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Home State
Idaho | |
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Year of Birth
1942 |
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This Military Service Page was created/owned by
1stLt Lawrence G. Ward (Mustanger aka SSJO)-Deceased
to remember
Marine 2ndLt Ralph Shoup Gorton, III.
If you knew or served with this Marine and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
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Casualty Info
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Home Town
Not Specified |
Last Address
Boise
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Casualty Date
May 27, 1968 |
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Cause
Hostile, Died |
Reason
Gun, Small Arms Fire |
Location
Quang Tri (Vietnam) |
Conflict
Vietnam War |
Location of Interment
Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens - Boise, Idaho |
Wall/Plot Coordinates
65W 008 |
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Last Known Activity
Silver Star Citation
"The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ralph S. Gorton, III (0-103511), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicious gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on December 28, 1967 - May 27, 1968. Throughout this period, Second Lieutenant GORTON displayed exceptional professionalism and leadership in the performance of his duties. Initially assigned as Weapons Platoon Commander, he accomplished all assigned tasks in a highly competent manner. Reassigned as a Rifle Platoon Commander on 27 January 1968 he ably led his men during five major combat operations, including Operations Kentucky, Jeb Stuart and Napoleon 1 and Saline. On 7 March 1968, during an attack against a heavily fortified village, Second Lieutenant GORTON aggressivly maneuvered his unit and in the face of intense enemy fire and, overcoming determined enemy resistance, was instrumental in seizing the objective. During a subsequent operation on 5 May, when elements of his company became engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army Force. Second Liuetenant GORTON was assigned the mission of reinforcing his unit's left flank position. Unhesitatingly moving to the point of heavist contact, he skillfully maneuvered his platoon into position and, although the hostile force launched a fierce counterattack, repeatedly disregarded his own safety as he exposed himself to enemy fire in order to observe and identify hostile positions for his men. Under his aggressive leadership, his platoon inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy and contributed immeasurably to the success of the operation. When his unit became pinned down by intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire during an assualt on the village of Phu Con on 27 May, Second Lieutenant GORTON unhesitantly moved from one position to another, encouraging his men and directing their fire. As he was maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain to deploy his point squad, he was killed by the enemy fire. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty throughout, Second Lieutenant GORTON upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Sarvice. He gallantly gave his life country."
FOR THE PRESIDENT
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Comments/Citation
Vietnam Wall Panel coords 65W 008
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