Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations 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 The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. The criteria were announced in a War Department circular dated February 22, 1932, and authorized award to soldiers, upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation Certificate, Army Wound Ribbon, or were authorized to wear Wound Chevrons subsequent to April 5, 1917 MoreHide
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
3rd Battalion 4th Marines 4 Feb 1968 - 14 Jan 1969 DMZ Nam
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Description
For Action with 3rd Battalion 4th Marines H&S Company Weapons Platoon 1968
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 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 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 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, brig... 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. MoreHide
Comments
June 18, 1968 Phoi Nhui attack. Citation for leading captrue of NVA base of fire weapons.
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
Individual Award (not unit) Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/ Silver Star (Division Level) for actiona t Phu Nhoi June 15-18, 1968 3rd Batt 4th Mar 3rd Mar Div
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.
1st Marine Division operation centered on the Khe Sanh area of Quang Tri Province.
On April 15 1968, Operation Pegasus ended and Operation Scotland II began. The Marines at Khe Sanh Combat Base broke out of their perimeter and began attacking the North Vietnamese in the surrounding area. The Army 1st Air Cavalry Division, with over 400 helicopters under its control, conducted airmobile operations deeper into enemy controlled areas. The fighting was heavy. An additional 413 Marines were killed during Scotland II through the end of June 1968. Operation Scotland II lasted until the end of the year, resulting in the deaths of 72 additional Marines. None of the deaths associated with Scotland II are included in the official body count
VC/NVA KIA's: 3,304 KIAs, 64 POWs
US KIA's: 435 KIA, 2,396 WIA... More
Description This campaign was from 2 April to 30 June 1968. During this period friendly forces conducted a number of battalion-size attritional operations against the enemy.
Operations PEGASUS-Lam Son 207 relievThis campaign was from 2 April to 30 June 1968. During this period friendly forces conducted a number of battalion-size attritional operations against the enemy.
Operations PEGASUS-Lam Son 207 relieved the Khe Sanh Combat Base on 5 April and thereby opened Route 9 for the first time since August 1967. This operation not only severely restricted the North Vietnamese Army's use of western Quang Tri Province but also inflicted casualties on the remnants of two North Vietnamese divisions withdrawing from the area. This success was followed by a singular allied spoiling operation in the A Shau Valley, Operation DELAWARE-Lam Son. These two operations prevented the enemy from further attacking I Corps Tactical Zone population centers and forced him to shift his pressure to the III Corps Tactical Zone.
During the period 5-12 May 1968 the Viet Cong launched an offensive with Saigon as the primary objective. Friendly forces defended the city with great determination. Consequently Saigon was never in danger of being overrun. Small Viet Cong units that did manage to get into the outskirts were fragmented and driven out with great loss of enemy life. By the end of June 1968 friendly forces had decisively blunted the enemy's attacks, inflicted very heavy casualties, and hindered his ability to attack urban areas throughout the Republic of Vietnam. The enemy was forced to withdraw to his sanctuaries.
The strength of the U.S. Army in Vietnam reach a peak of nearly 360,000 men during this period.... More
People You Remember
3/4 H&S Weapons Plt 106/M60 Operation KENTUCKY OpCon to 9th Marines
Description 1st Bn, 26th Marines was withdrawn from Khe Sanh on 16 April 1968, moving first to Wunder Beach southeast of Quang Tri City for rest and refurbishment. On 07 May the battalion departed Wunder Beach to1st Bn, 26th Marines was withdrawn from Khe Sanh on 16 April 1968, moving first to Wunder Beach southeast of Quang Tri City for rest and refurbishment. On 07 May the battalion departed Wunder Beach to conduct search and destroy operations on the north bank of the Cam Lo River opposite the Dong Ha Combat Base.
May 6, 1968
The fight between the BLT 2/4 and the NVA at Do Dai (northeast of Dong Ha) has developed into a multi-battalion action.
May 7, 1968
The battalion and Delta Co. are trucked from Wonder Beach to Dong Ha to begin a sweep of the area north and west towards Thon Cam Vu. This operation is a sweep of a portion of the 9th Marines Kentucky AO. The battalion makes slow progress with a tactical movement north along Route 1. At the end of the day, 1/26 reaches the area where the ARVN has been hit by units of the 320th NVA Division days before and takes night defensive positions.
May 8, 1968
The battalion moves in a westerly direction. Between the villages, the rice paddy fields spread out -- some are very large. The battalion uses prep fire by artillery and tanks on the tree line before advancing on the targeted area of this operation. The battalion moves towards the ville and is hit by 130-mm artillery rounds. The counter-battery fire from Dong Ha immediately responds. The ville has been extensively fortified. However, the NVA abandon their positions in haste, leaving some ammunition and fresh food behind. The battalion and Delta Co. take night defensive positions in this area. the following Delta Co. Marine was killed:
Pfc. James Chambers, 5/8/68 - Killed by friendly fire west of Dong Ha
It didn't take long to find the North Vietnamese Army - on 09 May an engagement about 6 kilometers north-northwest of Dong Ha airfield cost the lives of twelve Marines and sailors.
Delta Co. is the point company for the battalion in the morning advance and moves out along the center of a low gully in a westerly direction. As the company pushes forward, a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire opens up from NVA units fighting from fortified positions. In addition to their many machine gun bunkers, the NVA uses both rockets and mortars to harass the movement of the Marines returning fire. Delta Co. was reinforced by Charlie Co. in the assault and Bravo Co. with tanks providing a base of fire.
The attack continues. With the help of tanks, the NVA are pushed out of the ville. The battalion and Delta Co. recover casualties and take night defensive positions around the ville. The night is long with the crying of the village women and the silhouette of the dead Marines gathered together waiting for daybreak and their helicopter flight back to Dong Ha.
During the attack, the battalion suffers about 50 killed and wounded. Delta Company sustains the most casualties, including the Company Commander, who is killed. The following Delta Co. Marines are KIA:
D Company:
Capt Edward J. Hughes, White Plains, NY
LCpl Larry E. Adolf, Omaha, NE
LCpl Kurtis N. Chapman, Overland Park, KS
LCpl Homer Mitchell, Montgomery, AL
LCpl Jack E. Porter, Dayton, OH
LCpl Robert P. Sickles, Avon, NY
Pfc Eugenio E. Fernandez, Romulus, MI
Pfc Edward A. Gillaspy, La Habra, CA
Pfc Billy G. Stewart, Swannanoa, NC
H&S Company:
Cpl Paul L. Frederickson, Battle Creek, MI
HM3 Winston G. Parker, Columbus, OH
HN Melvin G. Windham, El Paso, TX
Note: Operation Kentucky was a multi-Battalion operation conducted by the United States Marine Corps in the area south of the DMZ in Quang Tri Province. This was another operation to secure the Con Thien area from the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). The operation ran from November 1, 1967 until February 28, 1969.... More
Description May 28 – Jun 19; Task Force Hotel (consisting of 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and 3rd BattMay 28 – Jun 19; Task Force Hotel (consisting of 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines) search and destroy operation using airmobile tactics to prevent an attack on Khe Sanh and northern Quảng Tri Province.
Background
In late May 1968 US aerial reconnaissance detected a People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) supply road being constructed through the jungle from the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos parallel to, but 15 km south of, Route 9 in an area known as the "Vietnam Salient" where Vietnam protrudes into Laos.
The 3rd Marine Division planned Operation Robin as a two-stage operation, in Operation Robin North the 1st Marine Regiment would attempt to engage the recently infiltrated PAVN 88th and 102nd Regiments of the 308th Division south of Route 9, while in Operation Robin South the 4th Marine Regiment would conduct airmobile operations further south and locate and destroy the PAVN supply road.
In preparation for the operation 219 attack aircraft and 30 B-52 sorties were flown against the intended landing zones while Marine artillery fired over 10,000 rounds.
Operation Robin North
On 2 June the 1st Battalion 1st Marines conducted a helicopter assault into Landing Zone Robin (16.576°N 106.787°E) 10 km southeast of Khe Sanh and then moved north towards Route 9 in an attempt push the PAVN against the 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines blocking positions on Route 9. That evening the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines was lifted to Robin from Ca Lu Combat Base. On the morning of 3 June the 1st Battalion 4th Marines relieved the 2/4 Marines at Landing Zone Robin.
The 2/4 Marines boarded helicopters to assault into Landing Zone Loon (16.579°N 106.753°E) 4 km west of Robin and approximately 8 km southeast of Khe Sanh. The initial landing at Loon on 3 June was met by the PAVN with small arms, mortar and artillery fire. At 6am on 4 June a company from the PAVN 88th Regiment attacked Company F 2/4 Marines resulting in 2 U.S. and 34 PAVN killed.
The 4th Marines headquarters was established at LZ Robin on 4 June and the 1st Battalion 12th Marines arrived to establish and artillery base. Companies from the 1/4 Marines replaced the 2/4 Marines on Loon on 4 June and the 2/4 Marines were lifted to establish Landing Zone Crow 2 km northeast of Loon.
On 5 June Company C 1/1 Marines encountered a PAVN bunker system 4 km south of Route 9, the battle continued until the following afternoon.
At 6am on 6 June a PAVN Battalion attacked Landing Zone Loon, after a 2-hour battle that resulted in 154 PAVN dead, the PAVN withdrew under cover of mortar and artillery fire. Due to the steady pressure on Loon it was decided to evacuate the landing zone and during the afternoon the 1/4 Marines were extracted by helicopter. The last HMM-165 CH-46 (#152533) to leave Loon was hit by PAVN anti-aircraft fire and crashed resulting in 13 U.S. killed. The total U.S. losses for their 3 days at Loon was 24 dead and 37 wounded.
Operation Robin South
On 6 June the 3rd Battalion 9th Marines conducted a helicopter assault into a landing zone southeast of Robin and near the eastern end of the PAVN supply road. The Marines found that the road was well constructed, up to 18 ft wide with numerous culverts and the trees overhead tied together to reduce aerial observation. Beside the road were bunkers, hospitals kitchens and storehouses. The 3/9 Marines moved west along the road for several days destroying it and PAVN facilities as they went.
On 11 June the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines helicopter assaulted into Lang Hole a Montagnard village south of Landing Zone Loon where PAVN prisoners indicated a major supply area was located.
On 14 June 2/4 Marines were lifted by helicopter onto the PAVN road near the Laos border and moved east to link up with the 3/9 Marines locating and destroying numerous bunkers and stores as they went.
Shortly before dawn on 15 June a Battalion of the PAVN 88th Regiment attacked the 3/4 Marines near Lang Hole penetrating the Marine position. The battle continued until 9am when the PAVN withdrew pursued by helicopter gunships. Marine losses were 16 dead and 58 wounded while PAVN losses were 219 dead and 11 captured.
At 02:15 on 16 June the PAVN attacked the 1/4 Marines at Landing Zone Torch (16.527°N 106.78°E) penetrating the Marine perimeter. Battery C 1/12 Marines levelled their guns and fired Beehive rounds into the attackers. The PAVN withdrew at 04:00 leaving 28 dead while Marine losses were 14 dead.
On the morning of 18 June the PAVN attacked Company K 3/4 Marines' night defensive position in a daylong battle the Marines with air and artillery support repulsed the PAVN attack resulting in 11 Marines killed and 30 wounded while the PAVN lost 131 killed.
Aftermath
Operation Robin concluded on 19 June when the 4th Marines returned to Khe Sanh Combat Base. PAVN losses were 635 killed and 48 captured.
The Marines would penetrate into the Vietnam Salient again during Operation Maine Crag from 15 March to 2 May 1969 reopening Landing Zone Torch.... More
People You Remember
Lang Hole 12 June and Phui Nhoi 14-18 June.
Memories
SSgt Albert S.Taylor KIA Cp. Ferg Carroll KIA
Criteria
Marines assigned to Marine Security Guard duty (Military Occupational Specialty 8151) are eligible upon completion of twenty-four months service at a foreign service establishment.
Description
Saigon Vietnam October 1965 - Octber 1967
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
Cold Weather Training, Mt. Fuji, Japan 1964
BLT Float Battalion, Dcc 64 -1 March 1965 South China Sea for possible deployment to Vietnam or Korea. Entire Battalion lead by L/Col.Owens received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal. (Some self-appointed trolls here will state that the AFEXSM for 1/9 in March 1965 is not in some book. The same book that incorrectly listed Brady and Sausely as being in the Rosenthal Iwo Flag raising photo for over 70 years? The same book that cannot tell which Marines were on Embassy duty because some genius destroyed the record at Henderson Hall (now Marshall Hall, named after my friend Jim Mashall, KIA Tet.) The same book that will not put Barbara Robbins name on the Wall because she was CIA when KIA and not military. Over a thousand Marines were awarded that AFEXSM for that float, and anyone who whould disparage their service is not a Marine, but an asshole. I don't care what is missing from some book, I do know we were awarded that medal!! Don't like i? GFY.
Amtrac Assault
Best Moment
Meritorious Promotion to LCpl @ Mt Fuji, Japan
Worst Moment
20 Mile Forced March the day after getting off Mess Duty. Heat Acclimation was a problem!
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
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 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
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
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
WW, Vance, Grandpa
Not getting KIA at Phui Nhui.
3/4 took 500 casualties in 60 days: from May 1 68 to July 1 3/4 had 81 KIA and 419 WIA.
Phui Nhui