Blackwell, Kenneth Griffiths, Cpl

9 KM NORTH OF HA TAN AFLD 19690408
UTM grid reference is ZC155628

 

Tour start date 10/17/1968

Silver Star  Citation
Silver Star Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Kenneth G. Blackwell (MCSN: 2400695), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 23 February 1969, Company I was occupying a defensive position in support of Operation TAYLOR COMMON in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a vicious ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army force which initially breached the unit's defensive perimeter in the area controlled by Lance Corporal Blackwell's squad. Reacting instantly, he unhesitatingly left his rear position and was moving across the fire-swept terrain toward his men when he observed a hostile soldier who had penetrated the friendly lines. Fearlessly launching an aggressive assault upon the soldier, he killed the man with his knife. As he did so, he was attacked from the rear by another enemy soldier and quickly killed him in fierce, hand-to-hand combat. As he was proceeding toward his objective, he was struck on the back of the head by an object and, turning to identify it, was seriously wounded and rendered unconscious by a grenade which detonated at his feet. Recovering quickly, Lance Corporal Blackwell resumed his maneuvering through the enemy rounds impacting around him and, after receiving medical attention, disregarded his painful injuries as he resolutely resumed control of his squad. His heroic and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Blackwell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. Action Date: 23-Feb-69 Service: Marine Corps Rank: Lance Corporal Company: Company I Battalion: 3d Battalion Regiment: 26th Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade