the fire fight, unhesitatingly answered the call of "Corpsman" and maneuvered forward. As he reached the side of the wounded Marine, he was hit by small arms fire and in a final act of selfless uncommon heroism, placed his body atop that of the wounded Marine, protecting him from further fire. Hospitalman Carpet gallantly gave his life in the service of his country and for a fallen comrade, upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Winchester, Virginia
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

CHAUNCEY, ARVIN ROY (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Arvin Roy Chauncey (0-4664083/641788), Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during an extremely daring escape from a Prisoner of War stockade on 31 May 1967. Upon being shot down and captured near Kep, North Vietnam, Commander Chauncey was taken to a series of Chinese-manned gunsites and threatened. In the evening, he was turned over to Vietnamese militia with his arms bound, and continually suffered severe treatment throughout the night. Awaiting the most propitious moment, he escaped into a heavy rainstorm and continued to run in the brush evading and outdistancing his captors. After the rain storm diminished, his captors formed a hand-to-hand search line and discovered him several hours later, at about daybreak. His distinctive act of heroism in risking his life in this daring escape is an inspiration to future American fighting men. Through his exceptional courage, determination, and inspiring fighting spirit, Commander Chauncey reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
CHAUNCEY, ARVIN ROY (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Arvin Roy Chauncey (0-4664083/641788), Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in June 1967. Commander Chauncey's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Commander Chauncey reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: November 10, 1935 at Glendale, California
Home Town: Los Alamitos, California
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars, Legion of Merit w/V, 2@ Bronze Stars w/V, 6@ Air Medals, Prisoner of War Medal

CHRISTIAN, MICHAEL DURHAM (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Michael Durham Christian (0-673624), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in October 1967. Lieutenant Commander Christian's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Christian reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
CHRISTIAN, MICHAEL DURHAM (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Michael Durham Christian (0-673624), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 20 June 1969. Lieutenant Commander Christian's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Christian reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: October 7, 1940 at Huntsville, Alabama
Home Town: Huntsville, Alabama
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Legion of Merit, 3@ Bronze Stars w/V, 3@ Air Medals, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal

*CLARK, ROBERT ALAN (MIA-KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert Alan Clark (555-66-5703), Lieutenant (J.g.), U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VA-115), embarked from the U.S.S. Midway (CVA-41). During the early morning darkness of 20 December 1972, Lieutenant (junior grade) Clark was the bombardier/navigator of an aircraft assigned to strike a vital enemy warehouse complex in the center of Haiphong, North Vietnam. Despite extremely poor weather conditions, he skillfully guided his pilot in a precisely timed low-level attack through heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire. The crew placed their ordnance directly on the target triggering three large secondary explosions. He then navigated to safety while evading continuous enemy fire and Surface-to-Air missile radars. Lieutenant (junior grade) Clark's courage, superb aerial skill, and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: North Hollywood, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

CLOWER, CLAUDE DOUGLAS (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Claude Douglas Clower (0-7924019), Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 24 November 1967. Commander Clower's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Commander Clower reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
CLOWER, CLAUDE DOUGLAS (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Claude Douglas Clower (0-7924019), Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in January 1968. Commander Clower's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Commander Clower reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: at Belzoni, Mississippi
Home Town: Beaumont, Texas
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Legion of Merit w/V, 2@ Distinguished Flying Crosses, 5@ Bronze Stars, 6@ Air Medals, Prisoner of War Medal

COFFEE, GERALD LEONARD (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Gerald Leonard Coffee (0-625308), Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserves), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 17 August 1966. Commander Coffee's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Commander Coffee reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: June 2, 1934 at Modesto, California
Home Town: Los Alamitos, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star, Legion of Merit w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2@ Bronze Stars w/V, Air Medal, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

COLE, ALONSO P., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Alonso P. Cole, Jr. (B-889148), Hospitalman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force while serving as a Corpsman with Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 February 1969, during Operation DEWEY CANYON, Company E was conducting a patrol near Hill 891 in Quang Tri Province when the point squad came under intense North Vietnamese Army automatic weapons fire and sustained several casualties. Unhesitatingly leaving his relatively secure rear position, Petty Officer Cole fearlessly moved about the fire-swept terrain, treating t he wounded men and speaking words of encouragement to them. Later that same day, a fire team which was conducting a reconnaissance forward of the main body of the company was pinned down by a heavy volume of fire from well-concealed hostile soldiers and sustained a serious casualty. Observing that the injured Marine was in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire, Petty Officer Cole started forward to aid the helpless man. Cautioned to wait until the intensity of the hostile fire lessened, but thinking only of the welfare of his companion, he resolutely braved the enemy rounds impacting near him as he boldly moved across the unprotected area to the side of the casualty. As he started to move his comrade to the marginal protection of a tree stump, he was painfully wounded in the back. Ignoring his injury, Petty Officer Cole resolutely continued his determined efforts and, as he was treating the casualty, was again wounded in the back. Disregarding his intense pain, he steadfastly remained with his patient and comforted him until both of them were evacuated. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Petty Officer Cole inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: San Mateo, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

*COLES, ALEXANDER, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Alexander Coles, Jr. (8404067), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force while serving as a Corpsman with Company D, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action on 23 January 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam. When the second platoon of Company D was brought under a withering barrage of enemy small arms fire, and sustained several casualties, Petty Officer Coles quickly moved from his position in the rear squad to the front where the casualties were located. Unhesitatingly, he rushed into the open rice paddy, completely oblivious of the intense fire he was drawing, and treated the first wounded man he spotted, who was lying in a completely exposed position. After treating the casualty, Petty Officer Coles pinpointed another seriously wounded Marine, and began to crawl, still further into the exposed position to give aid to the fallen comrade. In a valiant attempt to reach the wounded man, Petty Officer Coles was fatally wounded when struck by enemy gunfire. By his courageous actions, complete disregard for his own safety, and selfless devotion to duty, he upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Salem, New Jersey
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

COOPER, DAVID LAWRENCE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to David Lawrence Cooper (9150584), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, on 25 September 1966, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During a combat patrol south of DaNang, Hospitalman Cooper's unit was ambushed by enemy forces, wounding three Marines during the initial burst of fire and grenade attack. Within minutes, three more men became casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, Hospitalman Cooper unhesitatingly entered the area of intense fire to aid the casualties. For fifteen minutes he selflessly exposed himself to the hostile fire to treat the wounded men. Although intense enemy fire was tearing through the brush around him and one exploding grenade knocked him to the ground, he steadfastly remained in the perilous zone and calmly continued to administer medical aid to his comrades. He did not cease his lifesaving ministrations until all the casualties had been evacuated by helicopter to the nearest medical facilities. His heroic actions and uncommon concern for his companions undoubtedly saved numerous lives. By his initiative, exceptional professional skill, fearless courage and unwavering devotion to duty, Hospitalman Cooper upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Milwaukee, Oregon

*COSSON, WILBUR LYNN (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Wilbur Lynn Cosson (5207848), Radarman First Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 07 July 1967 while serving with River Section 533, Task Force 116 (TF-116) in the Republic of Vietnam. When elements of the Ninth Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, launched a search and destroy sweep of the My Long area aimed at driving two Vietcong companies toward the mouth of the Rach Khau Rau, Petty Officer Cosson, as patrol officer aboard River Patrol Boat 152, was assigned to a blocking station on the Co Chien River near the Rach Khau Rau. His mission was to prevent the enemy's successful evasion into the heavy mangroves and bunker complex along the coastline. Drawing an intense barrage of enemy automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire, and partially suppressing that fire, Petty Officer Cosson observed several of the fleeing enemy and quickly pointed them out to his gunners, ordering the gunners to open fire. Two Vietcong were killed. With his supply of ammunition nearly exhausted, Petty Officer Cosson requested that he be rearmed on station, rather than return to the Landing Ship Tank, knowing that leaving his critical station unguarded would give the Vietcong time to escape. While rearming, Petty Officer Cosson noticed four sampans moving near the canal at a range at which they could succeed in crossing into the bunker area. Because his cover boat, PBR 160, had not expended as much ammunition as PBR 152, he jumped aboard the cover boat and proceeded toward the beach. Petty Officer Cosson ordered his boat close to the mouth of the canal, and destroyed two of the sampans. Moving into position to destroy the other two, he was mortally wounded when the east bank erupted in heavy enemy fire. By his daring actions and inspiring leadership, Petty Officer Cosson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: De Funiak Springs, Florida

COUNCE, DONALD E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Donald E. Counce, Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Counce distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 28 February 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

*CRAWFORD, CHARLES HUGH (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles Hugh Crawford (6874759), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Crawford distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 29 May 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Batavia, Ohio
Personal Awards: Navy Cross (Vietnam), Silver Star (Vietnam)

CRAYTON, RENDER (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Render Crayton (529039/1315), Commander [then Lieutenant Commander], U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 7 February 1966, while serving as a flight leader with Attack Squadron FIFTY-SIX (VF-56), embarked in the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CVA-14), during aerial combat operations in North Vietnam. After Commander Crayton had sought out and led a devastating attack against a major line of communication, his aircraft sustained crippling damage and he was forced to eject over enemy-held territory. Although injured, and confronted with the danger of imminent capture, he courageously directed the efforts of his two wingmen in discouraging the approach of enemy ground troops. Knowing t he critically low fuel state of the wingmen's aircraft, he directed them to depart the scene although their departure almost surely would lead to his own capture by the enemy troops. Commander Crayton's sound judgment, selfless concern for his men, and extraordinary heroism in the face of grave personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
CRAYTON, RENDER (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Render Crayton (529039/1315), Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during March 1966. Commander Crayton's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Commander Crayton reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
CRAYTON, RENDER (POW)
(Third Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star Medal to Render Crayton (529039/1315), Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during the period August 1966 to September 1966. Commander Crayton's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Commander Crayton reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: January 29, 1933 at Charlotte, North Carolina
Home Town: LaGrange, Georgia
Personal Awards: Navy Distinguished Service Medal, 3@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Legion of Merit, 5@ Bronze Stars w/V, 4@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

*CREED, EDWARD GAFFNEY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Edward Gaffney Creed (6925779), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on the night of 22 June 1966, as a Hospital Corpsman with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-161), First Marine Aircraft Wing, in the Republic of Vietnam. Serving aboard the lead helicopter on a medical evacuation mission seven miles north of Quang Tri when the helicopter landed in the midst of a fierce battle where many Vietnamese troops lay wounded, Petty Officer Creed unhesitatingly leaped onto the battlefield to organize the evacuation of the more seriously wounded, loading ten casualties aboard the helicopter before boarding himself. On the second trip into the battle area, he again left the helicopter, despite intense small-arms fire and mortars in the zone, and loaded the rescue aircraft with ten more wounded. Observing that more wounded still remained in the zone, Petty Officer Creed elected to stay and load the second helicopter. While he was engaged in this task, the helicopter was struck by enemy fire which wounded the pilot. Completely absorbed by the job at hand, Petty Officer Creed waded through the muddy rice paddy, selflessly disregarding the tracers and mortars, until the battlefield was cleared of wounded, finally boarding the helicopter which departed through a hail of tracer fire. Through his prompt and courageous actions, Petty Officer Creed was instrumental in saving the lives of over twenty wounded troops as well as expediting the loading and minimizing the exposure time for the helicopters and crews. His determined and heroic efforts in the face of great personal danger was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: at Bossier City, Louisiana
Home Town: Bossier City, Louisiana
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Navy Commendation Medal w/V, 13@ Air Medals, Purple Heart

CRESS, KENNETH E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Kenneth E. Cress (7887894), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Cress distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 28 October 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Somerset, Kentucky

DAIGLE, GLENN HENRI (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Glenn Henri Daigle (0-6813730), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in December 1965. Lieutenant Commander Daigle's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Daigle reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: October 7, 1939 at Labadieville, Louisiana
Home Town: Labadieville, Louisiana
Personal Awards: Silver Star, Legion of Merit w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2@ Bronze Stars w/V, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal

DANIELS, VERLYNE WAYNE (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Verlyne Wayne Daniels (0-554745), Captain, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 26 October 1967. Captain Daniels' captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Captain Daniels reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: August 23, 1930 at Reamsville, Kansas
Home Town: Stockton, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star, 2@ Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal

*DAVIS, BLAKELY IRVING, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Blakely Irving Davis, Jr. (B-304575), Hospital Corpsman Third Class [then Hospitalman], U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 29 July 1967. Petty Officer Third Class Davis was attached to a squad-sized patrol that was engaged in searching out a suspected Viet Cong stronghold. As the patrol proceeded to cross an open area, it was brought under a heavy volume of enemy fire from small arms and automatic weapons, which immediately wounded two Marines who fell in the exposed area. With full knowledge of the risk involved, Petty Officer Davis ran through the hail of fire to reach the nearest wounded man. Exhibiting exceptional professional skill and courage while under enemy fire, he rendered lifesaving aid and then carried the wounded Marine to a relatively safe area. Once again exposing himself to the heavy fire, he ran across the open area toward the second wounded Marine, but was himself mortally wounded before he could reach the casualty. By his daring actions, professional skill, courage and loyal devotion to duty, Petty Officer Davis served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Bradenton, Florida

DAVIS, EDWARD ANTHONY (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edward Anthony Davis (0-658959), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in June 1966. Lieutenant Commander Davis' captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Davis reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
DAVIS, EDWARD ANTHONY (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Edward Anthony Davis (0-658959), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in November 1966. Lieutenant Commander Davis' captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Davis reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
DAVIS, EDWARD ANTHONY (POW)
(Third Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star Medal to Edward Anthony Davis (0-658959), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in August 1967. Lieutenant Commander Davis' captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Davis reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: August 16, 1936 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Norristown, Pennsylvania
Personal Awards: 3@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Legion of Merit w/V, 4@ Bronze Stars w/V, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal

DEBEERS, PETER W.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Peter W. Debeers (6617499), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Debeers distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 1 March 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Pasadena, California

*DONA, BIENVENIDO C. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Bienvenido C. Dona (4680550), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with the Third Platoon, Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam during the period from 15 to 17 January 1966. When his platoon was hit by a withering volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire while conducting a search and clear operation near the village of Phu An during Operation MALLARD on 15 January 1966, Petty Officer Dona ran from his protected position across approximately one hundred meters of fire-swept, open area to aid the casualties. Undeterred by the continuing enemy fire to which he was fully exposed, he calmly and competently administered first aid and assisted in evacuating the wounded Marines. On 17 January 1966, while approaching an area designated for retraction to DaNang, Petty Officer Dona saw a Marine sustain wounds and fall in an open field fully exposed to intense enemy fire. Without hesitation, he again left his protected position and ran through the hostile fire to administer medical treatment and to assist in the evacuation of the wounded Marine. By his valiant efforts throughout, Petty Officer Dona undoubtedly saved several wounded men from death or further injury. His superior professional skill, uncommon concern for others, and unfaltering dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Philippine Islands
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

*DONOVAN, THOMAS S. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Thomas S. Donovan (9132355), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Senior Corpsman with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 2 June 1967. During Operation UNION II, while Company F was advancing toward a designated objective, it was taken under intense mortar, recoilless-rifle, and automatic-weapons fire from a well-entrenched, numerically superior enemy force. The company was temporarily halted in the middle of a large, open, rice paddy, sustaining numerous casualties due to extremely accurate enemy fire. Without hesitation, Petty Officer Donovan moved across the fire-swept field, heedless of the hail of bullets, to administer lifesaving treatment to the fallen Marines. After performing first aid, he then courageously carried several Marines to covered positions. When the Company Commander asked for volunteers to assault a machine-gun position behind enemy lines, Petty Officer Donovan immediately volunteered to accompany the group in order to treat casualties which would probably result from such a dangerous mission. Painfully wounded while treating an injured comrade, he nonetheless continued with his mission of treating the Marines and assisting them to covered positions until he was again wounded, this time fatally. Petty Officer Donovan's heroic conduct, selfless courage, and resolute devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Natick, Massachusetts
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Bronze Star w/V, Purple Heart

DOREMUS, ROBERT BARTSCH (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert Bartsch Doremus (4873032/597366), Commander [then Lieutenant Commander], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VF-21), embarked from the U.S.S. MIDWAY (CVA-41), as Flight Officer of an F-4B Phantom aircraft during a mission in support of combat operations in Southeast Asia against North Vietnam forces on 17 June 1965. Engaging at least four and possibly six FRESCO aircraft, Commander Doremus accounted for one confirmed kill and contributed to a second confirmed kill by the other F-4B aircraft in the flight by diverting the remaining enemy planes from their threat to the U.S. striking forces. With heavy anti-aircraft fire bursting through the patrol area, his crew relentlessly maintained their vigil and pressed forward their attack, seeking out and destroying the enemy aircraft and thereby preventing damage to friendly strike aircraft in the area. By his outstanding courage, skill, and devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Commander Doremus upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
DOREMUS, ROBERT BARTSCH (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Robert Bartsch Doremus (4873032/597366), Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during September 1966. Commander Doremus' captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Commander Doremus reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: April 28, 1932 at Montclair, New Jersey
Home Town: Lakehurst, New Jersey
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), 2@ Legion of Merit w/V, 2@ Bronze Stars w/V, 8@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

*EARNEST, CHARLES M (MIA-KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles M Earnest (553-46-8397), Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Pilot of jet aircraft while serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE (VA-75), embarked from the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-60), in Southeast Asia. On 11 September 1972, Commander Earnest was the strike leader of a thirty-seven plane major coordinated air wing strike against a heavily defended major barracks complex and storage area located deep within enemy territory. Commander Earnest was responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and execution of the mission. Displaying expert skill and aggressive airmanship he led a devastating attack on the target without loss or damage to a single aircraft. Post-strike photography revealed the total destruction of one ammunition storage building, one administration building, nine double warehouses, six sing bay warehouses, twenty-one barracks buildings, and twelve support structures and heavy damage to thirteen other structures. Commander Earnest's superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: October 8, 1934 at Opelika, Alabama
Home Town: Opelika, Alabama

EASTMAN, LEONARD CORBETT (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Leonard Corbett Eastman (0-9051136), Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during June 1966. Commander Eastman's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Commander Eastman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: June 25, 1933 at Bernardston, Massachusetts
Home Town: Bernardston, Massachusetts
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, 3@ Air Medals, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal

*ELLIS, DONALD RAY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Donald Ray Ellis (7973694), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company H, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the communist (North Vietnamese) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 20 May 1967. During Operation HICKORY, the First Platoon was assigned the mission to search and clear a village located near the Ben Hai River within the Demilitarized Zone. As the platoon entered the village, it came under heavy enemy small-arms and automatic-weapons fire from North Vietnamese Regulars entrenched in strongly fortified bunkers. The point squad was immediately pinned down, and sustained several casualties. Although well in the rear of the point of contact, Petty Officer Ellis unhesitatingly rushed through the intense cross fire to answer the call of several seriously wounded Marines. Moving from man to man, he rendered first aid to each casualty from an exposed position only twenty-five meters from enemy emplacements before he himself fell mortally wounded. By his outstanding courage and selfless devotion to duty in the face of intense enemy fire, Petty Officer Ellis served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Florence, Arizona

*ELROD, JAMES T. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to James T. Elrod (6954121), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 10 August 1966. When his unit almost immediately sustained four casualties upon being subjected to intense machine gun and automatic weapons fire during Operation COLORADO, Petty Officer Elrod unhesitatingly raced through the withering fire to aid the stricken men. Without regard for his own safety, he moved from man to man to administer medical care, and was largely responsible for saving the life of the squad leader who had been seriously wounded in the face and arm. Undaunted by the vicious action around him, he valiantly continued to assist his comrades until he was mortally wounded. By his daring initiative, extraordinary courage, and uncommon concern for others in the face of overwhelming odds, Petty Officer Elrod upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Moultrie, Georgia
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

FELDMAN, EDWARD M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edward M. Feldman (724224), Lieutenant (MC), U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Surgeon of the First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 21 January 1968. When the Khe Sanh Combat Base came under heavy mortar and rocket attack on 21 January 1968, a wounded Marine was taken to the Battalion Aid Station where preliminary examinations revealed a metal object protruding from a wound in his abdominal region. Further examination disclosed the possibility of the object being a live enemy mortar round. Quickly assessing the situation, Lieutenant Feldman directed the erection of a sandbag barricade around the patient over which he would attempt to operate and summoned an ordnance expert to identify the object and assist in removing the suspected explosive device from the injured man. Disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Feldman removed his helmet and armored vest and exposed himself to the danger of a possible explosion as he began to operate. Displaying exceptional professional ability while performing the delicate surgery under flashlights, he succeeded in removing the live round from the Marine and directed an assistant to carry it outside for disposal. By his courage, exceptional professionalism and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lieutenant Feldman undoubtedly saved the life of a Marine and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Forest Hills, New York

FELLOWES, JOHN H. (POW)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John H. Fellowes (0-4271229), Captain, U.S. Navy.
Born: November 22, 1932 at Buffalo, New York
Home Town: Los Angeles, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2@ Bronze Stars, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal

FITZPATRICK, RICHARD J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard J. Fitzpatrick (7990183), Hospital Corpsman First Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Senior Corpsman with Company C, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on the night of 15 - 15 June 1966. During a patrol deep in enemy-controlled territory, the eighteen-man reconnaissance unit, of which Petty Officer Fitzpatrick was a member, was viciously attacked by a Viet Cong force estimated at battalion strength and employing mortars, small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire. After determining that initial casualties were being treated by another corpsman, Petty Officer Fitzpatrick courageously moved through a hail of withering incoming fire to a position which had been left vacant by a fallen Marine. With keep marksmanship and composure, he skillfully employed an M-14 rifle and brought effective fire to bear on the advancing enemy. Constantly shouting words of encouragement to his comrades, he repeatedly hurled grenades into the ranks of the onrushing Viet Cong and successfully defended his area of responsibility. Later in the battle, although he was critically wounded when a grenade exploded near him, his timely warning to others in the immediate area undoubtedly prevented them from sustaining wounds from the blast. Inspiring all who observed him by his valiant efforts throughout, he contributed in large measure to the successful defense of the hill against an overwhelming enemy force. Petty Officer Fitzpatrick's daring initiative, exceptional courage in the face of extreme danger, and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Vacaville, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

FREDETTE, BRADFORD T.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Bradford T. Fredette (6826136), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 December 1965, during Operation HARVEST MOON, Company E was assigned the mission of assaulting a fortified insurgent communist (Viet Cong) position. Soon after the Company crossed the line of departure, the platoon to which Hospitalman Fredette was assigned began sustaining casualties from automatic weapons and mortar fire. Ignoring the intense fire, he selflessly exposed himself in order to aid his fallen comrades. Once Marine had received a puncture wound in the throat, preventing him from breathing properly. With a calm and thoroughly professional manner, Hospitalman Fredette expertly performed a tracheotomy, thereby undoubtedly saving the life of the Marine. As his Company continued in the assault, they received several more casualties. Hospitalman Fredette persisted in his tireless and heroic efforts, moving from man to man, rendering effective aid and comfort. When the enemy mortar fire ceased, enemy infantry counterattacked his unit. Realizing the impending danger, he unhesitatingly picked up an M79 grenade launcher from a fallen Marine and delivered accurate fire upon the advancing enemy, causing the enemy to withdraw. Again demonstrating his seemingly inexhaustible energy, he established a temporary aid station for the further treatment and subsequent evacuation of the wounded. By his heroic actions, exceptional professional ability and tireless devotion to duty throughout, Hospitalman Fredette was responsible for saving the lives and reducing the suffering of many Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Alameda, California

FRENCH, JAMES L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James L. French (6817603), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class French distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 4 March 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Headquarters and Service Company, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during Operation UTAH His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Board Serial 3318 (May 16, 1966)

FULLER, ROBERT BYRON (POW)
(First Award)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert Byron Fuller (542942), Captain, U.S. Navy.
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
FULLER, ROBERT BYRON (POW)
(Second Award)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Robert Byron Fuller (542942), Captain, U.S. Navy.
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Born: November 23, 1927 at Quitman, Mississippi
Home Town: Jacksonville, Florida
Personal Awards: Navy Cross (Vietnam), 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), 2@ Legion of Merit w/V, 4@ Distinguished Flying crosses, 2@ Bronze Stars w/V, 2@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

FURMAN, RICHARD L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard L. Furman (7778661), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Furman distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 4 July 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Palmyra, New Jersey

GAITHER, RALPH ELLIS, JR. (POW)
(First Award)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ralph Ellis Gaither, Jr. (0-686365), Commander, U.S. Navy.
GAITHER, RALPH ELLIS, JR. (POW)
(Second Award)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Ralph Ellis Gaither, Jr. (0-686365), Commander, U.S. Navy.
Born: March 8, 1942 at Miami, Florida
Home Town: Mia, Florida
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), 2@ Legion of Merit w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross, 4@ Bronze Stars w/V, 7@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

GALANTI, PAUL EDWARD (POW)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Paul Edward Galanti (0-659047/1310), Commander, U.S. Navy.
Born: July 11, 1939 at Lodi, New Jersey
Home Town: New York, New York
Personal Awards: Silver Star, 2@ Legion of Merit w/V, Bronze Star w/V, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

GARNETT, ARTHUR H.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Arthur H. Garnett (6980059), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Garnett distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 18 October 1965 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Decatur, Alabama

*GEISE, DELL CONLEY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Dell Conley Geise (9177728), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 26 January 1967. As the Company Senior Corpsman during a search and destroy operation against communist insurgent forces, Petty Officer Geise was present when lead elements of the company came under heavy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Without hesitation, he moved to the position of the lead elements and, despite the hazards involved, commenced treating the wounded and assisting in their evacuation to a more secure area. Observing one seriously wounded Marine in an area swept by enemy fire, Petty Officer Geise moved to the Marine's position and commenced medical treatment. Although painfully wounded, he continued treatment of the Marine until he, himself, was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy machine-gun fire. Petty Officer Geise's bravery and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Burlington, Wisconsin

*GIBBS, MICHAEL G. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Michael G. Gibbs (7959992), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a platoon Corpsman with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist forces in the vicinity of Khe Sanh, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 25 April 1967. Hospitalman Gibbs displayed exceptional valor in the heroic performance of his duties while engaged in intense conflict with a numerically stronger force of North Vietnamese Army regulars. Hospitalman Gibbs' platoon was leading the company assault upon the strongly fortified, heavily defended Hill 861, a strategic area commanding the approaches to Khe Sanh. As the assault commenced and advanced toward the crest of the hill, the lead platoon became subjected to intense enemy fire from small arms, automatic weapons and grenades. In the initial contact, the platoon sustained heavy casualties from the enemy's surprise fire and became temporarily halted. Heedless of his own personal safety and dangerously exposing himself to enemy fire, Hospitalman Gibbs, without hesitation or summons, advanced to the point of crisis to administer medical assistance to the wounded. While administering vitally needed aid to his fallen comrades and assisting them to areas of safety, Hospitalman Gibbs sustained a painful back wound. In spite of his wound, he returned to the front of his own accord and continued to treat casualties. He then received a more serious wound, which broke his leg. Physically unable to continue, Hospitalman Gibbs lay silent until darkness came and he then allowed himself to be removed to the casualty collection point. Despite his wounds, Hospitalman Gibbs maintained an undaunted spirit and provided vitally needed medical aid to the critically inured and was a source of encouragement and inspiration to all who observe and served with him. On the morning of the 26th of April, while awaiting medical evacuation, Hospitalman Gibbs was mortally wounded during an enemy mortar attack. Hospitalman Gibbs' loyal devotion to duty and uncommon valor were an inspiration to his comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Home Town: Del Rio, Tennessee

GIBSON, JAMES R., JR.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James R. Gibson, Jr. (6925568), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Gibson distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 25 December 1965 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Dallas, Texas

*GIESE, DELL C. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Dell C. Giese (9177728), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Second Class Giese distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 26 January 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Burlington, Wisconsin

GILLESPIE, CHARLES RODGERS, JR. (POW)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles Rodgers Gillespie, Jr. (0-542951), Captain, U.S. Navy.
Born: February 24, 1929 at Meridian, Mississippi
Home Town: Meridian, Mississippi
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), 2@ Legion of Merit w/V, 3@ Distinguished Flying Crosses, 12@ Air Medals, Bronze Star w/V, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

*GILLIES, ROBERT KNELL (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert Knell Gillies (9164494), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 21 April 1969, Petty Officer Gillies' platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified emplacements and sustained several casualties. Disregarding his own safety, Petty Officer Gillies unhesitatingly left his covered position and fearlessly maneuvered across the hazardous area to the side of a wounded Marine who was lying in a position dangerously exposed to the intense enemy fire. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he was skillfully administering first aid to the injured man when he was seriously wounded in the jaw. Despite his painful injuries, he steadfastly remained with his wounded comrade and resolutely continued to render effective medical treatment until his own injuries weakened him to the point of exhaustion. Although unable to speak, he calmly directed the efforts of two Marines in resuming the treatment of his patients, calmly showing them the proper items of equipment to utilize until Petty Officer Gillies succumbed to his wounds. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Gillies inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Home Town: Mantua, New Jersey

GLENN, DANNY ELLOY (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Danny Elloy Glenn (0-668152), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 26 December 1966. Lieutenant Commander Glenn's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Glenn reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
GLENN, DANNY ELLOY (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Danny Elloy Glenn (0-668152), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam during the period 21 August to 23 August 1967. Lieutenant Commander Glenn's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Glenn reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: at Muskogee, Oklahoma
Home Town: Norman, Oklahoma
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars, Legion of Merit w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2@ Bronze Stars, 13@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

GOLDSTEIN, PAUL A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Paul A. Goldstein (6881877), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Goldstein distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 21 March 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota

GOODERMOTE, WAYNE KEITH (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Wayne Keith Goodermote, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 18 August 1967. Lieutenant Goodermote's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Goodermote reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: June 17, 1943 at Troy, New York
Home Town: Berlin, New York
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), 2@ Legion of Merit w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2@ Bronze Stars w/V, 2@ Air Medals, Prisoner of War Medal

*GRAUSTEIN, ROBERT STEWART (MIA-KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert Stewart Graustein (006387975), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Commander Graustein distinguished himself by intrepid actions on while serving with Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75), embarked from the U.S.S. Saratoga (CVW-3). His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Fryeburg, Maine

*GRAY, WILLIAM R. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to William R. Gray (1383786), Hospitalman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Third Class Gray distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 28 January 1969 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Fulton, New York

GREER, GERALD M.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Gerald M. Greer (6951603), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Greer distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 21 March 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company D, 1st Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Atlanta, Georgia

*GROSHONG, ALLEN E. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Allen E. Groshong (B-204557), Hospital Corpsman Third Class [then Hospitalman], U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 8 April 1968. During a search and destroy operation near Hill 504 in Quang Tri Province, Petty Officer Groshong's platoon became heavily engaged with a North Vietnamese force which was employing command-detonated mines, grenades, automatic weapons, and small arms. While assaulting the hostile position, the platoon sustained several casualties, and its right flank was pinned down near the enemy. Unhesitatingly moving to the side of the casualties, Petty Officer Groshong commenced treating their wounds. Although painfully wounded while crawling across the fire-swept terrain to assist several casualties lying in an exposed area, he continued to advance until he reached the wounded men. Disregarding his own safety, Petty Officer Groshong resolutely remained in the exposed position, treating and comforting the casualties until he was mortally wounded by continuing fire. His heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several of his comrades. By his extraordinary courage, resolute determination, and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Groshong upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Newport News, Virginia

*GUNN, DANIEL M. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Daniel M. Gunn (6886591), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Headquarters and Service Company, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, during Operation HASTINGS on 23 July 1966. While serving as a Platoon Corpsman attached to the First Platoon, Company C, Petty Officer Gunn was a member of the platoon column moving deep in enemy-controlled territory when it was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Company of an estimated 200 men firing machine guns and automatic weapons from concealed positions to the column's front and flanks. With the platoon pinned down by heavy fire, he unhesitatingly moved from his covered position in order to render medical aid to several wounded Marines. Working feverishly in the face of the intense fire, he moved from one wounded man to the next until, while treating his eighth casualty, he, himself, was critically wounded from a burst of machine-gun fire. By his courageous actions and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Gunn enabled eight Marines to receive prompt medical aid at an extremely critical moment. His heroic efforts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Fredericksburg, Texas

HAINES, COLLINS HENRY (POW)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Collins Henry Haines (0-9129178), Captain, U.S. Navy.
Born: March 6, 1932 at Riverton, New Jersey
Home Town: Moorestown, Pennsylvania
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), 2@ Legion of Merit w/V, Bronze Star w/V, 3@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

HALL, LUTHER, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Luther Hall, Jr., Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy on 17 February 1968, while serving as Craftmaster of LCU 1624, Lighterage Branch, Operations Division, U.S. Naval Support Activity, DaNang, Republic of Vietnam. After transiting the Perfume River under intense enemy fire with a cargo of black powder for the United States and Republic of Vietnam Military Forces fighting to regain and hold the besieged city of Hue, Chief Petty Officer Hall beached the LCU 1624 at the Hue Ramp next to two other craft. A heavy rocket and mortar attack hit the ramp area and the middle craft sustained a direct hit and burst into flames. Chief Petty Officer Hall immediately grasped the potentially dangerous situation of the burning craft between two others containing black powder and fuel and observing that the burning craft had been abandoned, he organized a fire fighting team from his craft. With complete disregard for his own safety and while under enemy small arms fire and a rocket attack, he led his fire fighting team on board the burning craft and succeeded in extinguishing the fire. By his initiative, professionalism, and heroism, Chief Petty Officer Hall prevented the Hue Ramp from sustaining serious damage or being destroyed, which would have seriously jeopardized the mission of the U.S. and ARVN fighting forces. By his outstanding performance of duty, Chief Petty Officer Hall made a substantial contribution to the ability of his command to accomplish its mission and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

HALL, THOMAS RENWICK, JR. (POW)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Thomas Renwick Hall, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve).
Born: February 28, 1941 at Carrollton, Virginia
Home Town: Carrollton, Virginia
Personal Awards: Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, 6@ Air Medals, Purple Heart

HARDMAN, WILLIAM MORGAN (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William Morgan Hardman (5169376/625171/1355), Commander [then Lieutenant Commander], U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 21 August 1967, as a Naval Flight Officer in Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-SIX (VA-196), embarked from the U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). Demonstrating outstanding leadership and planning ability, Commander Hardman participated in a coordinated air-wing attack against Duc Noi Rail Yard, situated five miles north of Hanoi, North Vietnam. As pathfinder navigator, he led his force through cloud-shrouded mountainous terrain to the target area. Encountering intense anti-aircraft, artillery, and missile fire about fifteen miles from the target, Commander Hardman assisted his pilot in commencing the bombing run, well aware that his aircraft was being tracked by a Surface-to-Air missile. Seconds later, his aircraft received a direct hit and was soon engulfed in flames. After the bombs were released, Commander Hardman ejected from the severely damaged aircraft. The remaining strike aircraft dived through the heavy enemy fire to deliver extremely accurate and highly devastating attacks on the target. By his indomitable leadership and courage, Commander Hardman contributed materially to the major damage inflicted on this vital North Vietnamese transportation facility. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
HARDMAN, WILLIAM MORGAN (POW)
(Second Award)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to William Morgan Hardman (5169376/625171/1355), Commander, U.S. Navy.
HARDMAN, WILLIAM MORGAN (POW)
(Third Award)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star Medal to William Morgan Hardman (5169376/625171/1355), Commander, U.S. Navy.
Born: at St. Albans, West Virginia
Home Town: St. Albans, West Virginia
Personal Awards: 3@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Legion of Merit w/V, 2@ Distinguished Flying Crosses, 2@ Bronze Stars, 6@ Air Medals, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal

*HARTIGAN, LARRY A. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Larry A. Hartigan (B-519786), Hospital Corpsman Third Class [then Hospitalman], U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 23 February 1969. Petty Officer Hartigan was accompanying a Marine squad from Company K as the unit maneuvered to relieve elements of Company M which were pinned down by a large hostile force in Quang Nam Province. Observing that several Marine casualties from an adjacent element were out of reach of their own corpsman, he unhesitatingly moved across the fire-swept, open rice paddy, and rendered medical treatment to the wounded men. As Petty Officer Hartigan's squad began to maneuver across an open area, it was halted by a heavy volume of enemy machine-gun and sniper fire which seriously wounded one member in a forward fire team. With complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer Hartigan moved forward across approximately 275 yards of open area to the aid of the fallen Marine. After taking initial first-aid measures, he found it necessary to give his patient mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. While thus engaged, and completely exposed to enemy fire, Petty Officer Hartigan, himself, was mortally wounded by sniper fire. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several injured Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Hartigan upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Maywood, Illinois

JOHN (POW)
Blank: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John Heilig (0-5194597), Captain, U.S. Navy.
Born: November 20, 1940 at Miami, Florida
Home Town: Miami, Florida
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), 3@ Legion of Merit w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star w.V, 5@ Air Medals, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal

HICKERSON, JAMES MARTIN (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James Martin Hickerson (0-561065), Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 27 December 1967. Commander Hickerson's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Commander Hickerson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: February 14, 1934 at Lenoir, North Carolina
Home Town: Atlanta, Georgia
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), 2@ Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2@ Bronze Stars, Air Medal, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

HIGHLANDER, LUCIANT, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Luciant Highlander, Jr., Quartermaster First Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 30 April 1968 while attached to the Lighterage Branch, Operations division, United States Naval Support Activity, DaNang, Republic of Vietnam. As Craftmaster of LCU 1485, Petty Officer Highlander was tasked to deliver essential combat cargo to the Free World Military Forces at the river port of Dong Ha. At 0815, while following LCU 1477 in transit on the Cua Viet River, his craft came under fire from firmly entrenched enemy forces on the banks of the river. His craft received a direct hit with a rocket round, but he immediately opened fire on the enemy position. Just as the LCU 1477 commenced to open fire, it was hit, killing three wounding six of its crew. The LCU 1477 went out of control, and to avoid collision with the barge it was towing, the barge was cut loose. The drifting barge and shallowness of the river created a very hazardous situation, but Petty Officer Highlander skillfully maneuvered his craft past the barge into a position to divert enemy fire from the LCU 1477. There he remained, directing suppressive fire until Petty Officer Highlander's craft received three additional rocket hits, but this did not deter him in his highly effective spotting and directing of fire which caused several secondary explosions and five confirmed kills of North Vietnamese Regulars. His devotion to duty, courage under fire, and outstanding professionalism was in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service.

HILLHOUSE, DAVID J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to David J. Hillhouse (6818625), Hospital Corpsman First Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman First Class Hillhouse distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 25 March 1969 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Oakhurst, California

HOUSE, MICHAEL A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Michael A. House (9166335), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman House distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 30 April 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Barnet, Vermont

HUTTON, JAMES LEO (POW)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James Leo Hutton (0-602748), Captain, U.S. Navy.
Born: February 11, 1932 at Washington, D.C.
Home Town: Newport, Rhode Island
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Legion of Merit w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star w/V, 2@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

HYATT, LEO GREGORY (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Leo Gregory Hyatt, Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 13 August 1967. Commander Hyatt's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Commander Hyatt reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: April 29, 1934 at Salem, New Hampshire
Home Town: Salem, New Hampshire
Personal Awards: Silver Star, Legion of Merit w/V, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2@ Bronze Stars w/V, 2@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

JENKINS, HARRY TARLETON, JR. (POW)
(First Award)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Harry Tarleton Jenkins, Jr. (0-4495926/504424), Captain, U.S. Navy.
Born: July 24, 19027 at Washington, D.C.
Home Town: Washington, D.C.
Personal Awards: 3@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), 2@ Legion of Merit, 4@ Distinguished Flying Crosses, 4@ Bronze Stars, 14@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

JENKINS, HARRY TARLETON, JR. (POW)
(First Award)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Harry Tarleton Jenkins, Jr. (0-4495926/504424), Captain, U.S. Navy.
Born: July 24, 19027 at Washington, D.C.
Home Town: Washington, D.C.
Personal Awards: 3@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), 2@ Legion of Merit, 4@ Distinguished Flying Crosses, 4@ Bronze Stars, 14@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

JENKINS, HARRY TARLETON, JR. (POW)
(First Award)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Harry Tarleton Jenkins, Jr. (0-4495926/504424), Captain, U.S. Navy.
Born: July 24, 19027 at Washington, D.C.
Home Town: Washington, D.C.
Personal Awards: 3@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), 2@ Legion of Merit, 4@ Distinguished Flying Crosses, 4@ Bronze Stars, 14@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

JOHNSON, CHARLES E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles E. Johnson (7778277), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Johnson distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 23 August 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

JOHNSON, WILLIAM ANDREW
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William Andrew Johnson, Builder Constructionman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SEVEN (NMCB-7), 21st Construction Regiment, Detail JULIETT, in construction support of the Seventh Marine Regiment, engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong Communist aggressors at Fire Support Base ROSS, I Corps Tactical Zone, Republic of Vietnam. On 6 January 1970 at approximately 0130, Fire Support Base ROSS received a coordinated enemy mortar and sapper attack which lasted until 0500. Constructionman Johnson immediately proceeded from his berthing hut where CHICOM grenades exploded to set up squad defensive positions. From these positions his squad repelled a second wave of sappers and denied the enemy their objective of overrunning the fuel point. Upon mustering his men, the squad leader discovered three Seabees were missing and hearing cries from their hut, Constructionman Johnson returned and removed two men who had been seriously wounded by shrapnel. One squad member was still missing whereupon Constructionman Johnson again returned to the berthing hut through a continuing barrage of incoming mortar and small arms fire. He searched under the hut but was unable to locate the missing man. He left the protection of the lines four times, returned to the hut, put out fires and searched for wounded personnel. Constructionman Johnson's heroic actions in exposing himself to incoming mortars and small arms fire to assist wounded shipmates were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: December 4, 1948 at St. Clair, Michigan
Home Town: Marine City, Michigan

JOHNSON, WILLIAM D.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William D. Johnson (9034183), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Johnson distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 21 March 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Providence, Rhode Island

JONES, ROBERT
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert Jones, Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Jones distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a Corpsman attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMM-362), First Marine Aircraft Wing. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Rochester, Michigan

KELLER, ALLEN N.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Allen N. Keller (6923306), Hospital Corpsman First Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman First Class Keller distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 22 March 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Jacksonville, Florida

KELSEY, JOHN F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John F. Kelsey (5930933), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 March 1967, while conducting a search and destroy operation near Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province Company L received a heavy volume of enemy fire from concealed Viet Cong positions in a tree line. The initial burst of fire seriously wounded two Marines who fell in an open area. Instantly reacting to the perilous situation despite the hostile fire, Hospital Corpsman Kelsey moved from his position of relative safety to the assistance of the wounded men. While rendering medical aid dangerously close to the enemy, he observed a hand grenade fall a few meters from the wounded men. Disregarding his own safety, he unhesitatingly lay across one of the Marines to protect him from the impending blast. When the grenade exploded, Hospital Corpsman Kelsey received serious fragmentation wounds. Refusing treatment for his own wounds, he continued to aid the casualties and assist in moving them to relative safety. Not until all the wounded had been treated and evacuated did he submit to medical attention for his own wounds. His heroic actions prevented further injury of his patient and inspired all who observed him. By his uncommon courage, fearless initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Hospital Corpsman Kelsey upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

*KEMPEL, MICHAEL R. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Michael R. Kempel (2429248), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 August 1970. Petty Officer Kempel was a member of Company M patrolling just north of Liberty Bridge in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his platoon unknowingly entered an enemy minefield, the point Marine stepped on a hidden mine. The resulting explosion critically wounded the point Marine and seriously wounded several other Marines. With total disregard for his safety, knowing there were other mines in the vicinity, Petty Officer Kempel moved to the front of the platoon to provide aid to the wounded marines. As he neared the seriously wounded point marine, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Kempel stepped on another hidden mine, suffering multiple critical wounds from the explosion. Ignoring his wounds, Petty Officer Kempel crawled to the point marine and attempted to render medical aid until he succumbed to his wounds. His resolute effort throughout the engagement was a source of inspiration to all who observed him. By his outstanding professional skill, fortitude in the face of enemy fire, and unfaltering dedication to duty, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Kempel's actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.
Home Town: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

KERRY, JOHN FORBES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John Forbes Kerry, Lieutenant (j.g.), U.S. Navy (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Officer in Charge of United States Navy Patrol Craft Fast 94 and officer in Tactical Command of an operation in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 February 1969, Patrol Craft Fast 23, 43 and 94, in conjunction with Underwater Demolition Team 13 and Vietnamese Regional and Popular Forces personnel, conducted an operation on the Ca Mau Peninsula as part of Operation SEA LORDS. While transiting the Bay Hap River en route to an insertion point along the Dong Cung River, these craft with thirty Regional/Popular Force personnel embarked in each unit came under heavy enemy small arms fire from the river banks. The Officer in Tactical Command, Lieutenant (junior grade) Kerry directed his units to turn to the beach and charge the Viet Cong positions. Lieutenant (j.g.) Kerry expertly directed the fire of his craft at the fleeing enemy while simultaneously coordinating the insertion of the embarked troops. While the Regional and Popular Forces conducted an area sweep, Patrol Craft Fast 43 remained on station to provide fire support and Patrol Craft Fast 23 and 94 moved upstream to investigate an area from which gunshots were coming. Arriving at the area, Lieutenant (junior grade) Kerry's craft received a B-40 rocket close aboard. Once again Lieutenant (junior grade) Kerry ordered his units to charge the enemy positions and summoned Patrol Craft Fast 43 to the area to provide additional firepower. Patrol Craft Fast 94 then beached in the center of the enemy positions and an enemy soldier sprang up from his position not ten feet from Patrol Craft Fast 94 and fled. Without hesitation Lieutenant (junior grade) Kerry leaped ashore, pursued the man behind a hooch and killed him, capturing a B-40 rocket launcher with a round in the chamber. Lieutenant (junior grade) Kerry then led an assault party and conducted a sweep of the area while the Patrol Craft Fast continued to provide fire support. After the enemy had been completely routed, all personnel returned to the Patrol Craft Fast to withdraw from the area. While backing off the beach, these units again came under a hail of fire, this time from the opposite river bank. Lieutenant (j.g.) Kerry immediately coordinated the firepower of his units and suppressed the enemy fire. Later, after disembarking personnel, and while exiting from the Bay Hap River, the Patrol Craft Fast were again under fire. Lieutenant (junior grade) Kerry immediately maneuvered his craft through several strafing runs which completely silenced the enemy. As a result of this operation, ten Viet Cong were killed and one wounded with no friendly casualties. In addition, numerous sampans, structures and bunkers were destroyed as well as confiscation of substantial quantities of combat essential supplies. Lieutenant (junior grade) Kerry's devotion to duty, courage under fire, outstanding leadership, and exemplary professionalism directly contributed to the success of this operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Unites States Naval Service.
Born: December 11, 1943 at Aurora, Colorado
Home Town: New Haven, Connecticut

KEY, WILSON DENVER (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Wilson Denver Key (0-669207/1310), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 22 November 1967. Lieutenant Commander Key's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Key reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: June 22, 1940 at Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Home Town: Hayes, North Carolina
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), 2@ Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star w/V, 2@ Air Medals, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal

KICKHAM, JOHN V.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John V. Kickham, Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with 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. During the early morning hours of 5 February 1971, Hospitalman Kickham launched aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned to medically evacuate a Marine who had been seriously wounded by fragments from an enemy antipersonnel mine. As the aircraft was lifting off after embarking the casualty, it came under intense hostile fire, some rounds of which penetrated the cabin and ruptured the hydraulic fluid line, spilling a heavy flow of volatile liquid over Hospitalman Kickham and soaking his clothing. Disregarding the obvious personal danger, he continued treating his patient as the pilot prepared to execute an emergency landing at an abandoned French fort nearby. The severe loss of hydraulic fluid prevented the pilot from maintaining absolute control of the transport and it crash landed in a moat surrounding the fort and rolled over with the windows on the right side beneath the surface of the water in the moat. While water rushed in through the back ramp, filling the cabin to knee depth, Hospitalman Kickham attempted to lift the wounded man to an escape hatch and the waiting hands of the crewmen who had exited he crashed aircraft. At this point, the helicopter burst into flames which detonated ammunition and ignited his fluid-soaked clothing, causing him to sustain severe burns. Although suffering intense pain, Hospitalman Kickham resolutely attempted to carry his companion away from the fire and to the forward cabin where there was another escape hatch but, in doing so, he fell through one of the submerged windows and became almost hopelessly entangled in concertina wire lining the moat. After a heroic struggle, he freed himself and swam to the other side of the helicopter in the hope of reentering the cabin and rescuing the patient who had slipped from his arms during his fall into the water. Becoming entangled in wire a second time, he again struggled desperately to free himself and, upon reaching the surface of the water, realized that the wire surrounded the transport, which made any further rescue attempt impossible and forced him to abandon his selfless mission. By his indomitable courage, fearless determination, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Hospitalman Kickham inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

KIDDER, RONALD W.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ronald W. Kidder (6866415), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Kidder distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 21 March 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Casper, Wyoming

*KIRKHAM, DONALD A. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Donald A. Kirkham (B-506708), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 31 January 1968. During Operation HUE CITY, a platoon from Company G was advancing along a street toward the Citadel in the city of Hue when the platoon came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a fortified hostile emplacement. In the initial burst of fire, six Marines were wounded and were unable to move from their positions. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Petty Officer Kirkham unhesitatingly left his protective cover and braved the heavy volume of enemy fire to move to the side of the fallen men. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting all around him, he displayed exceptional courage, presence of mind, and selfless concern for the welfare of the wounded as he placed himself between his injured comrades and the continuing enemy fire. Although wounded himself by enemy fire, Petty Officer Kirkham refused medical treatment and evacuation for himself and proceeded to move to each of the casualties, skillfully dressing their wounds and supervising their evacuation from the hazardous area. After crossing the fire-swept street to administer to the last of the casualties, Petty Officer Kirkham was hit by a burst of enemy fire, and fell, mortally wounded. Due largely to his prompt and daring actions, several Marines were saved from further injury and possible death. Petty Officer Kirkham's superior professional skill, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Brookfield, Wisconsin
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

KNUTSON, RODNEY ALLEN (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Rodney Allen Knutson (1550347), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserves), for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force after being shot down while serving as a Pilot in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-FOUR (VF-84), embarked from the U.S.S. Independence (CVA-62), in action in North Vietnam, on 17 October 1965. Shortly after parachuting onto enemy soil, Lieutenant Commander Knutson was surrounded by village militia armed with rifles. In the face of great personal risk, he elected to fight rather than surrender. Defending himself with his service revolver, he shot at his rifle-armed adversaries, inflicting two casualties prior to being overwhelmed by their superior numbers. By his daring actions, extraordinary courage, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
KNUTSON, RODNEY ALLEN (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Rodney Allen Knutson (1550347), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserves), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 19 to 25 October 1965. Lieutenant Commander Knutson's captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Knutson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
Born: September 29, 1938 at Billings, Montana
Home Town: Billings, Montana
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), 4@ Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, 3@ Bronze Stars w/V, 6@ Air Medals, Prisoner of War Medal

KOPFMAN, THEODORE FRANK (POW)
(First Award)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Theodore Frank Kopfman (0-597544), Captain, U.S. Navy.
KOPFMAN, THEODORE FRANK (POW)
(Second Award)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Theodore Frank Kopfman (0-597544), Captain, U.S. Navy.
Born: September 21, 1931 at Kent, Ohio
Home Town: Kent, Ohio
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Legion of Merit w/V, 3@ Distinguished Flying Crosses, 11@ Air Medals, Prisoner of War Medal

KUKLENSKI, MICHAEL J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Michael J. Kuklenski (B-727552), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Kuklenski distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 29 May 1969 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Independence, Missouri

KULAS, ROBERT W.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert W. Kulas, Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to Company I, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 to 25 July 1966.
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota

*LANING, JOHN E. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to John E. Laning (7794774), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against North Vietnamese Army forces on 8 May 1967, during Operation PRAIRIE IV, in the Republic of Vietnam. When the combat outpost at Con Thien was attacked by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force which penetrated the wire, with forward elements reaching the trench lines and throwing satchel charges, Petty Officer Laning, hearing the wounded cry for help, left his covered position in the Platoon Command Post and dashed across twenty-five meters of flat, fire-swept, open ground to the trenches to care for the casualties. Working sometimes by the dim light of artificial illumination and often in total darkness, he brought swift and expert care to the mounting number of casualties. When the Third Squad, which was cut off from the rest of the platoon, called for a corpsman, Petty Officer Laning left the cover of the trenches to move down to the squad's area. While rushing to his objective in the face of a hail of enemy fire, he was shot by an enemy rifleman firing from behind the lines. Although gravely wounded, Petty Officer Laning determinedly proceeded to move forward until he was again hit by rifle fire and fell mortally wounded. By his exceptional valor and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of almost overwhelming odds, Petty Officer Laning served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: North Muskegon, Michigan
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

LARATTA, RONALD FRANK
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ronald Frank Laratta, Gunner's Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with River Division FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO in the Republic of Vietnam, on 18 February 1969. Petty Officer Laratta was manning the forward 50 caliber machine guns on his unit as it was escorting re-supply vessels south on the Vam Co Dong River. As the convoy rounded a bend in the river, his River Patrol Boat (PBR) came under B-40 rocket and heavy automatic weapons fire. During the ensuing fire fight, his boat sustained two rocket hits and numerous bullet holes in the hull. One rocket detonated immediately behind Petty Officer Laratta's position inflicting serious shrapnel wounds to most of his body, breaking his left arm, and throwing him from his gun tub. Despite the seriousness of his many wounds, Petty Officer Laratta climbed back into his gun tub, placed his right arm and broken left arm over his weapon to steady and level at the ambush point, and fired the weapon with his chin. He continued to fire his weapon in this manner until all ammunition was expended. He then loaded and fired a grenade launcher until his unit was clear of the ambush area. After climbing from his gun tub and attempting to handle mooring lines, he collapsed due to the seriousness of his wounds and loss of blood. His courage and devotion to duty in spite of wounds, his outstanding professionalism, sense of responsibility and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Bloomfield, New Jersey
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

LEITNER, TERRY L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Terry L. Leitner (7716728), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Leitner distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 10 February 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Kansas City, Missouri

LEVIN, ALAN SCOTT
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Alan Scott Levin (689596), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Flight Surgeon of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-265), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN (MAG-16), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, on the night of 12 September 1967. During Operation Wheeler/Wallowa, Nui Loc Son, Republic of Vietnam, an entire company of United States Marines was pinned down by enemy fire. The company suffered many casualties and was running critically short of ammunition and medical supplies. Lieutenant Levin volunteered to serve as special crew on a helicopter which was to deliver ammunition and medical supplies to the company. The helicopter was driven away from the landing zone on two occasions by intense mortar fire. On the third occasion, Lieutenant Levin, completely disregarding his own safety, quickly off- loaded the critically needed supplies while the helicopter gunner and crew chief were actively firing their machine guns. The next morning, Lieutenant Levin returned to evacuate the wounded Marines and administered medical treatment to the most severely injured. This display of exceptional courage above and beyond the call of duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service, and undoubtedly saved the lives of many Marines.

LEWDANOWSKI, MICHAEL J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Michael J. Lewandowski (9717643), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Second Class Lewandowski distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 18 March 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Hammond, Indiana

LINK, DANIEL DAVID
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Daniel David Link (1190687), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with the First Platoon, Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 February 1967, during Operation DESOTO, the First Platoon, as the leading element of the company, received intense enemy automatic and small arms fire which wounded two Marines. Unhesitatingly, Petty Officer LINK rushed across seventy-five meters of open, fire-swept terrain to render first aid to the fallen men. Upon reaching the first wounded Marine, he applied first aid and carried the injured man to a covered position. Quickly instructing a nearby companion on providing first aid to the wounded man, he again exposed himself to intense enemy fire and ran to the second wounded Marine. With the assistance of a companion, he carried the second Marine to a covered position where he discovered that the Marine's heart had stopped. Displaying superior professional ability and presence of mind, Petty Officer LINK skillfully performed a tracheotomy utilizing an emergency airway tube and resuscitated the wounded Marine with external cardiac massage. When the medical evacuation helicopter arrived, he assisted the critically wounded Marine aboard the aircraft and continued his treatment of the wounded Marine during the flight to a medical facility. His exceptional initiative and courageous actions undoubtedly saved the lives of two Marines and were an inspiration to all who observed him. By his exemplary professionalism, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer LINK upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Elmer, New Jersey

*LOY, JAMES RICHARD (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to James Richard Loy (B-506923), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 11 January 1968 while serving as a Medical Corpsman with Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. As a squad-sized patrol from Company F proceeded in total darkness along the safety lane within a minefield while on an ambush mission near Con Thien, the point man inadvertently led the squad into the mined area. Within minutes, two mines were detonated simultaneously, wounding three Marines. Upon hearing the explosions, Hospitalman Loy unhesitatingly moved from the rear of the squad, entered the minefield, and maneuvered to the side of the wounded men to administer first-aid treatment. Realizing that the life of one seriously injured Marine depended on his immediate evacuation to a medical facility, and aware that it would take considerable time to clear a path through the minefield, Hospitalman Loy carefully prepared the injured man for movement and unaided, proceeded to carry his comrade from the hazardous area. Slowly moving across the minefield, Hospitalman Loy had advanced approximately thirty meters when he was mortally wounded by an exploding mine. By his bold imitative, extraordinary courage, and selfless devotion to duty, Hospitalman Loy inspired all who observed him. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Green Bay, Wisconsin

*LUTTRELL, LLOYD IRVIN (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Lloyd Irvin Luttrell (B-202273), Hospitalman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against while serving as a Corpsman with Company D, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 24 January 1969, Company D had commenced a search and destroy operation in the Dodge City area south of DaNang when the lead elements came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons and small arms fire from a hostile force occupying emplacements well-concealed in a tree line and sustained several casualties. Unhesitatingly leaving his position of relative safety, Petty Officer Luttrell was fearlessly maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain toward an injured comrade when he was seriously wounded. Ignoring his painful injury, he again commenced moving across the hazardous area to the wounded Marine and, while engaged in this selfless task, was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Petty Officer Luttrell inspired all who observed him and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Home Town: Lexington, Kentucky
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

MACHMER, JAMES A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James A. Machmer (9982861), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Machmer distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 26 April 1968 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Jacksonville, Florida

*MARISKANISH, CHARLES EDWARD (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles Edward Mariskanish (B-416918), Hospitalman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division. On 9 May 1968 while participating in Operation Houston II in Quang Nam, Petty Officer Mariskanish's unit came under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from a well entrenched force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars, wounding three Marines who fell in an open area. Repeated attempts to evacuate the casualties failed due to the heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. Requesting his platoon to deliver covering fire, Petty Officer Mariskanish fearlessly crawled across the fire swept terrain on two separate occasions to evacuate the injured Marines. As he attempted to reach the remaining casualty, Petty Officer Mariskanish was mortally wounded by the hostile fire. By his extraordinary courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Petty Officer Mariskanish saved the lives of two comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Home Town: Barnesboro, Pennsylvania

MATTICKS, ROBERT W.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert W. Matticks (6866694), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Matticks distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 4 March 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Denver, Colorado

MCCAIN, JOHN SIDNEY, III
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John Sidney McCain, III, Commander, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 27 October to 8 December 1967. His captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected Commander McCain to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.

MCIVER, HAROLD B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Harold B. McIver, Radioman Seaman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Radioman and Machine Gunner on board River Assault Craft T-131-7, a unit of River Assault Squadron 13, Task Force 117, in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 March 1969. Seaman McIver's unit came under direct rocket and automatic weapons fire from the river canal bank with one of the fired rockets striking the craft, detonating and sending shrapnel throughout the well deck and wounding Seaman McIver in the face and hands, while severely wounding a Hospital Corpsman on board in the chest and head. At the very same time, the spreading shrapnel ignited a gasoline storage can causing that part of the boat to catch fire. Without hesitation and disregarding his own wounds, Seaman McIver beat out and extinguished the flames and then ignored the still incoming enemy fire directed his attention to the gravely wounded Hospital Corpsman. While applying first aid to the wounded man, he realized the man had swallowed his tongue and was unable to breath. After unsuccessfully attempting to pry open the wounded man's jaws, Seaman McIver used a sharp instrument to perform an emergency tracheotomy on the wounded corpsman, allowing his to resume breathing. A medical evacuation helicopter arrived shortly and though still receiving enemy fire and with his own wounds untreated, he assisted the Boat Captain in carrying the wounded man to the aircraft, at which point he refused to be evacuated for treatment of his own injuries, insisting instead on returning to his machine gun and resuming firing on the enemy position. By his undaunted courage, valiant efforts, and total dedication to duty, Seaman McIver reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

MERTLICH, DALE E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Dale E. Mertlich (9182694), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Mertlich distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 15 January 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Salt Lake City, Utah

MIERZWA, RAYMOND T.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Raymond T. Mierzwa (6869950), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Mierzwa distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 16 May 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Utica, New York

MORRIS, SHANE A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Shane A. Morris (7933529), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 May 1966.
Home Town: Carmichael, Pennsylvania

MULHAUPT, RICHARD C.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard C. Mulhaupt (501920), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Mulhaupt distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 30 March 1968 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois

MULLEN, THOMAS A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Thomas A. Mullen (9037446), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Mullen distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 14 February 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Manchester, New Hampshire

*MULLER, DANIEL S. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Daniel S. Muller (B-586711), Hospitalman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Third Class Muller distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 4 June 1969 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Pittsburg, Kansas

*MUNOZ, PEDRO (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Pedro Munoz (6983388), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman with Company B, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 May 1966, while on patrol, Petty Officer Munoz along with other members of his platoon were fiercely engaged by a numerically superior Viet Cong force. With complete disregard for his own wounds and personal safety, he continually exposed himself to enemy fire in order to care for the wounded. Moving up and down the perimeter, Petty Officer Munoz continued to render medical aid and lend encouragement until he was mortally wounded. By his daring actions, bold courage, and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Munoz reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: El Paso, Texas

OVERMYER, MELVIN
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Melvin Overmyer (1383965), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Overmyer distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 25 May 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company H, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Renton, Washington

*PENA, JESSE J. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Jesse J. Pena (B-584194), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Pena distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 12 February 1970 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Davenport, Iowa

PETERSON, RICHARD A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard A. Peterson (9188078), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Second Class Peterson distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 21 May 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Minneapolis, Minnesota

*PHELPS, HUGER LEE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Huger Lee Phelps (B-504208), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Headquarters and Service Company, First Amphibious Tractor Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 10 February 1969. Petty Officer Phelps was accompanying a patrol when the Marines became heavily engaged with a numerically superior hostile force. During the ensuing battle, the patrol leader was seriously wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer Phelps unhesitatingly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the side of the injured Marine. Despite the hostile rounds impacting nearby, he courageously elected to remain in the hazardous area, administering medical aid to the casualty. While continuing his determined efforts, Petty Officer Phelps was mortally wounded by enemy small-arms fire. His inspiring courage, sincere concern for his fellowman, and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Greenfield, Indiana

*PURDIN, PATRICK L. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Patrick L. Purdin (B-845700), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 November 1969, while Company B was conducting a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province, the Marines encountered a large North Vietnamese Army force concealed in well-fortified bunkers located on high ground to the Marines' front. The initial bursts of fire from the enemy positions wounded both of the Marines walking in the point position for the company. When he saw that the two wounded men were lying in an open area approximately forty meters forward of the closest friendly troops and that they were unable to escape the enemy fire raking the area around them, Hospitalman Purdin unhesitatingly left his relatively secure position and, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran directly into the face of the enemy fire as he crossed the forty meters of fire-swept terrain to reach his helpless comrades. Although completely exposed in a cross-fire and an easy target for enemy riflemen, he reassured the casualties and rapidly administered lifesaving medical aid. Taking advantage of the precarious position of the corpsman and his patients, several enemy soldiers began encircling them in an attempt to capture all three. Undaunted by the enemy movement and the fire directed at him, Hospitalman Purdin continued his lifesaving efforts, boldly protecting the casualties from further injury by shielding them from the enemy fire with his own body. Alertly observing several North Vietnamese Army soldiers crawling toward his position through the tall grass and realizing that capture of the two wounded men would result in their deaths, Hospitalman Purdin courageously drew his 45 caliber pistol and killed one enemy soldier when he was only a few feet away, but before he could fire on the others, he was mortally wounded by retaliatory fire from the remaining hostile soldiers who had now surrounded him. By his courage, heroic initiative, and selfless concern for his fellowmen, Hospitalman Purdin inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Home Town: Okmulgee, Oklahoma
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

*RAAB, JAMES D. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to James D. Raab (B-411174), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Raab distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 12 June 1968 while serving as a Corpsman attached to First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Beachwood, New Jersey

*RACKOW, ANDREW C. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Andrew C. Rackow (B-407475), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Senior Corpsman of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 August 1968, while participating in Operation MAMELUKE THRUST in Quang Nam Province, Company F came under intense automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire while assaulting an enemy position and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Petty Officer Rackow unhesitatingly maneuvered to the point of heaviest contact where he began treating the wounded and organizing teams to carry the casualties to an amphibian tractor for evacuation. Observing a wounded companion lying only ten meters from a fortified enemy bunker, he completely disregarded his own safety by rushing across sixty meters of fire-swept terrain in an effort to assist his comrade. Arriving at the wounded Marine's side, he shielded him from the accurate fire with his own body as he resolutely commenced administering medical aid. While continuing to assist his injured companion, Petty Officer Rackow was mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and saved the lives of several Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Rackow inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Home Town: University Park, Pennsylvania

RADONOVICH, MICHAEL F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Michael F. Radonovich (8400964), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Senior Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 9 September 1968, while Company M was occupying a night defensive position near Camp J. J. Carroll in Quang Tri Province, the Marines came under a series of intense enemy mortar attacks and sustained numerous casualties. Reacting instantly, Petty Officer Radonovich unhesitatingly left his covered position and fearlessly ran across the fire-swept terrain, treating the casualties at the various positions. As he maneuvered throughout the hazardous zone, he was wounded several times, but despite his painful injuries, he continued to render medical aid. During two subsequent enemy mortar attacks that evening, he again disregarded his own safety as he moved through he hostile fire, treating the wounded until they could be medically evacuated. Only after this was accomplished did he care for his own injuries. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several wounded Marines. By his courage, professional skill and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Petty Officer Radonovich upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Cleveland, Ohio

*RION, DONALD JOSEPH (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Donald Joseph Rion (7747310), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Rion distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 10 December 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Northbrook, Illinois

*ROACH, RICHARD F. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Richard F. Roach (6969015), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action serving as a Corpsman with Company B, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, on 20 June 1966, in the Republic of Vietnam. As a member of a forty-three-man patrol which came under heavy enemy machine gun and automatic weapons fire from the front, rear, and both flanks while penetrating deep into Viet Cong territory, Hospitalman Roach displayed outstanding courage and initiative during the ensuing fire fight in which eight Marines were wounded. Quick to respond to the call for "Corpsman," he unhesitatingly moved through the deadly fire to render medical assistance to his wounded companions. Although he, himself, was mortally wounded by a burst of fire delivered from only yards away while he was treating a casualty, he succeeded in securing a battle dressing on his wounded companion before collapsing. By his valiant efforts and selflessness in the face of heavy and intense hostile fire, Hospitalman Roach served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Home Town: East Liverpool, Ohio
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

ROSS, JAMES C.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James C. Ross (5964486), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Ross distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 16 December 1965 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Des Moines, Iowa

SCALA, DANIEL
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Daniel Scala (B-136907), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Scala distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 15 March 1970 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Centereach, New York

SCEARSE, ROGER D.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Roger D. Scearse (2904549), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Scearse distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 11 June 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Louisville, Kentucky

SCHINDELER, THEODORE K.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Theodore K. Schindeler (B-115636), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Schindeler distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 2 February 1968 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Aruba

*SCHON, JOHN E. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to John E. Schon (9149203), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, on 26 May 1967, during Operation UNION II against North Vietnamese Army forces in the Republic of Vietnam. When the Marines of Company L were landed by helicopters to secure the landing zone for the remainder of the battalion, they were immediately subjected to an intense barrage of automatic weapons, recoilless rifle, and mortar fire from a well-entrenched enemy force, estimated to be of battalion size. The withering fire caused many casualties, and scarcity of cover made it extremely hazardous to extract the wounded Marines from the exposed positions in which they lay. Disregarding his own safety, Petty Officer Schon repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy barrage in order to render vital first aid to the injured Marines and to assist with their evacuation for further medical treatment. He courageously continued his actions until him, himself, was mortally wounded. By his selfless efforts and inspiring devotion to duty, Petty Officer Schon was responsible for saving the lives of many Marines. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Home Town: Portland, Oregon
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

*SEEL, WALTER PHILLIP, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Walter Phillip Seel, Jr. (151387116), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Battery G, Third Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 25 February 1969. During the early morning hours, Battery G was occupying a position at First Support Base Neville in Quang Tri Province, when the base came under intense mortar and rocket fire supporting an assault by a large North Vietnamese Army force which subsequently penetrated the friendly perimeter. In the initial moments of the attack, Petty Officer Seel observed a wounded Marine lying in an area dangerously exposed to hostile fire. Unhesitatingly, he maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the side of the casualty, and skillfully administered first aid to his injured comrade. Undaunted by the enemy grenades and satchel charges impacting near him, he resolutely continued his valiant efforts until he was mortally wounded. By his courage, unfaltering determination and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Seel inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Home Town: Moorestown, New Jersey
Personal Awards: Siler Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

*SIMMONS, TRAVIS A., JR. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Travis A. Simmons, Jr. (7715206), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Simmons distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 16 March 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Born: August 27, 1943 at Childress, Texas
Home Town: Midland, Texas

SMITH, ROBERT L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert L. Smith (6954300), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Smith distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 5 October 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Gadsden, Alabama

STERN, PHILIP L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Philip L. Stern (B-114699), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to Company M, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 February 1968.
Home Town: Brunswick, New Jersey

STEWARD, LARRY J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Larry J. Steward (5970591), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Steward distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 5 January 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company D, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Phoenix, Arizona

STONE, DOUGLAS D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Douglas D. Stone (B-620093), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 February 1969, Company I was participating in Operation Taylor Common southwest of DaNang, when the lead platoon came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying well-concealed emplacements and sustained three casualties. Reacting instantly, Petty Officer Stone unhesitatingly left his position of relative safety and fearlessly rushed across the fire-swept terrain to the wounded Marines. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he remained in his dangerously exposed location as he treated the injured men and returned fire upon the enemy to protect his patients. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of the three Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Petty Officer Stone upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Colorado Springs, Colorado

STRAVROPOULOUS, GEORGE W.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to George W. Stravropoulous (1394983), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to Company C, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 May 1966.
Home Town: Los Angeles, California

*STRUNK, WILLIAM LOCKE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to William Locke Strunk (9150696), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 5 February 1967. During a search and clear mission in the vicinity of Quan Dai Loc, Petty Officer Strunk's squad sustained several casualties and was temporarily pinned down in an open area by intense automatic-rifle fire and M-79 grenades from a well-concealed Viet Cong ambush force. Although painfully wounded in the leg, Petty Officer Strunk disregarded his own safety to move about the area and administer first-aid treatment to his wounded companions. Despite the intense enemy fire, he courageously continued to administer life-saving medical aid until the wounded had been moved to a position of relative safety. Demonstrating steadfast courage and resolute determination, he refused medical aid for himself until all the other men had received the necessary medical treatment. Petty Officer Strunk further requested that he be allowed to remain in the battle area to treat any additional casualties. His actions inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved numerous lives. By his exceptional professional skill, fearless initiative and loyal devotion to duty at great personal risk, Petty Officer Strunk upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Denver, Colorado

SULLIVAN, CALEB J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Caleb J. Sullivan (9158021), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Sullivan distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 28 December 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company I, Third Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Albuquerque, New Mexico

TAM, MICHAEL R.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Michael R. Tam (B-510314), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Second Class Tam distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 19 September 1968 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Monroe, Michigan

*TARRANCE, JAMES CURTIS (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to James Curtis Tarrance (B-317129), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 December 1968, Company I was participating in Operation MEADE RIVER south of DaNang when the Second Platoon came under a heavy volume of machine gun fire from a hostile bunker complex approximately twenty meters to their front and sustained numerous casualties. Reacting immediately, Hospitalman Tarrance left his position of relative safety and fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the side of a wounded Marine. Placing himself between the source of enemy fire and the injured man, he ignored the hostile rounds impacting around him and was skillfully administering first aid when he was mortally wounded. His heroic actions and calm presence of mind inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of his companion. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty, Hospitalman Tarrance upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Home Town: Jacksonville, Florida

*TEAGUE, MICHAEL A. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Michael A. Teague (9193333), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 2 May 1968. While attacking a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force occupying the village of Dinh To, Quang Tri Province, company G came under intense, accurate sniper fire and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Petty Officer Teague immediately organized an aid station where he skillfully treated and supervised the evacuation of the wounded. While administering medical aid to a seriously injured comrade, he suddenly came under a heavy volume of enemy hand grenades and automatic weapons fire. Undaunted by the hostile fire impacting around him, Petty Officer Teague steadfastly remained in the hazardous area and continued rendering medical assistance, simultaneously shielding the wounded man with his own body. Despite being seriously wounded himself, he commenced to move the casualty over the fire-swept terrain to a covered position, continuing his determined efforts until he was mortally wounded. Petty Officer Teague's heroic actions, sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades, and selfless devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Home Town: Brownwood, Texas
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

THELEN, ROBERT J., JR.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert J. Thelen, Jr. (B-721526), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Thelen distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 12 August 1969 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

*THIRKETTLE, MICHAEL JOHN (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Michael John Thirkettle (6766414), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 26 November 1967. On that date, Company A was conducting a combat patrol in the vicinity of Con Thien when it suddenly received a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire from a well-camouflaged North Vietnamese Army force. In the initial moments of the fire fight, the Marines sustained several casualties and were pinned down. After maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain, Petty Officer Thirkettle administered first aid to two of the casualties and then moved to the side of a wounded man who lay in an area dangerously exposed to the hostile fire. Placing himself between the enemy position and the wounded Marine, he began to administer medical treatment when he, himself, was wounded in the leg. Ignoring his painful injury, Petty Officer Thirkettle continued to minister to the Marine's wounds. When his patient was wounded a second time, and Petty Officer Thirkettle received two additional wounds, the latter placed his body over the wounded Marine and shielded him from the murderous enemy fire. Although Petty Officer Thirkettle succumbed to his wounds, his heroic and selfless actions saved the life of his comrade and were an inspiration to all who observed him. By his courage, exceptional professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Home Town: Whittier, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart

THOMPSON, STEPHEN R.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Stephen R. Thompson, Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Thompson distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 16 February 1968 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Los Angeles, California

*TRESCOTT, CHARLES R. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles R. Trescott (5980445), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 3 May 1966. Accompanying an eighteen-man patrol operating in the Quang Tin Province when the patrol, crossing an open rice paddy, was ambushed by a Viet Cong force estimated at fifty men, Petty Officer Trescott, observing two wounded Marines fall where they were hit, in an area exposed to heavy enemy fire, left his covered position and went into the open area to treat them. Fatally wounded while moving one of the casualties to cover, Petty Officer Trescott, by his courage, initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Dearborn, Michigan

WALLACE, CLARENCE E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Clarence E. Wallace (B-310534), Chief Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Hospital Corpsman Wallace distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 14 November 1968 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company A, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Raleigh, North Carolina

*WARREN, GALEN E. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Galen E. Warren (3909539), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Warren distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 20 May 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Seattle, Washington

WATSON, DONALD P.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Donald P. Watson (9987809), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Watson distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 10 May 1967 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois

WEAN, DOUGLAS LOUIS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Douglas Louis Wean (B-514066), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Battery K, Fourth Battalion, Twelfth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 19 September 1968, while occupying a fire support position at the Rockpile in Quang Tri Province, Petty Officer Wean's platoon came under a heavy volume of North Vietnamese artillery and small arms fire. During the ensuing attack, several rounds impacted in the powder storage area wounding numerous Marines and igniting an intense fire that spread through out the platoon area. Responding instantly to a call for medical assistance, Petty Officer Wean unhesitatingly left his position of cover and rushed across the fire-swept terrain to the side of a wounded comrade. Ignoring the fragmentation of exploding ordinance and the enemy small arms fire aimed at and impacting near him, he shielded the wounded Marine with his own body while calmly administering medical care to the casualty. When the wounded Marine was evacuated from the field of fire, Petty Officer Wean fearlessly moved to another wounded casualty and skillfully treated his wounds, until he was extracted from the combat area. His heroic actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades, inspired all who observed him and was instrumental in saving the lives of two Marines. By his courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Petty Officer Wean upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Born: March 29, 1948 at Oregon, Illinois
Home Town: Mt. Morris, Illinois

WESS, MICHAEL A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Michael A. Wess (7959992), Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 April 1968, Company I was occupying a defensive position near Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under and intense hostile mortar attack. Reacting instantly, Petty Officer Wess unhesitatingly left his covered position and fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to assist a seriously injured Marine who had fallen into a bomb crater. As he reached the casualty, Petty Officer Wess was violently hurled into the crater by the explosion of an enemy mortar round. Despite sustaining multiple fragmentation wound, he resolutely crawled to the side of the injured man and administered first aid. Disregarding his own safety, he then fearlessly commenced moving from one position to another as he treated other injured Marines. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he steadfastly refused medical assistance and ensured that all casualties were cared for and medically evacuated. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, professional competence and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Petty Officer Wess upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Winter Springs, Florida

*WHINERY, ROGER LEE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Roger Lee Whinery (B-605148), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, during operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 1 June 1967. While Hospitalman Whinery's company was conducting a search and clear operation, it came under intense enemy small-arms and automatic-weapons fire from a North Vietnamese Army bunker complex, which pinned down the lead platoon and inflicted heavy casualties. During the ensuing engagement, the enemy constantly kept the Marine wounded covered by accurate sniper fire in order to thwart any attempt to evacuate them. Although this was his first engagement, Hospitalman Whinery unhesitatingly dashed through the devastating fire and began to treat the wounded and to evacuate them to safety. On his third trip into the exposed area, while administering first aid to a critically wounded Marine, he fell, mortally wounded by enemy sniper fire. By his daring actions, bold courage, and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great danger, Hospitalman Whinery upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Fredonia, Kansas

WHITBECK, EUGENE
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Eugene Whitbeck, Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Whitbeck distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 9 August 1968 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: La Crescent, Minnesota

WIGGINS, DELMAR J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Delmar J. Wiggins (7751021), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Wiggins distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 18 March 1966 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Anderson, Indiana

WILLEFORD, ALTON W.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Alton W. Willeford, Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Willeford distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 25 January 1969 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

WILLIAMSON, MICHAEL LEE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Michael Lee Williamson (7948690), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines in connection with operations against insurgent Communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 April 1966, as Hospitalman Williamson's platoon was moving from the village of Dong Phuoc to a night defensive position, an enemy rifle grenade exploded in their midst, wounding him in the arm, neck and legs and also wounding two Marines. Bleeding profusely from the arm wound, Hospitalman Williamson quickly applied a battle dressing, then without hesitation hurried to the aid of the other casualties. When a second grenade exploded, he rushed to treat four new casualties. While he was attempting to move the wounded men to a secure area, the squad was subjected to a heavy volume of small arms fire fol�lowed by a mortar barrage. Undaunted by the vicious fire all around him, he continued to treat the stricken men, supervising their movement to a landing zone and organizing them to ensure that the most serious cases would receive priority evacuation. Since rescue helicopters were unable to accommodate all the wounded, Hospitalman Williamson gallantly stayed behind and continued to travel with the patrol more than fifteen hundred meters to the Company command post. His resolute effort alle�viated the suffering of numerous wounded men. and undoubtedly saved the lives of several. By his extraordinary concern for the welfare of others although suffering greatly himself, coupled with keen professional skill and unfaltering dedica�tion to duty, Hospitalman Williamson upheld the highest tradi�tions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Huntington, West Virginia

WOOD, THOMAS J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Thomas J. Wood (B-413220), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Second Class Wood distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 23 February 1969 while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

YOUNGBLOOD, ROY L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Roy L. Youngblood, Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, on 18 and 22 July 1966, in connection with operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During search and destroy operations in Quang Tri Province, Petty Officer Youngblood's company came under intense enemy automatic weapons and machine gun fire. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire, he unhesitatingly went to the aid of Marines in another platoon whose corpsmen had been wounded or killed. With complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer Youngblood skillfully evaluated the condition of the casualties, applied first aid and moved them to positions of relative safety. On one occasion, he ran to the assistance of a wounded Marine who was under intense machine gun fire, performed an emergency tracheotomy, and then evacuated the wounded Marine from the battlefield. On 22 July 1966, Petty Officer Youngblood again demonstrated exceptional courage. While maneuvering toward several wounded Marines, under intense enemy automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire, he was wounded in the head. Despite his painful injury, he selflessly refused treatment for himself and continued to treat and evacuate his comrades. His heroic actions in the face of enemy fire inspired all those who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous Marines. By his exceptional professional skill, uncommon concern for the welfare of others, steadfast courage and loyal devotion to duty, Petty Officer Youngblood upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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	for Conspicuous Gallantry in Action During
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