*PAUL, JOE C.
Rank and organization: Lance Corporal,
U.S. Marine Corps, Company H, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines (Rein), 3d Marine Division (Rein).
Place and Date: near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, 18 August 1965. Entered
service at: Dayton, Ohio. Born: 23 April 1946, Williamsburg, Ky.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty. In violent battle, L/Cpl. Paul's platoon sustained 5 casualties as it was
temporarily pinned down, by devastating mortar, recoilless rifle, automatic weapons, and
rifle fire delivered by insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in well entrenched
positions. The wounded marines were unable to move from their perilously exposed positions
forward of the remainder of their platoon, and were suddenly subjected to a barrage of
white phosphorous rifle grenades. L/Cpl. Paul, fully aware that his tactics would almost
certainly result in serious injury or death to himself, chose to disregard his safety and
boldly dashed across the fire-swept rice paddies, placed himself between his wounded
comrades and the enemy, and delivered effective suppressive fire with his automatic weapon
in order to divert the attack long enough to allow the casualties to be evacuated.
Although critically wounded during the course of the battle, he resolutely remained in his
exposed position and continued to fire his rifle until he collapsed and was evacuated. By
his fortitude and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, he
saved the lives of several of his fellow marines. His heroic action served to inspire all
who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the
U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.
