Born: April 14, 1945 Corporal, United States Marine Corps Service# 2100631
B CO, 1ST ANTITANK BATTALION, 1ST MARINE DIVISION, III MARINE AMPHIBIOUS FORCE
Home or Place of Enlistment: Boise, Idaho Killed in Action: June 4, 1966 Location: Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam
NAVY PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
THE PRESIDENT of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the
FIRST MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED), FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION: For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces in the Republic of Vietnam, from 29 March 1966 to 15 September 1967. Throughout this period, the First Marine Division (Reinforced), operating in the northern provinces of Quang Ngai, Quang Tin, and Quang Nam, superbly executed the threefold mission of seeking out and destroying the enemy, defending key airfields and routes of communication, and conducting a dynamic pacification and revolutionary development program. Operating in the defense of the Chu Lai area, which grew from 254 square miles in March 1966 to 1,531 square miles by October 1966, the Division extended protection and pacification to over one million Vietnamese without loss of continuity in operations. In canopied jungles, rugged mountains, and through swampy lowlands, the war was carried to the enemy. During eighty-seven major operations conducted in conjunction with 158,000 patrols, the Division soundly defeated the determined adversary. The major offensive operations carried out against entrenched and fortified forces, captured tons of rice and emancipated complete villages of the Vietnamese, while defensive actions resulted in a harvest of 7,620 tons of rice gathered by approximately 10,000 Vietnamese villagers, protected by Marine Forces. In March 1967 the Division deployed units to the Demilitarized Zone while continuing to expand its general offensive and maintain continuous pressure against the enemy. During the entire period, combat operations were made meaningful by simultaneous pacification and revolutionary development programs, which were extraordinary in concept, and brilliant in execution. The First Marine Division's unrelenting combat spirit and initiative, undeterred by intensive enemy fire, monsoon rains, and incessant heat, inflicted massive losses on the enemy and denied him the political and military victories he sought to achieve. By their effective teamwork, aggressive fighting spirit, and many individual acts of personal heroism and daring, the personnel of the First Marine Division forged an illustrious record of sustained courage and professional competence, which reflected great credit upon the Marine Corps and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
LYNDON B. JOHNSON
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM GALLANTRY CROSS UNIT CITATION
The award of the Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm by the Republic of Vietnam to HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND and its subordinate units for service in Vietnam from 8 February 1962 to 28 March 1973.
CITATION: HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND and its subordinate units performed splendidly in the Republic of Vietnam from 8 February 1962 to 28 March 1973. It advised and supported the Vietnamese Army, Navy and Air Force while enhancing their combat capabilities, allowing for the successful completion of important and continuing search and destroy military operations. These actions resulted in the annihilation or routing of regular, large size North Vietnamese Army units by Republic of Vietnam troops. Aside from its combat-related support role, the UNITED STATES MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND contributed toward the establishment and modernization of critical military bases, assuring that the varied and many construction programs were being accomplished. Additionally, this American force greatly assisted the South Vietnamese people in the realization of a higher standard of living through its medical and civil action programs for war victims, refugees, troops, orphans, and widows. Most noteworthy was the monumental efforts put forth by the UNITED STATES MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND in the Vietnamization Program, resulting in a smooth and efficient transfer of military bases and equipment to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. The result of such laudable actions by this group of dedicated individuals has been the installation of a proud and confident spirit in the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces which will allow for the continuation of a determined effort to hold back the Communist aggressor and assuring that this Southeast Asian country survives in a free and democratic atmosphere. The remarkable proficiency and devotion to duty displayed by members of the UNITED STATES MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.