|
|
|
Last Rank
Sergeant
|
Last Primary MOS
1371-Combat Engineer
|
Last MOSGroup
Engineer, Construction And Equipment
|
Previously Held MOS
Not Specified
|
Last Unit
1967-1968, 1371, 7th Marine Regiment/1st Bn (1/7)
|
Service Years
1965 - 1968
|
|
|
|
|
| Last Photo |
|
|
State of Birth
Virginia | |
|
Year of Birth
1947 |
Home Town
Brothers Only |
Last Address
Danville
|
|
Casualty Date
Feb 06, 1968 |
|
Cause
Hostile, Died |
Reason
Gun, Small Arms Fire |
Location
Quang Nam |
Conflict
Vietnam |
Location of Interment
Not Specified |
|
Last Known Activity
LUNSFORD, GLEN THOMAS
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: February 3, 1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Glen Thomas Lunsford, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Right Guide with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 3 February 1968. Upon the discovery of a large cave complex, at Phu Son (2), Sergeant Lunsford volunteered to accompany a reactionary force to destroy the tunnels. Locating several camouflaged underwater entrances to the cave, he placed a Marine near each of them to prevent the Viet Cong's escape. Unable to use explosives because of the necessity of obtaining prisoners, he supervised the excavation of an above ground entrance. Upon completing the new entrance, he threw a tear gas grenade into the opening, routing three Viet Cong who broke from the cave throwing grenades and were killed. Armed only with a pistol and a flashlight, he entered the tunnel and moved along a narrow passageway until he discovered a large room. Observing two Viet Cong trying to escape through an underwater passageway, he killed one and captured the other. Interrogation of the prisoner revealed that there were numerous enemy soldiers still in the cave complex. Realizing that the enemy was aware of the tunnel being searched and confined in a small area, Sergeant Lunsford nevertheless reentered the tunnel. As he neared a sharp bend in the tunnel, a Viet Cong, who was concealed around a corner, tossed a grenade which wounded him in both legs. Although painfully wounded, Sergeant Lunsford lunged forward and captured the Viet Cong as he attempted to escape. After bringing his prisoner to the top, he fearlessly reentered the tunnel with several comrades and searched the numerous small rooms and tunnels. His diligent efforts resulted in the capture of several weapons, supplies and valuable intelligence information. Sergeant Lunsford 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
Home Town: Danville, Virginia
|
| |
Comments/Citation
Vietnam Wall Panel coords 37E 061
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
