Criteria The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States whil... The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the award of a Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. MoreHide
Comments Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Melvin L. Allen (2232029), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for gallantry and intrepidit... Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Melvin L. Allen (2232029), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Battalion Landing Team 1/3 in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 May 1967. As a fire Team Leader with the Third Platoon, Company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, Lance Corporal Allen was on a search and destroy operation in Tinh Quang Nam Province during Operation BEAVER CAGE. The Third Platoon came upon an open area before reaching An Xuan village. The Third Squad, deployed on the right flank before moving to the village, was caught in the open and pinned down by heavy automatic weapons and accurate sniper fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force of company size, and sustained several casualties. Lance Corporal Allen, with full knowledge of the hazards involved and with complete disregard for his own safety, repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in an attempt to aid the wounded Marines. He was mortally wounded on his fourth attempt. Lance Corporal Allen's daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of the enemy reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Born: September 26, 1945 at Beulah, Mississippi
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
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
Comments
Casualty was on May 4, 1967 In QUANG TIN, SOUTH VIETNAM HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE
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
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 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 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
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
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.
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
Description
Apr 28 – May 12; 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines operation to sweep a long-established VC stronghold 40 km (25 mi) south of Da Nang.
People You Remember 28Apr67: BLT-1st Battalion, 3rd Marines commenced Operation "Beaver Cage". The first four days were 28Apr67: BLT-1st Battalion, 3rd Marines commenced Operation "Beaver Cage". The first four days were in support of Operation "Union". D Company with tanks made an Amphibious Landing on the beach area referred as Red Beach, and Companies A, B, and C with the BLT command element operated inland, approximately 27 miles SE of Da Nang AB. During this time only light enemy contact was made, however the BLT suffered Heat Causalities and more than 100 personnel were medi-evacuated during this period. The temperature during this operation was hot and humid with temperatures well over 100 degrees during the day and approximately 75 degrees at night with only one day of rain. After four days the BLT shifted 5 miles north and set up Headquarters in vicinity of LZ Cardinal Que Son district. The Companies were assigned individual Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR) and enemy contact began to increase in size and frequency.
30Apr67: CoB - Receiving Small Arms Fire (SAF) during lift out from LZ in helicopters 1-WIA.
02May67: CoC - Attacked by estimated reinforced platoon of VC with 82mm mortars, 57mm Recoilless Rifle fire, Automatic and small arms fire while digging in for the night. Artillery, Air strikes, Huey Gunship, Flare ship, and PUFF assisted throughout the night.
KIA/Fallen: 2ndLt Thomas W. Mallon CoC PFC Phillip D. Munday CoC PFC Chester J. Simmons CoC LCpl Gene Vaughn H&SCo
03May67: Medical-Evacuation and re-supply commenced at daybreak 0630 hours. 4 KIA and 20 WIA.
CoA- Early evening water-run patrol contacted 2-VC then attacked by unknown number of VC. Four squads committed to assist the water patrol ran into heavy automatic and small arms fire (ambushed), artillery and Huey Gunship called in, with support immediately available and used it throughout the area. The men (patrols) outside the perimeter, returned with the WIA, but 14 men were still cut off from the rest. The cut off squad returned with their WIA. Artillery missions continued through the night. At first light, the squads returned to the battle area, observed 60-70 VC, and called in more Artillery. After everything was secured, bodies recovered (morning of the 4th) 14 KIA and 9-WIA.
KIA/Fallen: HN James I. Balch CoA PFC James D. Borawski CoA PFC Monty D. Button CoA LCpl Troy M. Carnline CoA PFC Tommy E. Dickerson CoA PFC Donald W. Falwell CoA PFC Rickey M. Gilbertson CoA PFC Joseph R. La Rose CoA LCpl Eugene Murray CoA Cpl Luciano P. Peasakov CoA PFC Robert J. Rose CoA LCpl Eugene D. Spicer CoA PFC John E. Sweesy CoA Cpl John W. Urick CoA PFC David Verbilla CoA
04May67: CoD - 20 VC in village/firefight 1-WIA
CoD - Receiving mortars and small arms fire 2-WIA
CoC - Sniper fire 1-WIA.
CoD - While crossing a valley east of Hill 65, encountered intensive enemy resistance and had elements pinned down by 50 VC in fortified positions. Air and artillery called in and supported by CoC which had moved to Hill 65. Heavy fighting ensued, fighting continued throughout the night. Company D elements in contact with the enemy withdrew to Hill 65 under cover of darkness with all KIA extracted from the Battle Zone at 2325 hrs. One M-60 machine gun with firing mechanism removed, one .45 Cal pistol, and one M-16 rifles lost in action. 11 KIA and 26 WIA were evacuated on morning of the 5th.
KIA/Fallen: LCpl Melvin L. Allen CoD LCpl Jose M. Gomez CoD PFC David A. Hickman CoD PFC Don R. Hollingsworth CoD Cpl Frederick A. McMahon CoD Cpl Don W. Minton CoD Cpl Henry L. Turn CoD HM3 Elwood C. Sovey Jr CoD
05May67: CoB - Booby Trap 1-WIA
KIA/Fallen: Cpl Martin Cavazos CoD PFC Harry L. Hissong CoD PFC Dennis J. Mannion CoD
06May67: CoC - Sniper fire 2-WIA
CoB - Sniper fire/small arms fire 2-WIA.
07May67: CoD- Mortar attack 1-KIA and 6-WIA
KIA/Fallen: Sgt Milton L. Hall CoD
08May67: CoD - Mortar attack 3-WIA.
CoC - Mortar attack 3-KIA and 10-WIA.
KIA/Fallen: LCpl James E. Lakey H&SCo PFC David L. Rowell CoC LCpl William M. Shaw, Jr. CoC
09May67: CoC - Mortar attack 1-WIA.
10May67: Co B, C, and D: Co B and C were sweeping east, with CoD in trace moving down the center of the valley. CoB received small arms fire and automatic weapons fire from Hill 110.
CoC mortars firing on Hill 110, CoB reports 1-WIA and VC moving towards them, and requests Co C to check out and assist. CoD reports Co ?C? 1st Battalion, 5th Marines is 300 meters west of Hill 110 moving east. CoB reports taking heavy sniper fire and that 20 VC moving east. Co C moving 3rd Platoon to left flank of Co B. Co B and C receiving mortar fire, CoB pinned down by heavy fire suffering unknown number KIA and WIA.
Requesting Close Air Support, Co C was attempting to envelope with one platoon to stop enemy fire from the village. The enveloping platoon of Co C reports receiving mortars, and Co B requests Co C and D to link up on left and right flanks respectfully. Co B reports one company of VC wearing green uniforms and helmets, well camouflaged and entrenched on Hill 110.
C/1/5 to sweep area to east after Air strikes on Hill 110. Co C has one platoon pinned down by heavy fire from village and air strikes called in. Co C needs help on left flank; withdrawing platoon from right flank to assist pinned down platoon on left. Co C has VC in trench line directly in front of position delivering heavy fire, and units are still pinned downed. Heavy contact continues and more air strikes called in.
Co B reports approximately 6-KIA and 23-WIA, all friendly, in Co C's Zone. A SPARROW HAWK 40-man unit arrived in Zone at 1300 hrs, and almost immediately suffered 5-WIA and were pinned down in the LZ area. Heavy contact with enemy continues, more air strikes, and contact finally started to lessen with enemy fleeing to east. Co B, C, and D under command/control 1st Battalion 5th Marines established a perimeter for the night.
Causalities reported for the day long battle were:
22-KIA and 88-WIA and 86 VC/NVA KIA (confirmed).
The Operation ended two days later, with no more enemy contact, and 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines being transported by helicopter back aboard the ships of BLT.
KIA/Fallen: Cpl Delancy D. Tolbert CoA SSgt Epidio A. Arquero CoB NAVY CROSS PFC Allen F. Berweger CoB PFC Thomas L. Foy CoB PFC Randall R. Grueber CoB PFC Brian C. Hewitt CoB Sgt Dannie D. Jacobs CoB PFC Kenneth W. McGee CoB PFC Russel P. Miller CoB PFC Donald J. Pittenger CoB PFC James C. Riley CoB Cpl Sterling S. Woods CoB LCpl James M. Bishop CoC Pvt Alfred L. Brown CoC PFC James R. Cooper CoC PFC Albert J. Darling III CoC LCpl David M. Hart CoC Cpl John M. Reid CoC NAVY CROSS Cpl Thomas Sanders CoC NAVY CROSS PFC Frank. X. Cuozzo CoD HN Steven D. Chambers H&SCo... More
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