Born: June 3, 1948 Private First Class, United States Marine Corps Service# 2191224
F CO, 2ND BATTALION, 26TH MARINE REGIMENT, 3RD MARINE DIVISION, III MARINE AMPHIBIOUS FORCE
Home or Place of Enlistment: Boise, Idaho Killed in Action: September 19, 1966 Location:Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam
NAVY PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
THE PRESIDENT of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the
THIRD MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED)
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 8 March 1965 to 15 September 1967. Throughout this period, the Third Marine Division (Reinforced), operating in the five northernmost provinces of the Republic of Vietnam, successfully executed its three-fold mission of occupying and defending key terrain, seeking out and destroying the enemy, and conducting an intensive pacification program. Operating in an area bordered by over 200 miles of South China Sea coastline, the mountainous Laotian border and the Demilitarized Zone, the Third Marine Division (Reinforced) successfully executed eighty major combat operations, carrying the battle to the enemy, destroying many of his forces, and capturing thousands of tons of weapons and material. In addition to these major operations, more than 125,000 offensive counterguerrilla actions, ranging from squad patrols and ambushes to company sized search and destroy operations, were conducted in both the coastal rice lands and the mountainous jungle inland. These bitterly contested actions routed the enemy from his wall-entrenched positions, denied him access to his source of food, restricted his freedom of movement, and removed his influence from the heavily populated areas. In numerous operations, the Third Marine Division (Reinforced) demonstrated the great efficacy of combined operations with units of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. In July 1966, the Third Marine Division (Reinforced) moved to the north to counter major elements of the North Vietnamese Army moving across the Demilitarized Zone into the Province of Quang Tri; its units fought a series of savage battles against the enemy, repeatedly distinguishing themselves and, time and again, forcing the enemy to retreat across the Demilitarized Zone. Imbued with an unrelenting combat spirit and initiative and undeterred by heavy hostile artillery and mortar fire, extremely difficult terrain, incessant heat and monsoon rains, the Third Marine Division (Reinforced), employing courageous ground, heliborne and amphibious assaults, complemented by intense and accurate air, artillery and naval gunfire support, inflicted great losses on the enemy and denied him the political and military victory he sought to achieve at any cost. The outstanding courage, resourcefulness and aggressive fighting spirit of the officers and men of the Third Marine Division (Reinforced) in battle after battle against a well-equipped and well-trained enemy, often numerically superior in strength, and the great humanitarianism constantly shown to the peoples of the Republic of Vietnam, 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.