Description This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions,This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam swung back toward Saigon to conduct another clearing operation, MANHATTAN. This took peace in the Long Nguyen base area just north of the previously cleared "Iron Triangle."
South Vietnamese Armed Forces became more active and capable under U.S. advisors. During the year the Vietnamese Special Forces assumed responsibility for several Special Forces camps and for the CIDG companies manning them. In each case all of the U.S. advisors withdrew, leaving the Vietnamese in full command.
With an increased delegation of responsibility to them, the South Vietnamese conducted major operations during 1967, and, in spite of VC attempts to avoid battle, achieved a number of contacts.
Despite the success of U.S. and South Vietnamese Army operations, there were indications in the fall of 1967 of another enemy build-up, particularly in areas close to Laos and Cambodia. In late October, the VC struck again at the Special Forces Camp at Loc Ninh. Fortunately Vietnamese reinforcements saved the camp. At the same time, approximately 12,000 VC troops converged on a Special Forces camp at Dak To. This camp was located in northern Kontum Province, where the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam meet. In response to this potential threat, the U.S. and South Vietnam committed a total of sixteen battalions to the region to counter a disturbing enemy resurgence at Kontum and Loc Ninh.... More
Memories Phase III of the Counter-Offensive began on June 1st, 1967, and ended January 1st, 1968.
June 1967:Phase III of the Counter-Offensive began on June 1st, 1967, and ended January 1st, 1968.
June 1967: I received orders for Recruiting School. I had 5 months of Active Service left in the Corps. In order to accept the orders I would have to extend my active duty for 3 years and I would pick up E-6, Staff Sergeant. After a great deal of thought, I rejected the orders. I was sent to Parris Island to muster out, as acting Police Sergeant. When I left Vietnam, I stopped at Camp Butler in Okinawa for a week to pick up my 2nd sea bag which was left in storage there, and await my flight home. I left active duty on November 3, 1967 and received my discharge on October 28, 1969.
21Jul67, embarked on board Gov Air, at DaNang, South Vietnam and departed therefrom on 21Jul67.
Arrived and disembarked at Kadina AFB Okinawa on 21Jul67.
Other Memories
7Jul66 embarked on board US Govt Air at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan and departed therefrom on 7Jul66.
Arrived and disembarked at DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam on 7Jul66.
Assigned to MABS-11, MAG-11, Security Detachment, 1stMAW.
MOS changed from Rifleman 0311 to Guard 8151.
1Sep66, Promotion to Sgt. (E-5) Assigned Sgt of the Guard on 2nd relief.
Kept 8151 MOS.
21Jul67, embarked on board Gov Air, at DaNang, South Vietnam and departed therefrom on 21Jul67. Arrived and disembarked at Kadina AFB Okinawa on 21Jul67.
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. (World War II and Korea War service rate one ribbon for each period only) MoreHide
Description Criteria
The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colon... Criteria
The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat.
Personnel who earned the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical Badge while a member of the Army may be authorized to wear the Combat Action Ribbon. The principal criterion is that the recipient must have participated in a bona fide ground or surface combat firefight or in an action during which he was under enemy fire and his performance while under fire was satisfactory.
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Comments Criteria:
a. Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. Members of the Arm... Criteria:
a. Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace thereover, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace thereover, during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam are also eligible for this award. To be eligible for award of the medal, individual must- -
(1) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more days with an organization participating in or directly supporting military operations; or
(2) Be attached to or regularly serve for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; or
(3) Actually participate as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights into airspace above Vietnam and contiguous waters directly supporting military operations; or
(4) Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that the time limit may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.
b. Individuals qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Vietnam between 1 July 1958 and 3 July 1965 shall remain qualified for the medal. Upon request, the individual may be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal in lieu of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In such instances, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal will be deleted from the list of authorized medals in the individualâ??s personnel records. No person shall be entitled to both awards for Vietnam Service.
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description Criteria:
a. U.S. Military units were individually cited for award of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross; however, the Vietnamese Government issued the award to all units subordinate to Mil... Criteria:
a. U.S. Military units were individually cited for award of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross; however, the Vietnamese Government issued the award to all units subordinate to Military Assistance Command (MACV) during the period 8 February 1962 and 28 March 1973 and to U.S. Army Vietnam and its subordinate units for the period 20 July 1965 to 28 March 1973. This permits all personnel who served in Vietnam to wear the RVN Gallantry Cross unit citation.
b. The medal was awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level.
Description During the Vietnam War, the city was home to a major air base that was used by both the South Vietnamese and United States air forces. The base was considered one of the world's busiest airports durinDuring the Vietnam War, the city was home to a major air base that was used by both the South Vietnamese and United States air forces. The base was considered one of the world's busiest airports during the war, reaching an average of 2,595 air traffic operations daily, more than any airport in the world at that time.
On March 8, 1965, The USS Henrico, Union, and Vancouver, carrying the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade under Brig. Gen. Frederick J. Karch, take up station 4,000 yards off Red Beach Two, north of Da Nang.
First ashore was the Battalion Landing Team 3/9, which arrived on the beach at 8:15 a.m. Wearing full battle gear and carrying M-14s, the Marines were met by sightseers, South Vietnamese officers, Vietnamese girls with leis, and four American soldiers with a large sign stating: "Welcome, Gallant Marines." Gen. William Westmoreland, senior U.S. military commander in Saigon, was reportedly "appalled" at the spectacle because he had hoped that the Marines could land without any fanfare. Within two hours, Battalion Landing Team 1/3 began landing at Da Nang air base. This began the build up of the Da Nang facilties.
The final U.S. ground combat operations in Vietnam ceased on 13 August 1972, when a residual force of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade stood down in �?à Nẵng. B Battery 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment fired the final U.S. artillery round and the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment finished their final patrols. This residual force was known as "Operation Gimlet".... More
Description This campaign was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of politicalThis campaign was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of political, economic, sociological, and military factors, the Joint Chiefs of Staff declared that American military objectives should be to cause North Vietnam to cease its control and support of the insurgency in South Vietnam and Laos, to assist South Vietnam in defeating Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces in South Vietnam, and to assist South Vietnam in pacification extending governmental control over its territory.
North Vietnam continued to build its own forces inside South Vietnam. At first this was done by continued infiltration by sea and along the Ho Chi Minh trail and then, in early 1966, through the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). U.S. air elements received permission to conduct reconnaissance bombing raids, and tactical air strikes into North Vietnam just north of the DMZ, but ground forces were denied authority to conduct reconnaissance patrols in the northern portion of the DMZ and inside North Vietnam. Confined to South Vietnamese territory U.S. ground forces fought a war of attrition against the enemy, relying for a time on body counts as one standard indicator for measuring successful progress for winning the war.
During 1966 there were eighteen major operations, the most successful of these being Operation WHITE WING (MASHER). During this operation, the 1st Cavalry Division, Korean units, and ARVN forces cleared the northern half of Binh Dinh Province on the central coast. In the process they decimated a division, later designated the North Vietnamese 3d Division. The U.S. 3d Marine Division was moved into the area of the two northern provinces and in concert with South Vietnamese Army and other Marine Corps units, conducted Operation HASTINGS against enemy infiltrators across the DMZ.
The largest sweep of 1966 took place northwest of Saigon in Operation ATTLEBORO, involving 22,000 American and South Vietnamese troops pitted against the VC 9th Division and a NVA regiment. The Allies defeated the enemy and, in what became a frequent occurrence, forced him back to his havens in Cambodia or Laos.
By 31 December 1966, U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam numbered 385,300. Enemy forces also increased substantially, so that for the same period, total enemy strength was in excess of 282,000 in addition to an estimated 80,000 political cadres. By 30 June 1967, total U.S. forces in SVN had risen to 448,800, but enemy strength had increased as well.
On 8 January U.S. and South Vietnamese troops launched separate drives against two major VC strongholds in South Vietnam-in the so-called "Iron Triangle" about 25 miles northwest of Saigon. For years this area had been under development as a VC logistics base and headquarters to control enemy activity in and around Saigon. The Allies captured huge caches of rice and other foodstuffs, destroyed a mammoth system of tunnels, and seized documents of considerable intelligence value.
In February, the same U.S. forces that had cleared the "Iron Triangle", were committed with other units in the largest allied operation of the war to date, JUNCTION CITY. Over 22 U.S. and four ARVN battalions engaged the enemy, killing 2,728. After clearing this area, the Allies constructed three airfields; erected a bridge and fortified two camps in which CIDG garrisons remained as the other allied forces withdrew.
... More
Memories Phase II, of the Counter-Offensive had begun on July 1, 1966.
7Jul66 embarked on board US Govt Air atPhase II, of the Counter-Offensive had begun on July 1, 1966.
7Jul66 embarked on board US Govt Air at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan and departed therefrom on 7Jul66.
Arrived and disembarked at DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam on 7Jul66.
Reported to MAG-11 Security upon arrival. MABS-11, MAG-11, 1stMAW.
Other Memories
28Jun66 embarked on board US Govt Air at MCAS El Toro, CA and departed therefrom on 28Jun66. Arrived and disembarked at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan on 3Jul66.
7Jul66 embarked on board US Govt Air at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan and departed therefrom on 7Jul66. Arrived and disembarked at DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam on 7Jul66.
Best Friends
Cpl. George T. McFarland Cpl. Pete Seagriff (Mother Goose) PFC. Steve Kurko PFC. Edward Brusso PFC. Gerome Taylor (Lil' Tate) Pvt. Butch Benson
Best Moment
Getting on the Competition Squad.
Worst Moment
First 30 days at Camp Lejune I was assigned to mess duty. I was fresh out of boot camp and Infantry Training. I was a fired up gung ho new Marine ready to do the things Marines did and they assigned me to mess duty. Where did that come from? No one told me Marines wore aprons too.
Best Friends
1964-Competition Rifle Squad Members: Sgt. T. C. White Cpl. C. A. Hopkins Cpl. R. B. Henry Cpl. B. J. Daniels Cpl. E. J. Fuller LCpl. G. T. McFarland LCpl. S. O. Hooper LCpl. D. T. Lang LCpl. L. J. Cobb LCpl. T. O. Green LCpl. R. B. Dobie PFC. E. M. Brusso PFC. L. L. Leonard PFC. J. B. Parks PFC. S. L. Hurrin
Other Memories
Quantico Bound Picture an open field, about 200 yards square, surrounded by pine trees and brush - maybe an enemy patrol too. Not a soul in sight, though somewhere in the woods, a jeep engine idles. Nothing moving, only the wind rippling the tall grass in the field, kicking up little clouds of dust through the trees.
Suddenly the wind carries in the sound of roaring aircraft engines, accompanied by the unmistakable pock-pock-pock of rotor blades, slapping against the warm afternoon air. Two choppers, hugging the treetops, leap into view and waste no time setting down on the field.
The cargo, the legend, "MARINES" on the fuselage tells the tale.
So begins the trial, not by combat, but against the clock and all the lessons of battle for top-notch squads of the 2nd Marine Division competing for the honor of representing their regiment in the annual Combat Rifle Squad competition to be held in Quantico, Virginia.
Competing squads are subject to nearly every test of their skills that a squad might be called upon to perform in combat, with a couple of twists thrown in for good measure. Airborne landing, approach march, proper employment of the five paragraph order, camouflage, fire discipline, night reconnaissance patrols, chemical warfare plus the constant physical strain of simulated combat conditions are just a few of the trials each squad must face.
Nothing escapes the watchful eyes of the judges, whose collective knowledge of infantry techniques binds them together as formidable critics indeed.
For the winning squad it's well worth the effort and a crack at the All Marine Squad Finals. The losing squads though perhaps disappointed by the loss, gain valuable experiences in the process and maybe a better chance at the same goal next year. -Camp Lejeune Globe- Vol. 20-No. 34 (August 20, 1964)
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Comments Criteria:
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded to personnel who meet one of the following requirements:
a. Served in the Republic of Vietnam for six months during the period of 1 March... Criteria:
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded to personnel who meet one of the following requirements:
a. Served in the Republic of Vietnam for six months during the period of 1 March 1961 and 28 March 1973.
b. Served outside the geographical limits of the Republic of Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam and Armed Forces for six months. Such individuals must meet the criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (for Vietnam) or the Vietnam Service Medal, to qualify for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
c. Six months service is not required for individuals who were wounded by hostile forces; killed in action or otherwise in line of duty; or captured by hostile forces.
Description This campaign was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of politicalThis campaign was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of political, economic, sociological, and military factors, the Joint Chiefs of Staff declared that American military objectives should be to cause North Vietnam to cease its control and support of the insurgency in South Vietnam and Laos, to assist South Vietnam in defeating Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces in South Vietnam, and to assist South Vietnam in pacification extending governmental control over its territory.
North Vietnam continued to build its own forces inside South Vietnam. At first this was done by continued infiltration by sea and along the Ho Chi Minh trail and then, in early 1966, through the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). U.S. air elements received permission to conduct reconnaissance bombing raids, and tactical air strikes into North Vietnam just north of the DMZ, but ground forces were denied authority to conduct reconnaissance patrols in the northern portion of the DMZ and inside North Vietnam. Confined to South Vietnamese territory U.S. ground forces fought a war of attrition against the enemy, relying for a time on body counts as one standard indicator for measuring successful progress for winning the war.
During 1966 there were eighteen major operations, the most successful of these being Operation WHITE WING (MASHER). During this operation, the 1st Cavalry Division, Korean units, and ARVN forces cleared the northern half of Binh Dinh Province on the central coast. In the process they decimated a division, later designated the North Vietnamese 3d Division. The U.S. 3d Marine Division was moved into the area of the two northern provinces and in concert with South Vietnamese Army and other Marine Corps units, conducted Operation HASTINGS against enemy infiltrators across the DMZ.
The largest sweep of 1966 took place northwest of Saigon in Operation ATTLEBORO, involving 22,000 American and South Vietnamese troops pitted against the VC 9th Division and a NVA regiment. The Allies defeated the enemy and, in what became a frequent occurrence, forced him back to his havens in Cambodia or Laos.
By 31 December 1966, U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam numbered 385,300. Enemy forces also increased substantially, so that for the same period, total enemy strength was in excess of 282,000 in addition to an estimated 80,000 political cadres. By 30 June 1967, total U.S. forces in SVN had risen to 448,800, but enemy strength had increased as well.
On 8 January U.S. and South Vietnamese troops launched separate drives against two major VC strongholds in South Vietnam-in the so-called "Iron Triangle" about 25 miles northwest of Saigon. For years this area had been under development as a VC logistics base and headquarters to control enemy activity in and around Saigon. The Allies captured huge caches of rice and other foodstuffs, destroyed a mammoth system of tunnels, and seized documents of considerable intelligence value.
In February, the same U.S. forces that had cleared the "Iron Triangle", were committed with other units in the largest allied operation of the war to date, JUNCTION CITY. Over 22 U.S. and four ARVN battalions engaged the enemy, killing 2,728. After clearing this area, the Allies constructed three airfields; erected a bridge and fortified two camps in which CIDG garrisons remained as the other allied forces withdrew.
Other Memories
27Oct64, embarked on board U.S. Govt. Aircraft at Cherry Point, NC and departed therefrom 27Oct64.
Arrived and disembarked at Vieques, Puerto Rico on 28Oct64.
We embarked aboard the USS Fremont several times while at Vieques, Puerto Rico to go to various points in the Caribbean. We pulled some good liberty at those stops. The only record I found in my Record of Service was the following:
Embarked aboard USS Fremont at Viegas, Puerto Rico and departed therefrom on 16Jan65. Arrived and diembarked at MHNC on 25Jan65.
Other Memories
Embarked on board US Govt Aircraft at Cherry Point, NC and departed therefrom on 27Oct64. Arrived and disembarked at Vieques, Puerto Rico on 28Oct64.
Embarked aboard USS Freemont at Vieqas, Puerto Rico and departed therefrom on 16Jan65. Arrived and diembarked at MHNC on 25Jan65.
Best Friends
L/Cpl. George McFarland PFC. Edward Bruso
Best Moment
This was the awards ceremony for three of the squads of the remaining seven Marine Regiments. We had been competing for several months for top honors as the Best Combat Rifle Squad in the Marine Corps. Hawaii had Won the Gold for the past two years.
When Gen. Greene announced,"...the top Rifle Squad in the Marine Corps...From Camp Lejune".
Worst Moment
The General had begun announcing the winners starting with the third place, Bronze Medal winners, who turned out to be from Okinawa.
General Greene announced that the squad from Hawaii had won second place.
I was pretty sure, at that point, that we had won first place. But for a few seconds before he announced it, I considered the possibility of us not even placing. That was a sick feeling but it only lasted a couple of seconds. Then we got the good news.
That Worse Moment was with me a couple of seconds but the Best Moment here has lasted a life-time.
Chain of Command
Cpl. Craig Hopkins - Fire Team Leader Sgt. Thomas White - Squad Leader 1st. Lieutenant M.L. Sweeney - Company Commander
Other Memories
The final week of the Marine Rifle Squad Competition was held at the Marine base in Quantico, Virginia.
On Friday night at the U.S. Marines' Sundown Parrade Ceremonies at Marine Headquarters in Washington, DC. the Commandant of the Marine Corps announced and awarded 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place medals to the top three squads in the Marine Corps. It was another proud day for the Marines of Camp Lejune.
Other Memories
According to my Record of Service, I was in the 1st ITR from 29Jan64 to 17Mar64.
My Record of Service also indicate that I made PFC on 16Mar64 (I was still in the 1st ITR).
However, I remember that I had completed ITR and had been serving in I Co 3rd Bn 2nd Marines for at least a couple of weeks before I received word that I had been promoted to PFC.
Maybe the record reflects the "effective" date. It doesn't matter. I just thought I'd point it out.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Comments Criteria:
a. The National Defense Service Medal was awarded for honorable active service for any period between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954; between 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974; between 2 Augu... Criteria:
a. The National Defense Service Medal was awarded for honorable active service for any period between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954; between 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974; between 2 August 1990 and 30 November 1995 and between 11 September 2001 and a closing date to be determined. For the purpose of the award, the following persons will not be considered as performing active service:
(1) Guard and Reserve forces personnel on short tours of duty to fulfill training obligations under an inactive duty training program.
(2) Any person on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination.
(3) Any person on temporary active duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions and like organizations or on active duty for purposes other than extended active duty.
(4) A one time only exception, for members of the Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve, who were part of the selected reserve in good standing, was authorized, per executive orders 12778, dated 18 October 1991, for the period 2 August 1990 to 30 November 1995.
b. The National Defense Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Reserve Components who are ordered to Federal active duty, regardless of duration, except for the categories listed above. Any member of the Guard or Reserve who, after 31 December 1960, becomes eligible for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal or the Southwest Asia Service Medal is also eligible for the National Defense Service Medal.
c. To signify receipt of a second or subsequent award of the NDSM, a bronze service star will be worn on the service ribbon by U.S. Army personnel so qualified. Second or third award of the NDSM is authorized for soldiers who served in one or more of the four qualifying time periods. It is not authorized for soldiers who met the criteria in one time period, left active duty and returned during the same period of eligibility.
d. Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy are eligible for the NDSM, during any of the inclusive periods listed above, upon completion of the swearing-in ceremonies as a cadet.
Best Friends
Pvt. Fredrick E. Doty Pvt. Edward N. Bruso 47 yrs. later, Sgt. Richard (Rick) Holton.
Best Moment
Qualifying Expert on the rifle range with the M-14. On the original qualifying day a ground fog caused qualifying to be postponed. I was on the 500 yd. line working on a perfect score when it was called off. On the following day we fired for record. I qualified Expert but missed the black with a couple of shots.
Worst Moment
A few days after being picked up by our drill instructors, Cpl. Rollings, the Jr. D.I. entered the squad bay and imformed us that President Kennedy had been assassinated. I believe the news gave all of us a sick feeling.
Instructors
Sr. Drill Instructor: S/Sgt Frank Moser Jr. Drill Instructor: S/Sgt H.T. Riley Jr. Drill Instructor: Cpl Wayne Rollins
Other Memories
Pvt. Lorenzo R. Bancells-Pulled for OCS PFC. Kjell K.B. Gustafsson-American Spirit Honor Medal recipient Pvt. Chester D. Wilsoncroft-Native American Mail Call: Mail call was one event to which we all looked forward. One particular night during mail call I provided a training opportunity for Platoon 288. As S/Sgt. Riley proceeded with mail call, we were in our usual positions at the foot of our racks standing at attention with eyes locked forward. I was directly across from my squad leader Pvt. McCourt. We were located about 10-15 feet from S/Sgt. Riley as he called recruits to pick up their mail. Any recruit to my left would pass me twice when their names were called. After a particular recruit had been called several times to pick up several letters, I noticed a hint of a grin on McCourt's face. It was clear to me what he didn't want to grin about. The passing recruit was running like a girl. It immediately struck me as outrageously funny. His name was called several more times and each time it was progressively more difficult to hold it in. Finally, I burst out with an instant of unrestrained laughter (more like a half laugh). I was suddenly shocked back to reality when S/Sgt. Riley materialized immediately in my face barking like a mad dog wanting to know what I was laughing at. Being the private with the "empty bucket" so to speak, I replied "Nothing Sir!" He did't believe me. After several unsuccessful attempts to get to the truth, S/Sgt. Riley sent me to the head (bathroom) to wait for him. S/Sgt. Riley completed mail call and slowly walked to the head. His every step was magnified and I was hanging on each one as I dreadfully listened to him approach. He continued his interrogation and coaching in private for several minutes. Finally he ordered me to "Get outa here!" I beat feet back to my rack and turned to on free time. Strangely, my nose and lip were bleeding and my skivey shirt was off color. I got cleaned up and S/Sgt Riley re-entered the squad bay. When he saw me, he was in my face again wanting to know what had happened to me. I told him I had tripped over my footlocker, to which, he said nothing more and walked away. This "training opportunity" served me well and remains with me, a fond memory.
Criteria
The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
Description Details behind Award:
In 1974 Pres Thieu awarded the Cross of Gallantry and the Civil Action Medals to everyone with Vietnam Service! See NAV/MC awards manual !Thank you
SECNAV INST. 1650H - Navy and Ma... Details behind Award:
In 1974 Pres Thieu awarded the Cross of Gallantry and the Civil Action Medals to everyone with Vietnam Service! See NAV/MC awards manual !Thank you
SECNAV INST. 1650H - Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual - August 22, 2006 (Page 7-5):
4. Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation
a. Authorization. Awarded by the Chief of the Joint General Staff, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces in two colors:
Gallantry Cross Color with Palm and Frame ( 8 February 1962 to 28 March 1973) and Civil Actions First Class Color with Palm and Frame (1 January 1965 to 28 March 1973). SECNAV has specifically authorized certain units of the Naval service to accept and wear these awards. Such authorization is required in all cases for participation.
b. Eligibility Requirements. The ribbon bar with palm and frame are authorized for wear by personnel who served with certain cited units in Southeast Asia during the approved periods. Lists of eligible units are maintained by CNO and CMC.
c. In addition to those specific ships/units cited, all Navy and Marine Corps personnel who served "in country" Vietnam during the eligibility periods are eligible for both awards
24Jul67 embarked on board Gov Air, at Kadena AFB and departed therefrom on 24Jul67.
Arrived and disembarked at Travis AFB on 24Jul67.
Departed from Travis on 28Jul67, on a commercial airline enroute to home.
On Annual Leave from 29Jul67 to 24Aug67.
25Aug67, reported in at HqCo, H&SBn, MCRDep, Parris Island, SC.
31Aug67, Assigned duties of HqCo Police Sgt while awaiting discarge.
4Nov67, Received Honorable Discharge from active duty.