VIETNAM WAR
MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
(C-D)
*N.B. An asterisk in the
citation indicates that the award was given posthumously.
*CAPODANNO, VINCENT R.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, Chaplain Corps, 3d
Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date:
Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 4 September 1967. Entered service
at: Staten Island, N.Y. Born: 13 February 1929, Staten Island, N.Y.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty as Chaplain of the 3d Battalion, in
connection with operations against enemy forces. In response to reports that
the 2d Platoon of M Company was in danger of being overrun by a massed enemy
assaulting force, Lt. Capodanno left the relative safety of the company
command post and ran through an open area raked with fire, directly to the
beleaguered platoon. Disregarding the intense enemy small-arms,
automatic-weapons, and mortar fire, he moved about the battlefield
administering last rites to the dying and giving medical aid to the wounded.
When an exploding mortar round inflicted painful multiple wounds to his arms
and legs, and severed a portion of his right hand, he steadfastly refused
all medical aid. Instead, he directed the corpsmen to help their wounded
comrades and, with calm vigor, continued to move about the battlefield as he
provided encouragement by voice and example to the valiant marines. Upon
encountering a wounded corpsman in the direct line of fire of an enemy
machine gunner positioned approximately 15 yards away, Lt. Capodanno rushed
a daring attempt to aid and assist the mortally wounded corpsman. At that
instant, only inches from his goal, he was struck down by a burst of machine
gun fire. By his heroic conduct on the battlefield, and his inspiring
example, Lt. Capodanno upheld the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.
*CARON, WAYNE MAURICE
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy,
Headquarters and Service Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine
Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of
Vietnam, 28 July 1968. Entered service at: Boston, Mass. Born: 2 November
1946, Middleboro, Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as
platoon corpsman with Company K, during combat operations against enemy
forces. While on a sweep through an open rice field HC3c. Caron's unit
started receiving enemy small arms fire. Upon seeing 2 marine casualties
fall, he immediately ran forward to render first aid, but found that they
were dead. At this time, the platoon was taken under intense small-arms and
automatic weapons fire, sustaining additional casualties. As he moved to the
aid of his wounded comrades, HC3c. Caron was hit in the arm by enemy fire.
Although knocked to the ground, he regained his feet and continued to the
injured marines. He rendered medical assistance to the first marine he
reached, who was grievously wounded, and undoubtedly was instrumental in
saving the man's life. HC3c. Caron then ran toward the second wounded
marine, but was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg. Nonetheless,
he crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid for this severely
wounded man. HC3c. Caron started to make his way to yet another injured
comrade, when he was again struck by enemy small-arms fire. Courageously and
with unbelievable determination, HC3c. Caron continued his attempt to reach
the third marine until he was killed by an enemy rocket round. His inspiring
valor, steadfast determination and selfless dedication in the face of
extreme danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
*CARTER, BRUCE W.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company H,
2d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date:
Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 7 August 1969. Entered service at:
Jacksonville, Fla. Born: 7 May 1950, Schenectady, N.Y. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty while serving as grenadier with Company H in
connection with combat operations against the enemy. Pfc. Carter's unit was
maneuvering against the enemy during Operation Idaho Canyon and came under a
heavy volume of fire from a numerically superior hostile force. The lead
element soon became separated from the main body of the squad by a brush
fire. Pfc. Carter and his fellow marines were pinned down by vicious
crossfire when, with complete disregard for his safety, he stood in full
view of the North Vietnamese Army soldiers to deliver a devastating volume
of fire at their positions. The accuracy and aggressiveness of his attack
caused several enemy casualties and forced the remainder of the soldiers to
retreat from the immediate area. Shouting directions to the marines around
him, Pfc. Carter then commenced leading them from the path of the rapidly
approaching brush fire when he observed a hostile grenade land between him
and his companions. Fully aware of the probable consequences of his action
but determined to protect the men following him, he unhesitatingly threw
himself over the grenade, absorbing the full effects of its detonation with
his body. Pfc. Carter's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and
selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps
and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his
country .
CAVAIANI, JON R.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Vietnam Training
Advisory Group, Republic of Vietnam. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 4
and 5 June 1971. Entered service at: Fresno, Calif. Born: 2 August 1943,
Royston, England. Citation: S/Sgt. Cavaiani distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond
the call of duty in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 and 5 June 1971
while serving as a platoon leader to a security platoon providing security
for an isolated radio relay site located within enemy-held territory. On the
morning of 4 June 1971, the entire camp came under an intense barrage of
enemy small arms, automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade and mortar
fire from a superior size enemy force. S/Sgt. Cavaiani acted with complete
disregard for his personal safety as he repeatedly exposed himself to heavy
enemy fire in order to move about the camp's perimeter directing the
platoon's fire and rallying the platoon in a desperate fight for survival.
S/Sgt. Cavaiani also returned heavy suppressive fire upon the assaulting
enemy force during this period with a variety of weapons. When the entire
platoon was to be evacuated, S/Sgt. Cavaiani unhesitatingly volunteered to
remain on the ground and direct the helicopters into the landing zone.
S/Sgt. Cavaiani was able to direct the first 3 helicopters in evacuating a
major portion of the platoon. Due to intense increase in enemy fire, S/Sgt.
Cavaiani was forced to remain at the camp overnight where he calmly directed
the remaining platoon members in strengthening their defenses. On the
morning of S June, a heavy ground fog restricted visibility. The superior
size enemy force launched a major ground attack in an attempt to completely
annihilate the remaining small force. The enemy force advanced in 2 ranks,
first firing a heavy volume of small arms automatic weapons and
rocket-propelled grenade fire while the second rank continuously threw a
steady barrage of hand grenades at the beleaguered force. S/Sgt. Cavaiani
returned a heavy barrage of small arms and hand grenade fire on the
assaulting enemy force but was unable to slow them down. He ordered the
remaining platoon members to attempt to escape while he provided them with
cover fire. With 1 last courageous exertion, S/Sgt. Cavaiani recovered a
machine gun, stood up, completely exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire
directed at him, and began firing the machine gun in a sweeping motion along
the 2 ranks of advancing enemy soldiers. Through S/Sgt. Cavaiani's valiant
efforts with complete disregard for his safety, the majority of the
remaining platoon members were able to escape. While inflicting severe
losses on the advancing enemy force, S/Sgt. Cavaiani was wounded numerous
times. S/Sgt. Cavaiani's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism and
intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, were
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect
great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
CLAUSEN, RAYMOND M.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Marine
Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Croup 16, 1st Marine
Aircraft Wing. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 31 January 1970. Entered
service at: New Orleans, La. Born: 14 October 1947, New Orleans, La.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Marine Medium
Helicopter Squadron 263 during operations against enemy forces.
Participating in a helicopter rescue mission to extract elements of a
platoon which had inadvertently entered a minefield while attacking enemy
positions, Pfc. Clausen skillfully guided the helicopter pilot to a landing
in an area cleared by 1 of several mine explosions. With 11 marines wounded,
1 dead, and the remaining 8 marines holding their positions for fear of
detonating other mines, Pfc. Clausen quickly leaped from the helicopter and,
in the face of enemy fire, moved across the extremely hazardous mine laden
area to assist in carrying casualties to the waiting helicopter and in
placing them aboard. Despite the ever-present threat of further mine
explosions, he continued his valiant efforts, leaving the comparatively safe
area of the helicopter on 6 separate occasions to carry out his rescue
efforts. On 1 occasion while he was carrying 1 of the wounded, another mine
detonated, killing a corpsman and wounding 3 other men. Only when he was
certain that all marines were safely aboard did he signal the pilot to lift
the helicopter. By the courageous, determined and inspiring efforts in the
face of the utmost danger, Pfc. Clausen upheld the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service.
*COKER, RONALD L.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company M,
3d Battalion, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Quang Tri
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 24 March 1969. Entered service at: Denver,
Colo. Born: 9 August 1947, Alliance, Colo. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company M in action against enemy
forces. While serving as point man for the 2d Platoon, Pfc. Coker was
leading his patrol when he encountered 5 enemy soldiers on a narrow jungle
trail. Pfc. Coker's squad aggressively pursued them to a cave. As the squad
neared the cave, it came under intense hostile fire, seriously wounding 1
marine and forcing the others to take cover. Observing the wounded man lying
exposed to continuous enemy fire, Pfc. Coker disregarded his safety and
moved across the fire-swept terrain toward his companion. Although wounded
by enemy small-arms fire, he continued to crawl across the hazardous area
and skillfully threw a hand grenade into the enemy positions, suppressing
the hostile fire sufficiently to enable him to reach the wounded man. As he
began to drag his injured comrade toward safety, a grenade landed on the
wounded marine. Unhesitatingly, Pfc. Coker grasped it with both hands and
turned away from his wounded companion, but before he could dispose of the
grenade it exploded. Severely wounded, but undaunted, he refused to abandon
his comrade. As he moved toward friendly lines, 2 more enemy grenades
exploded near him, inflicting still further injuries. Concerned only for the
safety of his comrade, Pfc. Coker, with supreme effort continued to crawl
and pull the wounded marine with him. His heroic deeds inspired his fellow
marines to such aggressive action that the enemy fire was suppressed
sufficiently to enable others to reach him and carry him to a relatively
safe area where he succumbed to his extensive wounds. Pfc. Coker's
indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty
upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
*CONNOR, PETER S.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company F, 2d
Battalion, 3d Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date:
Quang Nag Province, Republic of Vietnam, 25 February 1966. Entered service
at: South Orange, NJ. Born: 4 September 1932, Orange, N.J. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy Viet Cong
forces at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Leading
his platoon on a search and destroy operation in an area made particularly
hazardous by extensive cave and tunnel complexes, S/Sgt. Connor maneuvered
his unit aggressively forward under intermittent enemy small-arms fire.
Exhibiting particular alertness and keen observation, he spotted an enemy
spider hole emplacement approximately 15 meters to his front. He pulled the
pin from a fragmentation grenade intending to charge the hole boldly and
drop the missile into its depths. Upon pulling the pin he realized that the
firing mechanism was faulty, and that even as he held the safety device
firmly in place, the fuse charge was already activated. With only precious
seconds to decide, he further realized that he could not cover the distance
to the small opening of the spider hole in sufficient time, and that to hurl
the deadly bomb in any direction would result in death or injury to some of
his comrades tactically deployed near him. Manifesting extraordinary
gallantry and with utter disregard for his personal safety, he chose to hold
the grenade against his body in order to absorb the terrific explosion and
spare his comrades. His act of extreme valor and selflessness in the face of
virtually certain death, although leaving him mortally wounded, spared many
of his fellow marines from death or injury. His gallant action in giving his
life in the cause of freedom reflects the highest credit upon the Marine
Corps and the Armed Forces of the United States.
*COOK, DONALD GILBERT
Rank and organization: Colonel, United States Marine Corps, Prisoner of
War by the Viet Cong in the Republic of Vietnam. Place and date: Vietnam, 31
December 1964 to 8 December, 1967. Entered Service at: Brooklyn, New York.
Date and place of birth: 9 August 1934, Brooklyn New York. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty while interned as a Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong
in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 31 December 1964 to 8 December
1967. Despite the fact that by so doing he would bring about harsher
treatment for himself, Colonel (then Captain) Cook established himself as
the senior prisoner, even though in actuality he was not. Repeatedly
assuming more than his share of their health, Colonel Cook willingly and
unselfishly put the interests of his comrades before that of his own
well-being and, eventually, his life. Giving more needy men his medicine and
drug allowance while constantly nursing them, he risked infection from
contagious diseases while in a rapidly deteriorating state of health. This
unselfish and exemplary conduct, coupled with his refusal to stray even the
slightest from the Code of Conduct, earned him the deepest respect from not
only his fellow prisoners, but his captors as well. Rather than negotiate
for his own release or better treatment, he steadfastly frustrated attempts
by the Viet Cong to break his indomitable spirit. and passed this same
resolve on to the men whose well-being he so closely associated himself.
Knowing his refusals would prevent his release prior to the end of the war,
and also knowing his chances for prolonged survival would be small in the
event of continued refusal, he chose nevertheless to adhere to a Code of
Conduct far above that which could be expected. His personal valor and
exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death reflected
the highest credit upon Colonel Cook, the Marine Corps, and the United
States Naval Service.
*CREEK, THOMAS E.
Rank and organization: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company I, 3d
Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Near
Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam, 13 February. 1969. Entered service at:
Amarillo, Texas. Born 7 April 1950, Joplin, Mo. Citation:: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company 1 in action against enemy
forces. L/Cpl. Creek's squad was providing security for a convoy moving to
resupply the Vandegrift Command Base when an enemy command detonated mine
destroyed 1 of the vehicles and halted the convoy near the Cam Lo
Resettlement Village. Almost immediately, the marines came under a heavy
volume of hostile mortar fire followed by intense small-arms fire from a
well-concealed enemy force. As his squad deployed to engage the enemy,
L/Cpl. Creek quickly moved to a fighting position and aggressively engaged
in the fire fight. Observing a position from which he could more effectively
deliver fire against the hostile forces. he completely disregarded his own
safety as he fearlessly dashed across the fire-swept terrain and was
seriously wounded by enemy fire. At the same time, an enemy grenade was
thrown into the gully where he had fallen, landing between him and several
companions. Fully realizing the inevitable results of his action, L/Cpl.
Creek rolled on the grenade and absorbed the full force of the explosion
with his body, thereby saving the lives of 5 of his fellow marines. As a
result of his heroic action, his men were inspired to such aggressive action
that the enemy was defeated and the convoy was able to continue its vital
mission. L/Cpl. Creek's indomitable courage, inspired the Marine Corps and
the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
*CRESCENZ, MICHAEL J.
Rank and Organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company A, 4th Battalion,
31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Place and date:
Hiep Duc Valley area, Republic of Vietnam, 20 November 1968. Entered service
at: Philadelphia, PA. Born: 14 January 1949, Philadelphia, Pa. Citation:
Cpl. Crescenz distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action while serving as a rifleman with Company A. In the morning his
unit engaged a large, well-entrenched force of the North Vietnamese Army
whose initial burst of fire pinned down the lead squad and killed the 2
point men, halting the advance of Company A. Immediately, Cpl. Crescenz left
the relative safety of his own position, seized a nearby machine gun and,
with complete disregard for his safety, charged 100 meters up a slope toward
the enemy's bunkers which he effectively silenced, killing the 2 occupants
of each. Undaunted by the withering machine gun fire around him, Cpl.
Crescenz courageously moved forward toward a third bunker which he also
succeeded in silencing, killing 2 more of the enemy and momentarily clearing
the route of advance for his comrades. Suddenly, intense machine gun fire
erupted from an unseen, camouflaged bunker. Realizing the danger to his
fellow soldiers, Cpl. Crescenz disregarded the barrage of hostile fire
directed at him and daringly advanced toward the position. Assaulting with
his machine gun, Cpl. Crescenz was within 5 meters of the bunker when he was
mortally wounded by the fire from the enemy machine gun. As a direct result
of his heroic actions, his company was able to maneuver freely with minimal
danger and to complete its mission, defeating the enemy. Cpl. Crescenz's
bravery and extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life are in the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his
unit, and the U.S. Army.
*CUTINHA, NICHOLAS J.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 4th
Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Gia Dinh, Republic of Vietnam, 2 March 1968. Entered service at: Coral
Gables, Fla. Born: 13 January 1945, Fernandina Beach, Fla. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. While serving as a machine gunner with
Company C, Sp4c. Cutinha accompanied his unit on a combat mission near Gia
Dinh. Suddenly his company came under small arms, automatic weapons, mortar
and rocket propelled grenade fire, from a battalion size enemy unit. During
the initial hostile attack, communication with the battalion was lost and
the company commander and numerous members of the company became casualties.
When Sp4c. Cutinha observed that his company was pinned down and
disorganized, he moved to the front with complete disregard for his safety,
firing his machine gun at the charging enemy. As he moved forward he drew
fire on his own position and was seriously wounded in the leg. As the
hostile fire intensified and half of the company was killed or wounded,
Sp4c. Cutinha assumed command of all the survivors in his area and initiated
a withdrawal while providing covering fire for the evacuation of the
wounded. He killed several enemy soldiers but sustained another leg wound
when his machine gun was destroyed by incoming rounds. Undaunted, he crawled
through a hail of enemy fire to an operable machine gun in order to continue
the defense of his injured comrades who were being administered medical
treatment. Sp4c. Cutinha maintained this position, refused assistance, and
provided defensive fire for his comrades until he fell mortally wounded. He
was solely responsible for killing 15 enemy soldiers while saving the lives
of at least 9 members of his own unit. Sp4c. Cutinha's gallantry and
extraordinary heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
U.S. Army.
*DAHL, LARRY G.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, 359th
Transportation Company, 27th Transportation Battalion, U.S. Army Support
Command. Place and date: An Khe, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 23
February 1971. Entered service at: Portland, Oreg. Born: 6 October 1949,
Oregon City, Oreg. Citation: Sp4c. Dahl distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a machine gunner on a gun truck
near An Khe, Binh Dinh Province. The gun truck in which Sp4c. Dahl was
riding was sent with 2 other gun trucks to assist in the defense of a convoy
that had been ambushed by an enemy force. The gun trucks entered the battle
zone and engaged the attacking enemy troops with a heavy volume of machine
gun fire, causing a large number of casualties. After a brief period of
intense fighting the attack subsided. As the gun trucks were preparing to
return to their normal escort duties, an enemy hand grenade was thrown into
the truck in which Sp4c. Dahl was riding. Instantly realizing the great
danger, Sp4c. Dahl called a warning to his companions and threw himself
directly onto the grenade. Through his indomitable courage, complete
disregard for his safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers,
Sp4c. Dahl saved the lives of the other members of the truck crew while
sacrificing his own. Sp4c. Dahl's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary
heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call
of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit on himself, his unit and the U.S. Army.
*DAVIS, RODNEY MAXWELL
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Nam
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 6 September 1967. Entered service at: Macon,
Ga. Born: 7 April 1942, Macon, Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as the right guide of the 2d Platoon, Company B, in action against
enemy forces. Elements of the 2d Platoon were pinned down by a numerically
superior force of attacking North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Remnants of the
platoon were located in a trench line where Sgt. Davis was directing the
fire of his men in an attempt to repel the enemy attack. Disregarding the
enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire, Sgt.
Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them
while firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. When an enemy
grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sgt. Davis, realizing
the gravity of the situation, and in a final valiant act of complete
self-sacrifice, instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his
body the full and terrific force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary
initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, Sgt.
Davis saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life, enabled his
platoon to hold its vital position, and upheld the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country.
DAVIS, SAMMY L.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Battery C, 2d Battalion, 4th
Artillery, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: West of Cai Lay, Republic
of Vietnam, 18 November 1967. Entered service at: Indianapolis, Ind. Born: 1
November 1946, Dayton, Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty.
Sgt. Davis (then Pfc.) distinguished himself during the early morning hours
while serving as a cannoneer with Battery C, at a remote fire support base.
At approximately 0200 hours, the fire support base was under heavy enemy
mortar attack. Simultaneously, an estimated reinforced Viet Cong battalion
launched a fierce ground assault upon the fire support base. The attacking
enemy drove to within 25 meters of the friendly positions. Only a river
separated the Viet Cong from the fire support base. Detecting a nearby enemy
position, Sgt. Davis seized a machine gun and provided covering fire for his
guncrew, as they attempted to bring direct artillery fire on the enemy.
Despite his efforts, an enemy recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit
upon the artillery piece. The resultant blast hurled the guncrew from their
weapon and blew Sgt. Davis into a foxhole. He struggled to his feet and
returned to the howitzer, which was burning furiously. Ignoring repeated
warnings to seek cover, Sgt. Davis rammed a shell into the gun. Disregarding
a withering hail of enemy fire directed against his position, he aimed and
fired the howitzer which rolled backward, knocking Sgt. Davis violently to
the ground. Undaunted, he returned to the weapon to fire again when an enemy
mortar round exploded within 20 meters of his position, injuring him
painfully. Nevertheless, Sgt. Davis loaded the artillery piece, aimed and
fired. Again he was knocked down by the recoil. In complete disregard for
his safety, Sgt. Davis loaded and fired 3 more shells into the enemy.
Disregarding his extensive injuries and his inability to swim, Sgt. Davis
picked up an air mattress and struck out across the deep river to rescue 3
wounded comrades on the far side. Upon reaching the 3 wounded men, he stood
upright and fired into the dense vegetation to prevent the Viet Cong from
advancing. While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across the
river, Sgt. Davis protected the 2 remaining casualties until he could pull
them across the river to the fire support base. Though suffering from
painful wounds, he refused medical attention, joining another howitzer crew
which fired at the large Viet Cong force until it broke contact and fled.
Sgt. Davis' extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life, are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself and the U.S. Army.
DAY, GEORGE E.
Rank and organization: Colonel (then Major), U.S. Air Force, Forward Air
Controller Pilot of an F-100 aircraft. Place and date: North Vietnam, 26
August 1967. Entered service at: Sioux City, Iowa. Born: 24 February 1925,
Sioux City, Iowa. Citation: On 26 August 1967, Col. Day was forced to eject
from his aircraft over North Vietnam when it was hit by ground fire. His
right arm was broken in 3 places, and his left knee was badly sprained. He
was immediately captured by hostile forces and taken to a prison camp where
he was interrogated and severely tortured. After causing the guards to relax
their vigilance, Col. Day escaped into the jungle and began the trek toward
South Vietnam. Despite injuries inflicted by fragments of a bomb or rocket,
he continued southward surviving only on a few berries and uncooked frogs.
He successfully evaded enemy patrols and reached the Ben Hai River, where he
encountered U.S. artillery barrages. With the aid of a bamboo log float,
Col. Day swam across the river and entered the demilitarized zone. Due to
delirium, he lost his sense of direction and wandered aimlessly for several
days. After several unsuccessful attempts to signal U.S. aircraft, he was
ambushed and recaptured by the Viet Cong, sustaining gunshot wounds to his
left hand and thigh. He was returned to the prison from which he had escaped
and later was moved to Hanoi after giving his captors false information to
questions put before him. Physically, Col. Day was totally debilitated and
unable to perform even the simplest task for himself. Despite his many
injuries, he continued to offer maximum resistance. His personal bravery in
the face of deadly enemy pressure was significant in saving the lives of
fellow aviators who were still flying against the enemy. Col. Day's
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed
Forces.
*DE LA GARZA, EMILIO A., JR.
Rank and organization: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d
Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Near Da Nang,
Republic of Vietnam, 11 April 1970. Entered service at: Chicago, 111. Born:
23 June 1949, East Chicago, Ind. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a machine gunner with Company E. Returning with his squad from a
night ambush operation, L/Cpl. De La Garza joined his platoon commander and
another marine in searching for 2 enemy soldiers who had been observed
fleeing for cover toward a small pond. Moments later, he located 1 of the
enemy soldiers hiding among the reeds and brush. As the 3 marines attempted
to remove the resisting soldier from the pond, L/Cpl. De La Garza observed
him pull the pin on a grenade. Shouting a warning, L/Cpl. De La Garza placed
himself between the other 2 marines and the ensuing blast from the grenade,
thereby saving the lives of his comrades at the sacrifice of his life. By
his prompt and decisive action, and his great personal valor in the face of
almost certain death, L/Cpl. De La Garza upheld and further enhanced the
finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.
DETHLEFSEN, MERLYN HANS
Rank and organization: Major (then Capt.), U.S. Air Force. Place and
date: In the air over North Vietnam, 10 March 1967. Entered service at:
Royal, Iowa. Born: 29 June 1934, Greenville, Iowa. Citation: Maj. Dethlefsen
was 1 of a flight of F-105 aircraft engaged in a fire suppression mission
designed to destroy a key antiaircraft defensive complex containing
surface-to-air missiles (SAM), an exceptionally heavy concentration of
antiaircraft artillery, and other automatic weapons. The defensive network
was situated to dominate the approach and provide protection to an important
North Vietnam industrial center that was scheduled to be attacked by fighter
bombers immediately after the strike by Maj. Dethlefsen's flight. In the
initial attack on the defensive complex the lead aircraft was crippled, and
Maj. Dethlefsen's aircraft was extensively damaged by the intense enemy
fire. Realizing that the success of the impending fighter bomber attack on
the center now depended on his ability to effectively suppress the defensive
fire, Maj. Dethlefsen ignored the enemy's overwhelming firepower and the
damage to his aircraft and pressed his attack. Despite a continuing hail of
antiaircraft fire, deadly surface-to-air missiles, and counterattacks by MIG
interceptors, Maj. Dethlefsen flew repeated close range strikes to silence
the enemy defensive positions with bombs and cannon fire. His action in
rendering ineffective the defensive SAM and antiaircraft artillery sites
enabled the ensuing fighter bombers to strike successfully the important
industrial target without loss or damage to their aircraft, thereby
appreciably reducing the enemy's ability to provide essential war material.
Maj. Dethlefsen's consummate skill and selfless dedication to this
significant mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S.
Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his
country.
*DEVORE, EDWARD A., Jr.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 4th
Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Saigon, Republic of Vietnam, 17 March 1968. Entered service at: Harbor City,
Calif. Born: 15 June 1947, Torrance, Calif. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty. Sp4c. DeVore, distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on the afternoon of 17 March 1968, while serving as a
machine gunner with Company B, on a reconnaissance-in-force mission
approximately 5 kilometers south of Saigon. Sp4c. DeVore's platoon, the
company's lead element, abruptly came under intense fire from automatic
weapons, Claymore mines, rockets and grenades from well-concealed bunkers in
a nipa palm swamp. One man was killed and 3 wounded about 20 meters from the
bunker complex. Sp4c. DeVore raced through a hail of fire to provide a base
of fire with his machine gun, enabling the point element to move the wounded
back to friendly lines. After supporting artillery, gunships and air strikes
had been employed on the enemy positions, a squad was sent forward to
retrieve their fallen comrades. Intense enemy frontal and enfilading
automatic weapons fire pinned down this element in the kill zone. With
complete disregard for his personal safety, Sp4c. DeVore assaulted the enemy
positions. Hit in the shoulder and knocked down about 35 meters short of his
objectives, Sp4c. DeVore, ignoring his pain and the warnings of his fellow
soldiers, jumped to his feet and continued his assault under intense hostile
fire. Although mortally wounded during this advance, he continued to place
highly accurate suppressive fire upon the entrenched insurgents. By drawing
the enemy fire upon himself, Sp4c. DeVore enabled the trapped squad to
rejoin the platoon in safety. Sp4c. DeVore's extraordinary heroism and
devotion to duty in close combat were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 39th
Infantry, and the U.S. Army.
*DIAS, RALPH E.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, 3d
Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein)
FMF. Place and date: Que Son Mountains, Republic of Vietnam, 12 November
1969. Entered service at: Pittsburgh, Pa. Born: 15 July 1950, Shelocta,
Indiana County, Pa. Citation: As a member of a reaction force which was
pinned down by enemy fire while assisting a platoon in the same
circumstance, Pfc. Dias, observing that both units were sustaining
casualties, initiated an aggressive assault against an enemy machine gun
bunker which was the principal source of hostile fire. Severely wounded by
enemy snipers while charging across the open area, he pulled himself to the
shelter of a nearby rock. Braving enemy fire for a second time, Pfc. Dias
was again wounded. Unable to walk, he crawled 15 meters to the protection of
a rock located near his objective and, repeatedly exposing himself to
intense hostile fire, unsuccessfully threw several hand grenades at the
machine gun emplacement. Still determined to destroy the emplacement, Pfc.
Dias again moved into the open and was wounded a third time by sniper fire.
As he threw a last grenade which destroyed the enemy position, he was
mortally wounded by another enemy round. Pfc. Dias' indomitable courage,
dynamic initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life in the service to his country.
*DICKEY, DOUGLAS E.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company C,
1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, 3d Marine
Division (Rein). Place and dale: Republic of Vietnam, 26 March 1967. Entered
service at: Cincinnati, Ohio. Born: 24 December 1946, Greenville, Darke,
Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty. While participating in Operation
Beacon Hill 1, the 2d Platoon was engaged in a fierce battle with the Viet
Cong at close range in dense jungle foliage. Pfc. Dickey had come forward to
replace a radio operator who had been wounded in this intense action and was
being treated by a medical corpsman. Suddenly an enemy grenade landed in the
midst of a group of marines, which included the wounded radio operator who
was immobilized. Fully realizing the inevitable result of his actions, Pfc.
Dickey, in a final valiant act, quickly and unhesitatingly threw himself
upon the deadly grenade, absorbing with his body the full and complete force
of the explosion. Pfc. Dickey's personal heroism, extraordinary valor and
selfless courage saved a number of his comrades from certain injury and
possible death at the cost of his life. His actions reflected great credit
upon himself, the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country.
DIX, DREW DENNIS
Rank and Organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, U.S. Senior Advisor
Group, IV Corps, Military Assistance Command. Place and date: Chau Doc
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 31 January and 1 February 1968. Entered
service at: Denver, Colo. Born: 14 December 1944, West Point, N.Y. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Dix distinguished himself by
exceptional heroism while serving as a unit adviser. Two heavily armed Viet
Cong battalions attacked the Province capital city of Chau Phu resulting in
the complete breakdown and fragmentation of the defenses of the city. S/Sgt.
Dix, with a patrol of Vietnamese soldiers, was recalled to assist in the
defense of Chau Phu. Learning that a nurse was trapped in a house near the
center of the city, S/Sgt. Dix organized a relief force, successfully
rescued the nurse, and returned her to the safety of the Tactical Operations
Center. Being informed of other trapped civilians within the city, S/Sgt.
Dix voluntarily led another force to rescue 8 civilian employees located in
a building which was under heavy mortar and small-arms fire. S/Sgt. Dix then
returned to the center of the city. Upon approaching a building, he was
subjected to intense automatic rifle and machine gun fire from an unknown
number of Viet Cong. He personally assaulted the building, killing 6 Viet
Cong, and rescuing 2 Filipinos. The following day S/Sgt. Dix, still on his
own volition, assembled a 20-man force and though under intense enemy fire
cleared the Viet Cong out of the hotel, theater, and other adjacent
buildings within the city. During this portion of the attack, Army Republic
of Vietnam soldiers inspired by the heroism and success of S/Sgt. Dix,
rallied and commenced firing upon the Viet Cong. S/Sgt. Dix captured 20
prisoners, including a high ranking Viet Cong official. He then attacked
enemy troops who had entered the residence of the Deputy Province Chief and
was successful in rescuing the official's wife and children. S/Sgt. Dix's
personal heroic actions resulted in 14 confirmed Viet Cong killed in action
and possibly 25 more, the capture of 20 prisoners, 15 weapons, and the
rescue of the 14 United States and free world civilians. The heroism of
S/Sgt. Dix was in the highest tradition and reflects great credit upon the
U.S. Army.
*DOANE, STEPHEN HOLDEN
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Hau Nghia
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 25 March 1969. Entered service at: Albany,
N.Y. Born: 13 October 1947, Beverely, Mass. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty. First Lt. Doane was serving as a platoon leader when his
company, engaged in a tactical operation, abruptly contacted an enemy force
concealed in protected bunkers and trenches. Three of the leading soldiers
were pinned down by enemy crossfire. One was seriously wounded. After
efforts of 1 platoon to rescue these men had failed, it became obvious that
only a small group could successfully move close enough to destroy the enemy
position and rescue or relieve the trapped soldiers, 1st Lt. Doane, although
fully aware of the danger of such an action, crawled to the nearest enemy
bunker and silenced it. He was wounded but continued to advance to a second
enemy bunker. As he prepared to throw a grenade, he was again wounded.
Undaunted, he deliberately pulled the pin on the grenade and lunged with it
into the enemy bunker, destroying this final obstacle. 1st Lt. Doane's
supreme act enabled his company to rescue the trapped men without further
casualties. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by this
officer were an inspiration to his men and are in the highest traditions of
the U.S. Army .
DOLBY, DAVID CHARLES
Rank and organization. Sergeant (then Sp4c.), U.S. Army, Company B, 1st
Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place
and date. Republic of Vietnam, 21 May 1966. Entered service at:
Philadelphia, Pa. Born: 14 May 1946, Norristown, Pa. G.O. No.: 45, 20
October 1967. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, when his platoon, while
advancing tactically, suddenly came under intense fire from the enemy
located on a ridge immediately to the front. Six members of the platoon were
killed instantly and a number were wounded, including the platoon leader.
Sgt. Dolby's every move brought fire from the enemy. However, aware that the
platoon leader was critically wounded, and that the platoon was in a
precarious situation, Sgt. Dolby moved the wounded men to safety and
deployed the remainder of the platoon to engage the enemy. Subsequently, his
dying platoon leader ordered Sgt. Dolby to withdraw the forward elements to
rejoin the platoon. Despite the continuing intense enemy fire and with utter
disregard for his own safety, Sgt. Dolby positioned able-bodied men to cover
the withdrawal of the forward elements, assisted the wounded to the new
position, and he, alone, attacked enemy positions until his ammunition was
expended. Replenishing his ammunition, he returned to the area of most
intense action, single-handedly killed 3 enemy machine gunners and
neutralized the enemy fire, thus enabling friendly elements on the flank to
advance on the enemy redoubt. He defied the enemy fire to personally carry a
seriously wounded soldier to safety where he could be treated and, returning
to the forward area, he crawled through withering fire to within 50 meters
of the enemy bunkers and threw smoke grenades to mark them for air strikes.
Although repeatedly under fire at close range from enemy snipers and
automatic weapons, Sgt. Dolby directed artillery fire on the enemy and
succeeded in silencing several enemy weapons. He remained in his exposed
location until his comrades had displaced to more secure positions. His
actions of unsurpassed valor during 4 hours of intense combat were a source
of inspiration to his entire company, contributed significantly to the
success of the overall assault on the enemy position, and were directly
responsible for saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. Sgt.
Dolby's heroism was in the highest tradition of the U.S. Army.
DONLON, ROGER HUGH C.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army. Place and date: Near Nam Dong,
Republic of Vietnam, 6 July 1964. Entered service at: Fort Chaffee, Ark.
Born: 30 January 1934, Saugerties, N.Y. G.O. No.: 41, 17 December 1964.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while defending a U.S. military
installation against a fierce attack by hostile forces. Capt. Donlon was
serving as the commanding officer of the U.S. Army Special Forces Detachment
A-726 at Camp Nam Dong when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly
launched a full-scale, predawn attack on the camp. During the violent battle
that ensued, lasting 5 hours and resulting in heavy casualties on both
sides, Capt. Donlon directed the defense operations in the midst of an enemy
barrage of mortar shells, falling grenades, and extremely heavy gunfire.
Upon the initial onslaught, he swiftly marshaled his forces and ordered the
removal of the needed ammunition from a blazing building. He then dashed
through a hail of small arms and exploding hand grenades to abort a breach
of the main gate. En route to this position he detected an enemy demolition
team of 3 in the proximity of the main gate and quickly annihilated them.
Although exposed to the intense grenade attack, he then succeeded in
reaching a 60mm mortar position despite sustaining a severe stomach wound as
he was within 5 yards of the gun pit. When he discovered that most of the
men in this gunpit were also wounded, he completely disregarded his own
injury, directed their withdrawal to a location 30 meters away, and again
risked his life by remaining behind and covering the movement with the
utmost effectiveness. Noticing that his team sergeant was unable to evacuate
the gun pit he crawled toward him and, while dragging the fallen soldier out
of the gunpit, an enemy mortar exploded and inflicted a wound in Capt.
Donlon's left shoulder. Although suffering from multiple wounds, he carried
the abandoned 60mm mortar weapon to a new location 30 meters away where he
found 3 wounded defenders. After administering first aid and encouragement
to these men, he left the weapon with them, headed toward another position,
and retrieved a 57mm recoilless rifle. Then with great courage and coolness
under fire, he returned to the abandoned gun pit, evacuated ammunition for
the 2 weapons, and while crawling and dragging the urgently needed
ammunition, received a third wound on his leg by an enemy hand grenade.
Despite his critical physical condition, he again crawled 175 meters to an
81mm mortar position and directed firing operations which protected the
seriously threatened east sector of the camp. He then moved to an eastern
60mm mortar position and upon determining that the vicious enemy assault had
weakened, crawled back to the gun pit with the 60mm mortar, set it up for
defensive operations, and turned it over to 2 defenders with minor wounds.
Without hesitation, he left this sheltered position, and moved from position
to position around the beleaguered perimeter while hurling hand grenades at
the enemy and inspiring his men to superhuman effort. As he bravely
continued to move around the perimeter, a mortar shell exploded, wounding
him in the face and body. As the long awaited daylight brought defeat to the
enemy forces and their retreat back to the jungle leaving behind 54 of their
dead, many weapons, and grenades, Capt. Donlon immediately reorganized his
defenses and administered first aid to the wounded. His dynamic leadership,
fortitude, and valiant efforts inspired not only the American personnel but
the friendly Vietnamese defenders as well and resulted in the successful
defense of the camp. Capt. Donlon's extraordinary heroism, at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of
the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of
his country.
DUNAGAN, KERN W.
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 46th
Infantry, Americal Division. Place and date: Quang Tin Province, Republic of
Vietnam, 13 May 1969. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 20
February 1934, Superior, Ariz. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Maj. (then Capt.) Dunagan distinguished himself during the period May
13 and 14, 1969, while serving as commanding officer, Company A. On May 13,
1969, Maj. Dunagan was leading an attack to relieve pressure on the
battalion's forward support base when his company came under intense fire
from a well-entrenched enemy battalion. Despite continuous hostile fire from
a numerically superior force, Maj. Dunagan repeatedly and fearlessly exposed
himself in order to locate enemy positions, direct friendly supporting
artillery, and position the men of his company. In the early evening, while
directing an element of his unit into perimeter guard, he was seriously
wounded during an enemy mortar attack, but he refused to leave the
battlefield and continued to supervise the evacuation of dead and wounded
and to lead his command in the difficult task of disengaging from an
aggressive enemy. In spite of painful wounds and extreme fatigue, Maj.
Dunagan risked heavy fire on 2 occasions to rescue critically wounded men.
He was again seriously wounded. Undaunted, he continued to display
outstanding courage, professional competence, and leadership and
successfully extricated his command from its untenable position on the
evening of May 14. Having maneuvered his command into contact with an
adjacent friendly unit, he learned that a 6-man party from his company was
under fire and had not reached the new perimeter. Maj. Dunagan
unhesitatingly went back and searched for his men. Finding 1 soldier
critically wounded, Maj. Dunagan, ignoring his wounds, lifted the man to his
shoulders and carried him to the comparative safety of the friendly
perimeter. Before permitting himself to be evacuated, he insured all of his
wounded received emergency treatment and were removed from the area.
Throughout the engagement, Maj. Dunagan's actions gave great inspiration to
his men and were directly responsible for saving the lives of many of his
fellow soldiers. Maj. Dunagan's extraordinary heroism above and beyond the
call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect
great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*DURHAM, HAROLD BASCOM, JR.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Battery C, 6th
Battalion, 15th Artillery, 1st Infantry Division . Place and date: Republic
of Vietnam, 17 October 1967. Entered service at: Atlanta, Ga. Born: 12
October 1942, Rocky Mount, N.C. Citation: 2d Lt. Durham, Artillery,
distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the cost
of his life above and beyond the call of duty while assigned to Battery C.
2d Lt. Durham was serving as a forward observer with Company D, 2d
Battalion, 28th Infantry during a battalion reconnaissance-in-force mission.
At approximately 1015 hours contact was made with an enemy force concealed
in well-camouflaged positions and fortified bunkers. 2d Lt. Durham
immediately moved into an exposed position to adjust the supporting
artillery fire onto the insurgents. During a brief lull in the battle he
administered emergency first aid to the wounded in spite of heavy enemy
sniper fire directed toward him. Moments later, as enemy units assaulted
friendly positions, he learned that Company A, bearing the brunt of the
attack, had lost its forward observer. While he was moving to replace the
wounded observer, the enemy detonated a Claymore mine, severely wounding him
in the head and impairing his vision. In spite of the intense pain, he
continued to direct the supporting artillery fire and to employ his
individual weapon in support of the hard pressed infantrymen. As the enemy
pressed their attack, 2d Lt. Durham called for supporting fire to be placed
almost directly on his position. Twice the insurgents were driven back,
leaving many dead and wounded behind. 2d Lt. Durham was then taken to a
secondary defensive position. Even in his extremely weakened condition, he
continued to call artillery fire onto the enemy. He refused to seek cover
and instead positioned himself in a small clearing which offered a better
vantage point from which to adjust the fire. Suddenly, he was severely
wounded a second time by enemy machine gun fire. As he lay on the ground
near death, he saw two Viet Cong approaching, shooting the defenseless
wounded men. With his last effort, 2d Lt. Durham shouted a warning to a
nearby soldier who immediately killed the insurgents. 2d Lt. Durham died
moments later, still grasping the radio handset. 2d Lt. Durham's gallant
actions in close combat with an enemy force are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself,
his unit, and the U.S. Army.
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