SADLER, CHARLES D.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: May 21, 1966
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Charles D. Sadler, Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Machine Gun Team Leader
with the Third Platoon, Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines,
Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the
Republic of Vietnam on 21 May 1966. Corporal Sadler's platoon
participated in a heli-lift to a position in order to block the
withdrawal of a large enemy force operating in the area. When the
helicopters landed in an open rice paddy, the area was immediately
subjected to intense mortar and automatic weapons fire from Viet Cong
positioned on all sides of the landing zone. More than twenty Marine
casualties were inflicted in the first few minutes of the savage
action. With exceptional composure and presence of mind in the tense
situation, Corporal Sadler quickly took charge of his team and began
returning fire, fearlessly exposing himself to the enemy to accomplish
his task. When supplies of ammunition were depleted, he directed
Marines around him to retrieve that which had been carried by the
casualties, and twice he braved the withering fire to recover
ammunition from wounded men who were lying in the exposed rice paddy.
On one occasion he spotted a Viet Cong running from a tree line with a
machine gun and reacting instantly, Corporal Sadler stood in the midst
of the grazing fire and fired his machine gun from an offhand
position, felling the enemy. Finding that only Five other Marines in
his immediate vicinity were not dead or wounded, he organized the
small group and on two separate occasions attempted to mount an
assault against the nearest Viet Cong position. Realizing the futility
of further attempts, he judiciously directed the men to dig in and
save two magazines of ammunition, ordered all rocket misfires to be
stacked in the position for last second detonation, and instructed his
men to stand by for a probably physical assault by the enemy. His
daring initiative and relentless fighting spirit served to inspire and
encourage all who observed him, and were instrumental in preventing
the enemy from overrunning the position. His resolute effort
contributed in large measure to the eventual entrapment of the enemy
force, resulting in fifty-three Viet Cong killed and seventeen weapons
captured. By his extraordinary courage in the face of extreme danger,
bold initiative, and unwavering dedication to duty throughout,
Corporal Sadler upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and
the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*SAMPSON, GERALD HILBERT
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Company B, 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: August 28, 1969
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Gerald Hilbert Sampson, Captain, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding
Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early
morning hours of 28 August 1969, Company B, occupying a night
defensive position deep in hostile territory northwest of Cam Lo, was
assaulted by a large North Vietnamese Army force employing automatic
weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. In the initial onslaught, the
second platoon commander was wounded and his sector of the perimeter
was in grave danger of being breached by the enemy. With complete
disregard for his own safety, Captain Sampson moved across the
fire-swept terrain to the point of heaviest contact, rallied the
beleaguered Marines, and began to direct their fire against the
advancing North Vietnamese. During the fierce fire fight, he
continually moved from one fighting position to another, instructing
and encouraging his men and ensuring that the wounded received
immediate treatment. While maneuvering across an exposed area on the
foremost edge of the perimeter, Captain Sampson was mortally wounded
by enemy fire. His unflagging determination and bold fighting spirit
inspired his men to heroic efforts and were instrumental in turning a
critical situation into an overwhelming Marine victory. By his
leadership, extraordinary courage and selfless devotion to duty,
Captain Sampson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and
of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Williamsport, Pennsylvania
*SANDERS, THOMAS
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1/3, III Marine Amphibious Force
Date of Action: May 10, 1967
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Thomas Sanders, Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Machine Gun Squad Leader with
Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1/3, in the Republic of Vietnam on
10 May 1967. While participating in Operation BEAVER CAGE, in Tinh,
Quang Nam Province, Corporal Sanders enabled his platoon to move from
positions exposed to heavy automatic and small arms fire, to a
protected trench line, by advancing himself to an exposed position
with his squad's machine gun when all other members of the squad
became casualties. He then placed a heavy volume of accurate fire on
Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops causing them to cease fire.
When the enemy troops advanced to the cover of the trench line, in
which other members of his platoon were located, he placed himself
between the enemy and friendly troops. As the enemy approached to
within six meters in front of him, Corporal Sanders delivered machine
gun fire down the long axis of the trench line killing approximately
two of them and wounding three others before he was killed by enemy
fire. As a result of his heroic conduct and fearless devotion to duty,
his actions enabled nine Marines, some of whom were wounded, to gain
cover in the trench line and to gain positions where grenades and M-79
fire could be delivered on the enemy. By his outstanding courage,
exceptional fortitude and valiant fighting spirit, Corporal Sanders
served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: East Elmhurst, New York
*SARGENT, GEORGE THOMAS, JR.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division
(Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: March 20, 1969
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to George Thomas Sargent, Jr., Lieutenant
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as
Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third
Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 March
1969, Lieutenant Colonel Sargent was in command of a heliborne attack
against enemy positions in Quang Nam Province during Operation PURPLE
MARTIN when the lead helicopter came under a heavy volume of North
Vietnamese Army fire, causing it to crash in the landing zone.
Directing the debarkation of the battalion at a smaller zone on the
slope of a hill below the designated area, Lieutenant Colonel Sargent
took command of the lead company, and after starting up the hill, the
Marines encountered a hostile force occupying a well-fortified
position. As he led his men in an aggressive assault against the enemy
emplacements, Lieutenant Colonel Sargent observed a machine gun which
was pinning down a portion of his unit. Fearlessly moving across the
fire-swept terrain toward the North Vietnamese emplacement, he boldly
hurled several hand grenades, which killed two hostile soldiers and
destroyed the enemy weapon. Skillfully maneuvering his men, he secured
the slope of the hill, and early the following morning, despite a
fragmentation wound sustained during the previous day's engagement,
commenced the final assault against the enemy soldiers. During the
ensuing fire fight, the Marines were subjected to intense North
Vietnamese mortar and small-arms fire and rocket propelled grenades.
Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, Lieutenant Colonel
Sargent remained with the forward units, effectively controlling the
actions of his men and exploiting every enemy contact to the maximum
extent until he was mortally wounded. His timely actions and
aggressive leadership inspired all who observed him and were
instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his
courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty,
Lieutenant Colonel Sargent upheld the highest traditions of the Marine
Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Auburn, Alabama
*SCHLEY, ROBERT JAMES
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company M, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: April 30, 1967
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Robert James Schley, Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Machine Gun
Team Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third
Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the vicinity of
Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 30 April 1967.
During a search and destroy mission, Company M was assigned the
mission of seizing and securing Hill 881, a strategic area commanding
the approaches into the Khe Sanh complex. While advancing on the
numerically stronger, well-trained and equipped enemy in fortified
positions, Corporal Schley's squad was taken under a heavy volume of
intense and accurate enemy fire. Realizing the necessity of immediate
counter action to suppress enemy fire, he unhesitatingly advanced to
position himself and his machine gun team where they could deliver the
most effective fire on the enemy. Due to his accurate and well
controlled fire, Corporal Schley was able to inflict numerous
casualties upon the enemy. As the intensity of the conflict increased
and the ammunition depleted, he exposed himself to intense enemy fire
to re-supply the gun. Painfully wounded in the shoulder during this
task, he refused medical attention and evacuation to return to his
machine gun and continue firing. Wounded a second time and finding
himself the only member of his team able to fight, he bravely
continued to man his weapon until he succumbed to his wounds. By his
dauntless courage, initiative and indomitable fighting spirit, he
served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Oregon, Wisconsin
SCHREIBER, KLAUS D.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
FMF
Date of Action: October 14, 1967
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Klaus D. Schreiber, First Lieutenant,
U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Patrol Leader with
Company C, First Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division
(Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in Thua Thien Province, Republic of
Vietnam, on 14 October 1967. While he was leading a twelve-man
reconnaissance patrol, north of Da Nang, First Lieutenant (then Second
Lieutenant) Schreiber's patrol came under a devastating machine-gun
and automatic weapons attack from a numerically superior enemy force.
The initial burst of fire killed two men and wounded another. He
repeatedly exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire to position his men
on line and direct their fire. With complete disregard for his own
safety, he crawled forward, through the intense enemy fire to bring
back a fellow comrade who was mortally wounded. When his radio
operator was wounded, First Lieutenant Schreiber took over the radio
and established communications and tended the wounded man. Hearing the
cries of the frenzied Viet Cong, he ordered his men to deliver full
automatic fire into the oncoming enemy hordes. Observing that he was
in the most advantageous position to throw hand grenades, he ordered
his men to pass their grenades to him, and standing upright, in full
view of the enemy, hurled grenade after grenade into the frenzied
enemy charge. Again, with complete disregard for his own safety, he
stood up to pinpoint his position, amidst the enemy fire, enabling
aircraft to bombard the enemy positions. He called in napalm and
strafing runs to within 25 meters of his position in an attempt to
neutralize the enemy force, which was trying to penetrate his
defensive position. For eight more hours, he directed earth-shattering
air support around his position, and the explosions from their
ordnance hurled his men to the ground. As the aircraft ordnance rocked
the enemy positions, an attempt was made for medical evacuation of the
casualties, but because of intense ground fire, he was forced to
expose himself to enemy fire to warn off approaching aircraft. As a
company-sized reaction force pushed forward into his position, he
directed their fire and advance upon the enemy positions. By his bold
initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, First
Lieutenant Schreiber was instrumental in defeating an estimated
battalion of North Vietnamese regulars, reflecting great credit upon
himself and the Marine Corps and upholding the finest traditions of
the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
SCHUNCK, HENRY M.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Battery D, 2d Battalion, 13th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: May 10, 1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Henry M. Schunck, Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Field Artillery
Batteryman with Battery D, Second Battalion, Thirteenth Marines, First
Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 May
1968, Corporal Schunck was a member of a detachment of two howitzers
at the United States Army Special Forces camp at Ngok Tavak in Quang
Tin Province. In the early morning hours, the camp was attacked by a
reinforced North Vietnamese Army battalion which attempted to overrun
the hill-top position. Corporal Schunck unhesitatingly left his
covered post adjacent to the command bunker and moved under intense
fire to the 4.2-inch mortar emplacement in the center of the compound.
Although wounded in the leg by grenade fragments en route, he
resolutely continued to the mortar position and attempted to deliver
mortar fire single-handedly. Suddenly, he was attacked by a North
Vietnamese soldier armed with a flamethrower. Reacting instantly,
Corporal Schunck mortally wounded the enemy with accurate rifle fire
and then left the mortar emplacement to assist a comrade who had been
wounded while attempting to reach the mortar. After moving the
casualty to a covered position, he shifted to the 81-mm. mortar, and
with the aid of a companion, directed a heavy volume of fire against
the attackers, inflicting several casualties as they launched a
concentrated attack on his position. Although wounded a second time by
grenade fragments, he selflessly disregarded his painful injuries in
order to continue bringing effective fire to bear against the hostile
force until his supply of ammunition was expended. Leaving the
emplacement, he moved along his unit's defenses, distributing
ammunition and moving casualties to the Fire Direction Center bunker
for treatment. Throughout the remainder of the engagement, until the
enemy had been repulsed, he continued to move along the defensive
lines, encouraging and directing his companions. Then, weakened from
his wounds and near exhaustion, he accepted evacuation. By his
uncommon courage, unfaltering determination, and selfless devotion to
duty at great personal risk, Corporal Schunck upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
SCOTT, DONALD W.
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: September 18, 1966
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Donald W. Scott, Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Company D, First
Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced),
Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 September 1966.
As the company approached the village of Gia Binh, the point was taken
under attack and sustained many casualties; the platoon commander was
killed. After surveying the situation, Sergeant Scott reacted quickly
and alertly and without regard for his own personal safety as he moved
forward to aid the fallen men. Subjected to intense fire from enemy
automatic small-arms directed upon the wounded men, Sergeant Scott, on
six separate occasions, courageously worked his way up through the
hail of enemy fire and retrieved his dead and wounded comrades. When
he himself was painfully wounded, he refused medical attention and
went back to retrieve the last of his dead men. On his last trip into
the village he was again wounded, but continued on beyond the point
required by duty and succeeded in recovering the body of a fellow
Marine. Through his daring and courageous actions in the face of
almost certain death, and while seriously wounded, Sergeant Scott
personally saved the lives of three Marines, and recovered the bodies
of three of his fallen comrades. By his daring initiative, valiant
fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Scott
reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
SEE, ROGER D.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company A, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: June 8, 1969
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Roger D. See, Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action as a Patrol Leader with
Company A, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division
(Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during combat operations against the
enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 June 1969, while his six-man
reconnaissance team was establishing an observation post, Corporal See
observed two enemy soldiers in proximity to the Marine position and
took them under fire. During the exchange of fire both enemy soldiers
were wounded, one of whom was captured by Corporal See. With the enemy
force now in close pursuit, Corporal See picked up the wounded
prisoner and began carrying him to the helicopter extraction site.
During this action, he was wounded in the thigh, but managed to regain
his feet and continue toward the extraction site. When another Marine
coming to his assistance was seriously wounded, Corporal See remained
in a dangerously exposed position to treat his companion's wounds and
to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in a futile effort to save
the man's life. After his comrade succumbed to his wounds, Corporal
See seized the grenade launcher the Marine had been carrying and
delivered covering fire for his men. When he had expended all the
grenades, he utilized his rifle and a weapon dropped by an enemy
soldier until he had fired every round available, and then painfully
maneuvered to join his team on the hill. As the unit attempted to
attain the crest, the Marines were subjected to intense fire from a
bunker position. Corporal See crawled across an exposed area and
silenced the fire by dropping a fragmentation grenade through an
aperture at the top of the position. When an extraction helicopter
arrived on station and approached for a landing, intensified fire from
hostile positions around the hill forced the pilot to lift off. Until
the early morning hours of the following day when a successful
extraction became possible, Corporal See, despite the pain of his
wound, continually patrolled the defensive perimeter to encourage his
men, ascertain their welfare and direct their fire. By his courage,
valiant leadership, and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of
seemingly overwhelming odds, he contributed significantly to the
accomplishment of his unit's intelligence mission and upheld the
highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval
Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
SEXTON, CHARLES T.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
3d Force Reconnaissance Company, III Marine Amphibious Force
Date of Action: February 5, 1970
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Charles T. Sexton, Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Radio
Operator with the Third Force Reconnaissance Company, Third Marine
Amphibious Force, in connection with combat operations against the
enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 February 1970, Corporal Sexton
was a member of a six-man reconnaissance team which was patrolling
deep in the A Shau Valley when it came under a heavy volume of small
arms and automatic weapons fire from approximately fifty enemy
soldiers occupying well-concealed emplacements in the dense elephant
grass. During the initial moments of the attack, three Marines were
mortally wounded and two were seriously wounded. After a rapid
assessment of the precarious situation, Corporal Sexton directed the
fire of his two wounded companions and moved about the fire-swept area
to collect hand grenades and ammunition from his fallen comrades.
Utilizing his radio, he then reported the situation to his commanding
officer and requested assistance. For the next several hours, while
the enemy attempted to encircle and overrun his position, Corporal
Sexton repeatedly adjusted helicopter and fixed-wing air strikes on
the hostile unit, hurled hand grenades, shouted encouragement to his
wounded companions, and simultaneously furnished a running commentary
to his company commander until a reaction force arrived to lend
support. His heroic and determined actions were an inspiration to all
who served with him and undoubtedly saved his fellow Marines from
further serious injury or even death. By his courage, superb
leadership, and valiant devotion to duty in the face of grave personal
danger, Corporal Sexton upheld the highest traditions of the Marine
Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
SEXTON, HARRY E.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 367 (HML-367), Marine Aircraft Group
16 (MAG-16), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
Date of Action: September 11, 1970
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Harry E. Sexton, Lieutenant Colonel,
U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as
Commanding Officer of Marine Light Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED
SIXTY-SEVEN (HML-367), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN, First Marine
Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy
in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 September 1970, Lieutenant Colonel
Sexton launched as Flight Leader of a flight of nine helicopters
assigned the mission of inserting a friendly force into a mountainous
area deep in enemy-controlled territory which was heavily defended by
enemy antiaircraft weapons. Shortly after arriving over the designated
area, the entire flight came under an extremely heavy volume of enemy
fire, damaging each of the gunships and the lead transport. Lieutenant
Colonel Sexton maneuvered his aircraft on repeated rocket and strafing
runs and led his flight in delivering such devastatingly effective
strikes upon the hostile positions that the enemy fire was suppressed
sufficiently to enable the friendly force to be safely inserted. By 13
September, the ground unit had sustained approximately twenty
casualties while heavily engaged with a North Vietnamese Army force
and requested an emergency extraction. Returning to the beleaguered
unit, Lieutenant Colonel Sexton braved the intense hostile fire as he
skillfully coordinated the extraction efforts of twenty-two Marine and
United States Army and Air Force aircraft which resulted in the safe
medical evacuation of all of the casualties and the extraction of the
crew of one of the transports which was forced to land in a nearby
open area when severely damaged by enemy fire. When it became apparent
the following day that the ground force required an immediate
extraction, Lieutenant Colonel Sexton expertly directed the laying
down of smoke screens and the rocket and strafing runs of his gunship
helicopters, thereby enabling the transports to enter the dangerous
area and safely extract the friendly force. Although his helicopter
was seriously damaged by hostile fire, he resolutely remained in the
battle area until his extraction mission was completed and then
skillfully maneuvered his crippled aircraft to safety. By his
dauntless courage, superb airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty
in the face of great personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Sexton upheld
the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States
Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
SEXTON, MERLYN A.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Company I, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: June 19 - July 8, 1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Merlyn A. Sexton, Captain, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer,
Company I, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division
(Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations
against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 19 June to 8 July
1968. Captain Sexton was assigned to defend a ridgeline overlooking
National Route One approximately 2,000 meters southeast of the Khe
Sanh Combat Base. Despite sporadic mortar and artillery attacks, he
established a strong perimeter, developed a fire plan, and conducted
offensive patrols throughout the surrounding area. On the night of 30
June, when his position came under attack by a numerically superior
North Vietnamese Army force supported by rocket, artillery, and mortar
fire, Captain Sexton quickly directed well coordinated supporting arms
fire against the hostile positions and consolidated his perimeter.
When the enemy penetrated a sector of the protective wire, he
fearlessly moved to the point of heaviest contact, rallied his men,
and directed their fire against the enemy. Disregarding his own
safety, he skillfully adjusted highly accurate artillery fire around
the perimeter, forcing the hostile force to break contact and
withdraw. Throughout the night, Captain Sexton continued to direct
supporting arms fire against the retreating enemy and, on the
following morning, dispatched patrols to search out and destroy hidden
hostile positions. During the day, he adjusted air strikes by
helicopter gunships and fixed-wing aircraft against the enemy's
withdrawal routes until assured that his vital position was secure.
His sustained heroism in the face of a numerically superior,
determined North Vietnamese Army force inspired all who observed him
and contributed immeasurably to his unit accounting for 212 North
Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed and 77 weapons seized. By his
courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty at
great personal risk, Captain Sexton upheld the highest traditions of
the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*SHERMAN, ANDREW MARCO
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company E, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: August 8, 1966
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Andrew Marco Sherman, Second
Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon
Commander, Second Platoon, Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth
Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force,
northwest of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 8
August 1966. In carrying out its assigned mission of assisting in the
evacuation of a reconnaissance team which was surrounded by North
Vietnamese, Second Lieutenant Sherman's platoon was attacked on two
sides in great strength and rapidly encircled; heavy automatic weapons
fire and grenades inflicted fifty percent casualties upon them. With
the North Vietnamese force threatening to overrun the position, Second
Lieutenant Sherman, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved
about through extremely heavy rifle and automatic weapons fire in full
view of the enemy, directing the fire fight and giving encouragement
to his men. The viciousness of the assault by the North Vietnamese
pushed the defenders into tenuous secondary positions. Second
Lieutenant Sherman, undeterred by the five-to-one odds, rallied his
remaining men and led a counterattack back across forty meters of
open, fire-swept terrain, and regained the original positions. By this
time, the force had suffered sixty percent casualties and the
situation was deteriorating rapidly. Repeated attempts at evacuation
were thwarted by the loss of four helicopters. Second Lieutenant
Sherman bravely continued to move from position to position deploying
his weapon, and shouting orders and words of encouragement until he
was mortally wounded. By his valiant leadership, outstanding courage,
and stirring example in the face of tremendous odds, he inspired his
men and gave them the spirit to repulse the enemy and crush the
attack. His steadfast devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Doylestown, Ohio
*SIPPLE, CONRAD ALAN
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company C, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: March 5, 1966
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Conrad Alan Sipple, Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Squad Leader with Company
C, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division
(Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 5
March 1966. The company was engaged in operations against insurgent
communist forces in the vicinity of An Tuyet, Quang Ngai Province,
when Corporal Sipple's platoon came under extremely heavy small-arms
and automatic weapons fire from Viet Cong forces entrenched on a
commanding ridgeline. Numerous casualties were inflicted on the
platoon and many fell in areas exposed to annihilating fire. With full
knowledge of the hazards involved and with complete disregard for his
own safety, Corporal Sipple braved the fierce, hostile fire repeatedly
to assist in the evacuation of wounded Marines. Oblivious to the
unrelenting fusillade of automatic weapons fire, he braved the storm
alone on two occasions to assist wounded comrades to safety. On two
other occasions he returned into the vicious enemy fire to assist
others in the evacuation of seriously wounded comrades who had to be
carried bodily from the extremely hazardous area. On his fourth sally
into the furious hail of enemy fire he was mortally wounded. Through
his outstanding initiative and inspiring valor in the face of great
personal risk he saved his comrades from further injury or possible
loss of life. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Salem, Indiana
*SIROUSA, MICHAEL ANGELO
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: February 12, 1970
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Michael Angelo Sirousa, Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a
Squad Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First
Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with
combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12
February 1970, Company C was moving as a reaction force to support
another Marine unit which was heavily engaged in combat with a hostile
force in Quang Nam Province. While moving across a stream, the point
squad came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from an
enemy unit well entrenched on the opposite bank, wounding several
Marines and pinning the squad down on a sandbar in the middle of the
stream. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Sirousa skillfully
maneuvered his squad to firing positions along the river bank and
directed the delivery of maximum fire at the enemy positions.
Realizing that the amount of fire delivered by Marines along the bank
was insufficient to suppress the hostile fire, he gathered as many
hand grenades as he could carry and rushed across the stream in a
valiant one-man assault on the enemy positions. Firing his rifle and
hurling hand grenades, he continued his gallant efforts, despite the
concentration of hostile fire directed at him, until he was mortally
wounded. His dauntless fighting spirit inspired all who observed him
and was greatly instrumental in the defeat of the enemy. By his
courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Private
First Class Sirousa 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.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
*SKIBBE, DAVID WILLIAM
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
FMF
Date of Action: March 2, 1970
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to David William Skibbe, Second
Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving
as a Platoon Commander with Company C, First Reconnaissance Battalion,
First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection
with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.
On 2 March 1970, while Second Lieutenant Skibbe was leading a patrol
deep in enemy-controlled territory, the team came under a heavy volume
of fire from a large hostile force. During the initial moments of the
engagement, Second Lieutenant Skibbe observed a wounded man fall in a
forward position, and unhesitatingly placed himself between the
casualty and enemy soldiers to deliver intense covering fire which
forced the enemy momentarily to break contact and enabled the Marines
to move the wounded man to a more secure location. While the radio
operator was requesting fixed-wing air support, the enemy launched a
ground assault in an attempt to overrun the Marine position. Despite
the hostile rounds impacting around him, Second Lieutenant Skibbe
exposed himself to the enemy fire to direct the defensive activities
of his men and, while thus engaged, was severely wounded in the ankle.
Although suffering intense pain and unable to walk, he nevertheless
skillfully directed the bombing and strafing runs of supporting
aircraft with such accuracy that the hostile soldiers broke contact
and retreated, thereby enabling a medical evacuation helicopter to
come to a safe hover overhead. As Second Lieutenant Skibbe was being
hoisted toward the aircraft, the hoist apparatus sustained a
malfunction, and he was mortally injured when he fell to the ground.
His heroic and determined actions throughout this mission contributed
significantly to the defeat of the numerically superior enemy force.
By his courage, valiant leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in
the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant Skibbe upheld the
highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Des Plaines, Illinois
SKWERES, JEFF C.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group
16 (MAG-16), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
Date of Action: June 1, 1970
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Jeff C. Skweres, Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Marine Medium
Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine
Aircraft Group SIXTEEN, First Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with
combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the
evening of 1 June 1970, Corporal Skweres launched as an Aerial Gunner
aboard a transport helicopter assigned the medical evacuation of
several Marine casualties who had been extensively wounded by enemy
mines. Arriving over the designated location, he observed that, when
the tall elephant grass was parted by the downdraft from the rotor
blades, the entire field was literally seeded with mines. Despite this
extreme hazard, Corporal Skweres unhesitatingly volunteered to execute
a bold and imaginative plan whereby he would be lowered on the hoist,
wait on the spot while a wounded man was lifted to the aircraft and
then board the hoist to be moved to where the next casualty lay. For
approximately an hour, Corporal Skweres valiantly moved from one
stricken man to another in performing his rescue mission. With the
fall of darkness, it was necessary to utilize the exterior lights to
aid in his examination of the casualties and he thus became a
vulnerable target for automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade
fire which enemy soldiers delivered from several different directions.
Undaunted by this additional adversity, he steadfastly continued his
determined efforts with calm deliberation until all casualties had
been embarked and the transport helicopter was directed toward the
nearest medical facilities at Da Nang. By his courage, inspiring
initiative, and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave
personal danger, Corporal Skweres was instrumental in accomplishing an
extremely dangerous lifesaving mission and upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
SLATER, ALBERT C., JR.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: July 6 - 7, 1967
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Albert C. Slater, Jr., Captain, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer, Company
A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced),
Fleet Marine Force, during Operation BUFFALO in the Republic of
Vietnam on 6 - 7 July 1967. In command of both Companies A and C,
Captain Slater moved his forces into a strategic position north of Con
Thien. Shortly before dark, the companies came under extremely heavy
barrages of enemy artillery and mortars. During the barrages, Captain
Slater fearlessly maneuvered his command into a perimeter where it
could counter the attack he was certain would come. With full
knowledge of the hazards involved, he ignored the heavy barrages of
enemy artillery and personally checked each position to insure that
they were secure. When the attack came, by an estimated two battalions
of the North Vietnamese Army, Captain Slater unhesitatingly moved to
an exposed position where he could properly control the situation. He
repeatedly exposed himself to the withering enemy fire in order to
better observe the air and artillery support he coordinated for his
now surrounded command. For six hours, Captain Slater, with complete
disregard for his own personal safety and with full composure and
presence of mind, moved from one exposed position to another, giving
encouragement and directing the men of his command. He aggressively
employed all available fire and personally led his men in hand-to-hand
combat through extremely dense underbrush which reduced the action to
a man-to-man struggle. Throughout the entire night, Captain Slater,
although constantly exposed to enemy artillery, mortars, grenades, and
small-arms fire, was always at a strategic point of contact directing
his unit and encouraging his men. By his courage, tenacity, and
outstanding leadership, Captain Slater brought stability to an
otherwise untenable situation, which resulted in at least two hundred
North Vietnamese regulars killed with small losses to his command.
Captain Slater's daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face
of great personal risk reflected great credit upon himself and the
Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States
Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
SLATER, ROBERT M. S.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Staff Advisor (Republic of Vietnam),
Date of Action: January 5 - 11, 1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Robert M. S. Slater, First Lieutenant,
U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Staff Advisor, U.S.
Marine Corps, in the Republic of Vietnam from 5 to 11 January 1968.
Lieutenant Slater, at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call
of duty, volunteered to undertake a hazardous mission into enemy
territory to gather vital intelligence. On 6 January he was inserted
for the first time and successfully brought back essential
intelligence. Due to the success of his first mission, he volunteered
to go back a second time for additional information. With full
knowledge of the continuing possibility of imminent capture or death,
he returned again into enemy territory and brought back a great amount
of invaluable intelligence. With great courage, he returned for a
third and final mission. Although his chances for survival were slim
he again successfully brought back the vitally needed intelligence.
Lieutenant Slater's extraordinary heroism resulted in extremely heavy
materiel damage and personnel casualties to the enemy and led to the
saving of many American and South Vietnamese lives, both military and
civilian. His courageous actions and loyal devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United
States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*SLEIGH, DUNCAN BALFOUR
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company M, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: November 6, 1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Duncan Balfour Sleigh, Second
Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a platoon
commander in Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in Quang Nam Province,
Republic of Vietnam, on 6 November 1968. The company advanced in a
sweep operation south of Hill 55 where it encountered a large North
Vietnamese Army force and sustained heavy casualties at the first
bitter engagement. The well entrenched enemy kept the company pinned
down with rocket propelled grenades and heavy small-arms and
automatic- weapons fire, making evacuation of casualties a hazardous
chore. As the company pressed the attack, the wounded and dead were
moved toward the rear where Second Lieutenant Sleigh was directing the
establishment of a landing zone. Taking charge of the critical
situation, Second Lieutenant Sleigh strategically deployed his men to
return suppressive fire and at the same time maintained control of the
evacuation. Two helicopter landings were attempted, and on the second
effort a rocket propelled grenade landed near the wounded who were
being treated. Observing the danger to the wounded, Second Lieutenant
Sleigh crawled to one casualty and lay huddled over him as a shield
when another rocket propelled grenade landed less than a meter away,
instantly killing Second Lieutenant Sleigh. He thus absorbed most of
the shock with his body, not only saving the life of one Marine, but
also preventing injury to others near him. His valiant leadership and
courageous fighting spirit inspired all the men of the company who
observed his last brave act. Second Lieutenant Sleigh's heroism
reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Marblehead, Massachusetts
SLIBY, DENNIS M.
Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: March 30, 1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Dennis M. Sliby, Lance Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Fire Team
Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March
1968, during Operation HOUSTON, Corporal Sliby's company deployed into
defensive positions around several vital bridges in the Phu Bai area.
Early the following morning, the company command post, located at the
Troui River Bridge in Phu Loc District, came under a heavy mortar and
rocket attack followed by a ground assault by two North Vietnamese
army companies. Without hesitation, Corporal Sliby rallied his fire
team and directed a heavy volume of accurate fire against the enemy.
In the ensuing attack, he aggressively maneuvered his men from one
position to another in an effort to seize a bunker which had been
overrun by the enemy. As he was moving his team into a position to
deliver fire into the emplacement, the enemy threw a grenade which
landed among his men. With complete disregard for his own life,
Corporal Sliby covered the grenade with his body, shielding his
companions from the blast. Even though critically wounded, he shouted
words of encouragement to his men and directed them into a secure
position before crawling, unassisted, to the platoon command post for
aid. His timely and selfless actions inspired all who observed him and
undoubtedly saved the lives of his men. By his extraordinary courage,
bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal
risk, Corporal Sliby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps
and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
SMITH, RAY L.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Advisor (Attached), Vietnamese Marine Corps
Date of Action: April 1, 1972
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Ray L. Smith, Captain, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism during the period 30 March to 1 April
1972 while serving as advisor to a Vietnamese Command group numbering
approximately 250 Vietnamese Marines located on a small hilltop
outpost in the Republic of Vietnam. With the Command Group repulsing
several savage enemy assaults, and subjected to a continuing hail of
fire from an attacking force estimated to be of two-battalion
strength, Captain Smith repeatedly exposed himself to the heavy fire
while directing friendly air support. When adverse weather conditions
precluded further close air support, he attempted to lead the group,
now reduced to only 28 Vietnamese Marines, to the safety of friendly
lines. An enemy soldier opened fire upon the Marines at the precise
moment that they had balked when encountering an outer defensive ring
of barbed wire. Captain Smith returned accurate fire, disposing of the
attacker, and then threw himself backwards on top of the
booby-trap-infested wire barrier. Swiftly, the remaining Marines moved
over the crushed wire, stepping on Captain Smith's prostrate body,
until all had passed safely through the barrier. Although suffering
severe cuts and bruises, Captain Smith succeeded in leading the
Marines to the safety of friendly lines. His great personal valor and
unrelenting devotion to duty reflected the highest credit upon
himself, the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*SNYDER, STEPHEN FRANCIS
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company F, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: August 23 - 24, 1966
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Stephen Francis Snyder, Second
Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon
Commander, Third Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines,
Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Thon
Son Lam area, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 and 24
August 1966. Volunteering to attempt to relieve a trapped platoon,
Second Lieutenant Snyder unhesitatingly led his platoon in a daring
night march through unfamiliar, dense, enemy-infested jungle terrain.
Upon arrival at the besieged platoon's position, he fearlessly took a
small group into the trap to assist in evacuating wounded from the
enemy-dominated location. Though met with a deadly hail of enemy
grenades and small-arms fire, he managed to direct the evacuation of
two wounded under the cover of darkness. For the next two hours, with
complete disregard for his own safety, he selflessly exposed himself
to intense fire while he directed suppressive fires which delayed the
enemy assault. When the North Vietnamese finally attacked at dawn,
Second Lieutenant Snyder heroically led his platoon in a determined
counterattack in an effort to protect the trapped men. Undeterred by
the murderous enemy grenade barrages and automatic weapons and sniper
fire, he courageously led his men forward until he was mortally
wounded. Second Lieutenant Snyder's stirring example, exceptional
leadership, and marked courage were the determining factor in breaking
the enemy assault and saved the lives of the trapped Marines. His
great personal valor reflected great credit upon himself and was in
keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United
States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Sunbury, Pennsylvania
*SOLIZ, THOMAS
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company A, 1st Amphibibian Tractor Battalion, 3d Marine Division
(Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: September 6, 1967
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Thomas Soliz, Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Radio Operator
with Company A, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Third Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in Quang Tri Province in
the Republic of Vietnam on 6 September 1967. While on patrol, the
Third Platoon of Company A was suddenly attacked by a numerically
superior North Vietnamese Army force. Observing his Platoon Commander
wounded and the platoon sustaining heavy casualties from a withering
enemy fire of automatic, small-arms and antitank weapons, Corporal
Soliz, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran about
twenty-five meters through extremely heavy fire to climb aboard an
amphibian tractor to man a machine gun. Knowing the safety of the
platoon and outcome of the battle depended on his platoon gaining fire
superiority, he unhesitatingly proceeded to place a heavy volume of
well-aimed fire on the enemy which enabled the platoon to gain fire
superiority, deploy to better defensive positions and evacuate several
seriously wounded Marines to amphibian tractors where they could be
treated. As he was delivering his devastating fire into the enemy, he
was severely wounded by enemy fire which rendered him unconscious.
Before assistance could arrive, Corporal Soliz was hit again and
mortally wounded. Corporal Soliz's concern for the other members of
his platoon coupled with his keen professional skill and unfaltering
dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Bakersfield, California
*SPARK, MICHAEL MELVIN
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding Officer, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: January 15, 1969
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Michael Melvin Spark, Colonel, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding
Officer, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet
Marine Force, in connection with operations against enemy forces in
the Republic of Vietnam on 15 January 1969. During a multi-battalion
search and clear operation in the vicinity of An Hoa, Colonel Spark
exhibited outstanding courage and presence of mind in the midst of
violent combat action. While commanding a bold, highly imaginative,
mobile operation in the mountainous terrain, Colonel Spark directed an
assault against heavily fortified enemy positions. After ensuring that
his men were properly positioned, Colonel Spark went airborne, by the
use of a helicopter, to observe and direct the operation. During the
process of the operation, it was necessary for the helicopter to
descend, and as the helicopter hovered over the landing zone, which
had been hastily cut out of the jungle, the enemy took the aircraft
under automatic-weapons fire. Despite the enemy fire, he defiantly
continued the personal direction of his men until finally the
helicopter was hit and caused to crash. As the helicopter impacted,
the enemy continued firing upon it, killing all the occupants.
Throughout the entire operation, Colonel Spark placed requirements for
full and direct support of his combat elements above any concern for
his own personal safety. He spent the majority of his time with his
forward-most units in order to effectively control the action. This
enabled him to maximize exploitation of many situations, and served as
an inspiration to the officers and enlisted Marines of his command. By
his intrepid fighting spirit, daring initiative, and unswerving
dedication to duty, Colonel Spark upheld the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: New York, New York
*SPICER, JONATHAN NATHANIEL
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Company C, 3d Medical Battalion, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: March 8, 1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Jonathan Nathaniel Spicer, Private
First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while
serving with Company C, Third Medical Battalion, Third Marine Division
(Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 8
March 1968. During an intense enemy rocket, mortar and artillery
attack against the Khe Sanh Combat Base, Private Spicer unhesitatingly
volunteered to serve as a stretcher bearer and assisted in embarking
the numerous casualties aboard transport helicopters for evacuation.
Completely disregarding his own safety, he continued to expedite the
loading of the wounded aboard the aircraft, despite the increasing
intensity of the attack, and was the last man to seek shelter in a
bunker at the edge of the air strip. Observing a mortar round
exploding near an evacuation helicopter loaded with casualties, he
unhesitatingly left his position of relative safety to assist the
wounded who were unable to move from their exposed position. Moments
later, another round exploded within a few feet of Private Spicer,
seriously wounding him, as he shielded a Marine from the blast with
his own body. Unable to walk, he warned his comrades to remain in
their protective positions while he attempted to crawl from the
hazardous area to safety by himself. His selfless actions undoubtedly
prevented serious injury or possible death to his fellow Marines and
were an inspiration to all who observed him. By his dauntless courage,
unfaltering determination and selfless devotion to duty at great risk,
Private Spicer upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and
the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Miami, Florida
*SRSEN, STEVE ALBERT
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Company A, 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: January 27, 1967
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Steve Albert Srsen, Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Rifleman
while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Third Marines, Third
Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of
Vietnam on 27 January 1967. Private First Class Srsen was with the
First Platoon, Company A, when it was engaged in action as a reaction
force assigned to link up with a reconnaissance patrol. Early the next
morning following the linkup, Private First Class Srsen's squad came
under heavy small-arms fire and grenade attack. When an enemy grenade
landed in his squad's position, Private First Class Srsen warned three
other members of the squad, allowing them to take cover and escape
injury. Wounded in his right side and leg from the grenade, Private
First Class Srsen, after being treated by a Corpsman requested
permission to return to his position in the perimeter. Approximately
thirty minutes later another enemy grenade landed close to another
Marine and Private First Class Srsen gallantly pushed him to the
ground, thereby saving his life. Mortally wounded by the exploding
grenade, Private First Class Srsen, by his dauntless courage and grave
concern for another had risked his life to save that of a fellow
Marine, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps
and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for
his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: San Lorenzo, California
*ST. CLAIR, CLARENCE H., JR.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: August 28, 1969
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Clarence H. St. Clair, Jr., Corporal,
U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad
Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 August
1969, while Company K was conducting a search and destroy operation in
Quang Nam Province, the lead platoon was pinned down by small arms,
automatic weapons, and antiaircraft fire from enemy soldiers concealed
in well-camouflaged emplacements. Directed to assist the pinned-down
element, Corporal St. Clair deployed his men to the point of heaviest
contact and instantly came under intense fire. Observing two principal
sources of hostile fire, he directed two of his fire teams to provide
covering fire while he maneuvered his third team toward the enemy
emplacements. While crawling toward their objective, the men were
seriously wounded by enemy grenades. Quick to act, Corporal St. Clair
began crawling through the enemy cross fire toward the first objective
and had advanced only five meters when he was severely injured by the
detonation of another grenade. Recovering quickly, he pressed his
advance until he was close enough to the enemy bunker to hurl a
grenade through its aperture, destroying the position and its
occupants. Although suffering intense pain, he valiantly continued in
the direction of the second objective and, while thus engaged, was
mortally wounded. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and
unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger,
Corporal St. Clair contributed significantly to the accomplishment of
his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine
Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Pensacola, Florida
STAHL, MYKLE E.
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company K, 3d Battalion, 26th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: January 21, 1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Mykle E. Stahl, Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon Sergeant, 4.2 Mortar
Platoon attached to Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines,
Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in
connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of
Vietnam on 21 January 1968. While maintaining a combat outpost on Hill
861, the Company came under enemy mortar, rocket, and ground attack.
After the defensive positions on the southwest side of the hill were
penetrated by enemy sappers, Captain (then Sergeant) Stahl, although
having received shrapnel wounds, led eight Marines from the 4.2 Mortar
Section and advanced up the trenchline to make contact with the Third
Platoon. Realizing that by now the enemy forces were manning the
bunkers in the trenchline, he launched a one man assault while other
Marines provided a base of fire, thus enabling several wounded Marines
to be evacuated. As he advanced further up the trenchline, Captain
Stahl encountered three enemy soldiers who tried to capture him.
Although receiving bayonet wounds and having his M-16 rifle
malfunction during the struggle, he killed two of the enemy soldiers
while another Marine fatally wounded the third. Captain Stahl then
picked up an AK A-47 assault rifle and continued up the trenchline and
assaulted the third bunker, killing three and capturing three enemy
soldiers. Linking up with the Third Platoon, the trenchline was
consolidated and evacuation of wounded Marines was completed. Captain
Stahl then moved to a .50 caliber machine gun and, although wounded
for the third time, continued directing suppressive fire into the
attacking enemy forces. By his bold courage and steadfast dedication,
Captain Stahl reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps,
and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
STARRETT, EDWARD F.
Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company G, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: December 9, 1970
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Edward F. Starrett, Lance Corporal,
U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Mortar
Gunner with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the
early morning hours of 9 December 1970, while occupying a position in
defense of a hamlet in Que Son District of Quang Nam Province, a unit
of Marines and Regional Forces soldiers came under ground attack by a
large North Vietnamese Army force supported by intense mortar and
rocket-propelled grenade fire. During the initial moments of the
assault, Lance Corporal Starrett was wounded when an enemy mortar
damaged the bunker in which he was located. Although momentarily
stunned, he recovered quickly and ran across the fire-swept terrain to
his mortar position. As he commenced firing illumination rounds, a
grenade landed in the pit he occupied, but he escaped further injury
by quickly diving out of the emplacement. Returning to his gun, he
found it inoperable and also observed that some of the hostile
soldiers had penetrated the defensive perimeter. Observing one of the
enemy preparing to hurl a hand grenade at the communications center,
he prevented this action with an accurate burst of fire. Lance
Corporal Starrett then commenced firing at the advancing enemy
soldiers and immediately became a target for enemy grenades. Although
wounded again, he continued his vigorous defense of the position,
accounting for two more hostile soldiers and preventing further
penetration at that point. Later, he stood in full view of the enemy,
and seemingly oblivious to the grenades detonating around him, fired
round after round into the attacking unit. Sustaining numerous
casualties, the enemy was forced to retreat. By his courage,
aggressive fighting spirit, and unfaltering devotion to duty in the
face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Starrett was greatly
instrumental in repelling a determined enemy force and upheld the
highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval
Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
*STEWART, MICHAEL EDWARD
Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: May 13, 1967
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Michael Edward Stewart, Lance Corporal,
U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving
as an Anti-tank Assaultman with the Second Platoon, Company A, First
Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet
Marine Force, on 13 May 1967 in Quang Tri Province, Republic of
Vietnam. During a search and clear operation in the village of Phu An,
Lance Corporal Stewart's company came under heavy small arms, machine
gun and mortar fire from a well entrenched North Vietnamese Regular
force, estimated at company strength. At the outset, several Marines
were killed and others wounded in an area affording them little or no
cover from the deadly accurate fire which felled them. Realizing that
these Marines could not return unassisted to safety, Lance Corporal
Stewart unhesitatingly, with full knowledge of the hazards involved
and of the great risk of his own life, left his relatively safe
position and crawled alone over fifty meters through open area to were
the wounded lay helpless. One man was shot in the face and could not
see. With uncommon calmness and bravery and while constantly exposing
himself to the withering fire which continued to deplete his company's
ranks, he calmed the man and guided him through the hail of bullets to
safety. Again, ignoring the deadly accurate fire which had halted his
company's advance, he returned to the field where others lay wounded.
While dragging a second casualty to the rear, the man was again
wounded. Lance Corporal Stewart steadfastly refused to leave the twice
wounded Marine. As he daringly continued through the enemy fire toward
safety, he was mortally wounded. Through his valiant spirit of
self-sacrifice in the face of great personal risk, Lance Corporal
Stewart saved one Marine from almost certain death and gave his own
life helping another. His bold initiative, unswerving devotion to duty
and courageous efforts inspired all who observed him and were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United
States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
Home Town: Culpepper, Virginia
STOCKMAN, ROBERT D.
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
3d Military Police Battalion, Force Logistic Command, FMF
Date of Action: January 14, 1970
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Robert D. Stockman, Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Scout Dog
Handler with the Third Military Police Battalion, Force Logistic
Command, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the
Republic of Vietnam. On 14 January 1970, Sergeant Stockman accompanied
a platoon on a mission to search a designated village for North
Vietnamese Army soldiers and equipment. As the platoon neared its
objective, the lead element was pinned down by a heavy volume of
automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an enemy
company occupying a well-fortified bunker complex. After rapidly
assessing the situation, Sergeant Stockman tied his dog in a covered
location, rushed across fifty meters of open area, and charged the
nearest hostile emplacement, silencing the fire from that sector.
Directing a companion to provide covering fire, Sergeant Stockman and
another Marine maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain and attacked
and destroyed the remaining bunker. At this time, the platoon came
under intense fire from two other directions. Observing a wounded man
fall in an open area, Sergeant Stockman unhesitatingly ran to his
side, picked him up, and carried him to a covered location. When a
medical transportation helicopter approached a pick-up site, the
hostile fire immediately increased in intensity, delaying the landing.
Seizing the initiative, Sergeant Stockman rallied the other members of
the platoon and led an aggressive assault on the enemy force which
forced it into a disorganized retreat, leaving behind two mortally
wounded soldiers. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and
inspiring devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger,
Sergeant Stockman contributed significantly to the defeat of a
numerically superior enemy force and upheld the highest traditions of
the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
STUCKEY, JAMES L.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company C, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: July 6, 1967
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to James L. Stuckey, Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Fire Team Leader with Company C,
First Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced),
Fleet Marine Force, in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam on 6
July 1967. While in a defensive position and surrounded by a large
North Vietnamese Army force, Corporal (then Lance Corporal) Stuckey's
fire team occupied a strategic point on the company's right flank.
During one heavy attack, three enemy grenades landed in the fire
team's position. Completely disregarding his own safety, Corporal
Stuckey unhesitatingly picked up the grenades and hurled them back
toward the enemy. As he was throwing the third grenade, it exploded
severing his right hand. Despite the painful wound, he steadfastly
refused to abandon his position, and courageously continued to fight
and encourage his men. Although he evacuated one of his wounded men,
Corporal Stuckey refused to seek aid for himself and staunchly
repulsed the furious onslaught throughout the night, accepting
treatment only when the enemy had withdrawn the following morning. His
valiant leadership and courageous fighting spirit served to inspire
the men in his platoon to heroic endeavor in repelling the enemy, and
reflected the highest credit upon himself and the Marine Corps. By his
heroic conduct and fearless devotion to duty, Corporal Stuckey upheld
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
SULLIVAN, DANIEL F., JR.
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Company L, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: April 11, 1966
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Daniel F. Sullivan, Jr., Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Machine Gun
Team Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third
Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of
Vietnam. On the night of 11 April 1966, Corporal Sullivan and his team
were assigned to set up an ambush outside the hamlet of Nam Pho Ha in
Phu Loc District in conjunction with Operation GOLDEN FLEECE II.
Several Viet Cong were allowed to proceed within five feet of the
Marines' machine gun before they were brought under fire. As two of
the enemy fell in front of the machine gun, a grenade was thrown into
Corporal Sullivan's position. With complete disregard for his own
life, he leaped on the grenade and covered it with his body. Rolling
onto his back and still clutching the sputtering grenade to his body,
he hurled it upward and away from the Marines. Before it touched the
ground, the grenade exploded harmlessly about six feet in front of the
position. His valiant effort doubtlessly saved his three comrades from
death or severe injury. By his gallant concern for his fellow Marines
in the face of almost certain death, Corporal Sullivan upheld the
highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval
Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals
SULLIVAN, GEORGE R.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)
Company L, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: March 17, 1967
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to George R. Sullivan, First Lieutenant,
U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving
as a Platoon Commander with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth
Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in
the Republic of Vietnam on 17 March 1967 during Operation PRAIRIE II.
While on a search and clear mission in the vicinity of Dong Ha in the
Quang Tri Province, Second Lieutenant Sullivan's platoon was
approaching a suspected Viet Cong controlled village when it came
under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a well
concealed enemy force of estimated battalion size. After skillfully
employing his men in order to bring a heavy volume of fire on the
enemy positions, Second Lieutenant Sullivan observed an enemy
automatic weapon to his front and realizing the necessity of
neutralizing the well-fortified position, he courageously moved across
open fire-swept terrain to within ten meters of the Viet Cong
emplacement and silenced the enemy weapon with a grenade. After he had
directed a machine gun team into a forward position to deliver
suppressive fire at the enemy, he observed that the team's weapon had
malfunctioned. Unhesitatingly he moved through concentrated enemy fire
to the team's location and cleared the weapon. Meanwhile, another
machine gun team had begun moving their weapon forward, but both
Marines were wounded and fell in an area exposed to enemy fire.
Courageously, Second Lieutenant Sullivan again disregarded the heavy
enemy fire and unmindful of his own personal safety, moved to their
position and carried them to a defiladed area, undoubtedly saving
their lives. Later, while moving among his men, encouraging them and
directing their fire, he was painfully wounded in his shoulder, arm
and both legs. Although unable to move, he continued to direct the
actions of his platoon while requesting air support, medical
evacuation for the wounded and a re-supply of ammunition, and only
after reinforcements had arrived, under the cover of darkness, did he
allow himself to be evacuated. By his intrepid fighting spirit,
selfless courage, bold initiative and unswerving devotion to duty at
great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Sullivan reflected great credit
upon himself, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps
and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals