OPERATION
UNION and UNION II
Que Son area, Republic of Vietnam, 25 April to 5 June
1967
3rd
Battalion, 5th Marines Citations
UNION
LT. COL. DEAN E. ESSLINGER
H&S 3/5
21 April 1967
The
President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL
to
LIEUTENANT COLONEL DEAN E. ESSLINGER
UNITED STATES MARINE
CORPS
For service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the Third
Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations
against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation Union, Lieutenant
Colonel ESSLINGER repeatedly exhibited exceptional leadership and professionalism
in leading his men against North Vietnamese Army forces.
On 21 April 1967,
he led his battalion in a helicopter force assault mission to reinforce Company
F of the Second Battalion, First Marines which was heavily engaged with a
numerically superior enemy force. Locating his command post in a forward position
in order to better control and direct his companies, he reacted instantly
to the critical situation, moving to join the companies most heavily engaged
with the enemy.
Despite intensive
enemy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire, he initiated an aggressive
assault on the fortified enemy positions, repeatedly exposing himself to hostile
fire to pinpoint the Viet Cong positions and to encourage his men in maintaining
the momentum of the attack. Although wounded on 28 April, Lieutenant Colonel
ESSLINGER refused medical evacuation and, undaunted by the heavy volume of
enemy fire, courageously continued to lead his battalion, soundly defeating
the enemy at each encounter.
Again on 13 and 14
May when heavy contact was made with a reinforced North Vietnamese Army battalion
concealed in a fortified complex, he demonstrated outstanding knowledge of
military tactics as he skillfully employed his battalion and personally directed
and coordinated artillery, naval gunfire and close air support.
On 26 May while his
battalion was heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force, Lieutenant
Colonel ESSLINGER was seriously wounded in the head but again refused medical
aid in order to continue in battle. With complete disregard for his own safety
and welfare, he moved from one position to another to direct and encourage
his men.
Although unable to
stand because of his extremely painful head wound, he selflessly continued
to direct his unit’s operation until the regimental commander ordered his
medical evacuation. In large part due to his expertly conceived and skillfully
directed operations, his battalion accounted for 420 enemy soldiers confirmed
killed and destroyed numerous enemy emplacements and caves.
Throughout, his manner
and method of command instilled confidence and resolute determination which
inspired his men to their utmost efforts. By his exceptional leadership, aggressive
fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel ESSLINGER contributed
significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
For the
President,
V. H. KRULAK
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING
GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
FIRST
LIEUTENANT ROBERT 0. TILLEY
KILO 3/5
12 May 1067
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER
STAR MEDAL to
FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERT 0. TILLEY
UNITED
STATES MARINE CORPS
for service
as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company
K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late in the afternoon
on 12 May 1967, during Operation Union, First Lieutenant Tilley displayed exceptional
professional skill and heroism when he led his company to relieve the beleaguered
elements of a point unit which had sustained heavy casualties from a numerically
superior North Vietnamese Army force.
By aggressive
fire and maneuver tactics, he moved to the hostile flank, delivering effective
suppressive fire to allow withdrawal of the besieged unit. Throughout the night,
First Lieutenant Tilley moved among his men, encouraging them and directing
supporting arms fire on the enemy.
Early on 13
May, Company K was assigned to support adjacent units in attacking an estimated
battalion of North Vietnamese. Upon joining with the friendly units, his company
immediately came under intense mortar and machine gun fire; however, disregarding
his own safety, First Lieutenant Tilley unhesitatingly exposed himself to the
heavy fire in order to deploy his units into strategic fighting positions.
During the
attack, he was seriously wounded by machine gun fire. Disregarding his painful
wound, he continued to lead his men until his condition forced him to be medically
evacuated. After the enemy had been routed and fled, 105 dead were counted and
large quantities of weapons, ammunition and other abandoned equipment were seized.
His superior
leadership and determination were an inspiration to all who served with him
and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By
his outstanding professionalism, uncommon courage, and selfless devotion to
duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Tilley upheld the highest traditions
of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
STAFF
SERGEANT PAUL JOHN ORLETT
KILO 3/5
12 May 1967
The President of the United States takes
pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to
STAFF
SERGEANT PAUL JOHN ORLETT
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
For service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company K, Third Battalion,
Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against
the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.
On the evening of 12 May 1967, after reinforcing
another company heavily engaged with a well entrenched, numerically superior
North Vietnamese Army force in Quang Tin Province, Staff Sergeant ORLETT rapidly
assessed the situation and immediately established collection points for the
evacuation of the casualties. He then ignored the heavy volume of hostile
fire to assist the company commander in establishing a night defensive perimeter.
Throughout the night, he moved repeatedly
across the fire-swept area to ensure that maximum fire was being delivered
against the enemy, forcing the North Vietnamese to break contact. When contact
was reestablished the following day with an even larger enemy force and heavy
Marine casualties were sustained, he completely disregarded his own safety
as he maneuvered forward to exposed vantage points to pinpoint hostile emplacements
and direct fire against them.
Assuming the responsibilities of the Company
Gunnery Sergeant when he was killed, Staff Sergeant ORLETT fearlessly moved
through enemy fire to direct the employment of supporting arms, encourage
his men and obtain and distribute vital ammunition resupplies. When the company
commander was seriously wounded, Staff Sergeant ORLETT moved to the company
command post and and coordinated the evacuation of the injured officer and
other wounded Marines.
Upon the arrival of Marine reinforcements,
he provided accurate briefings on the locations of the enemy which led to
the subsequent destruction of North Vietnamese positions in the area. By his
steadfast courage, dynamic leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great
personal risk, Staff Sergeant ORLETT upheld the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
FOR THE PRESIDENT,
F. C. THARIN
MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
ACTING COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE
FORCE, PACIFIC
CPL.
LAWRENCE B. CAINE III
INDIA 3/5
13 May 1967
For extraordinary
heroism while serving as a Weapons Squad Leader with Company I, Third Battalion,
Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced) in the Republic of Vietnam
on 13 May 1967. During Operation UNION, Corporal Caine's squad was providing
covering fire during a recovery operation of Marine dead and wounded, when
he observed a large force of well entrenched enemy forces to his front.
From their positions, the enemy was able to cover an area of over 2,000 meters
in width with grazing and interlocking fire.
He
quickly took the enemy under fire and killed 20 North Vietnamese Army soldiers
in front of his position. Observing a series of caves adjacent to his
he, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, entered them and
while searching them accounted for two more enemy killed. Returning
to his position, he continued to employ machine-gun, rocket and small-arms
fire with devastating effect upon the enemy.
Upon gaining
fire superiority, helicopters were able to successfully evacuate the dead
and wounded. As the battle ensued, he moved his squad into a tree line
maintaining accurate and devastating fire on the enemy. Although painfully
wounded during a mortar attack, he refused medical evacuation and continued
to defend his company's front until all helicopter evacuation of dead and
wounded was completed.
As the numerically superior enemy force advanced on the company position,
Company I was ordered to withdraw 200 meters and call air strikes and artillery
fire on their former position. He directed the fire of his squad covering
the successful withdrawal of the company with automatic weapons and a 3.5
inch rocket fire from his tree line position.
Corporal
Caine was wounded the second time when he was struck by a bomb fragment.
As his squad withdrew, 62 enemy bodies were counted in the intermittent stream
bed to his front. By his intrepid fighting spirit, exceptional fortitude
and gallant initiative, Corporal Caine served to inspire all who observed
him and contributed in large measure to the success of his unit. His
great personal valor reflected the highest credit upon himself and enhanced
the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
PFC.
DENIS W. FLOOD
MIKE 3/5
13 and 14 May 1967
The President of the United States takes
pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS DENIS W. FLOOD
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
For service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action while serving with Company “M”, 3rd Battalion, 5th
Marines on 13 and 14 May 1967 in operations against elements of the North
Vietnamese Army in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation UNION, conducted
in the vicinity of Phouc Duc (4), Quang Tin Province, Company “M” came under
attack at 1230, 13 May 1967 by an unknown size enemy force utilizing small
arms, machine guns, and mortars. Private First Class Flood courageously moved
to the aid of several Marines who had become casualties.
As directed by the Corpsman on the scene,
he conducted an evacuation of these Marines across 250 meters of fire-swept
terrain to the designated helicopter landing zone, returning each trip with
much needed machine gun and small arms ammunition. At 0001, 14 May 1967, the
Company defensive perimeter came under an intense enemy mortar, machine gun,
and small arms preparation fires followed by a coordinated infantry assault.
Suffering from wounds received in the initial
mortar barrage, Private First Class Flood exhibited aggressive determination
and courage by repeatedly exposing himself to the enemy attack, moving from
position to position to ensure the resupply and distribution of ammunition.
Assuming a leadership role, Private First Class Flood fearlessly remained
in the front line position bolstering the fighting spirit of his rifle squad
while personally delivering over 300 rounds of accurate and deadly fire into
the assaulting enemy. His exceptional fighting spirit and initiative
contributed in great measure to blunting the enemy attack.
By his daring action, complete disregard
for personal safety, and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Flood
reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
For the President,
Secretary of the Navy
1LT.
BYRON EDWARD HILL
MIKE 3/5
13 May 1967
In the name of the President of
the United States, the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific
takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to
FIRST LIEUTENANT
BYRON EDWARD HILL
UNITED STATES
MARINE CORPS
for service as set
forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Forward
Observer with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine
Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic
of Vietnam.
On 13 May
1967, during Operation Union, the defensive positions of Company M came
under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire.
Unhesitatingly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, First Lieutenant HILL
maneuvered to an exposed vantage point to adjust artillery fire against
the enemy's positions and remained in this unprotected position for over
two hours, skillfully directing and adjusting supporting arms fire until
the enemy fire was silenced.
Upon learning that
the platoon commander, platoon sergeant and guide of the Second Platoon
had been seriously wounded, he assumed command of the unit and moved
across 200 meters of fire swept terrain to the platoon's location.
Demonstrating exceptional leadership and tactical ability, First
Lieutenant HILL reorganized the unit, encouraged his men and aggressively
led the platoon. Later in the afternoon, he was recalled to the command
post where he immediately coordinated and supervised the planning of night
defensive fires for the company's position.
In the early morning
hours 14 May 1967, the enemy launched an intense machine gun and mortar
attack, closely followed by a coordinated infantry assault against the
company's position. With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved
to an exposed vantage point and for over two hours, calmly directed
artillery fire on the hostile force, often within ninety meters of the
company's lines.
As the attack
subsided, First Lieutenant HILL relentlessly pursued the fleeing enemy
with intense supporting arms fire. In large measure due to his
determined efforts and superior professional ability, Company M accounted
for over 150 enemy confirmed killed.
By his steadfast
courage, exceptional professionalism and selfless devotion to duty, First
Lieutenant HILL was an inspiration to all who served with him and upheld
the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval
Service.
FOR THE PRESIDENT
V. H. KRULAK
LIEUTENANT
GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING
TEMPORARY CITATION
CPL.
MELICIO ORTIZ
INDIA 3/5
13 May 1967
Citation:
For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a machine gunner with the
Second Platoon, Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines in Vietnam on 13
May 1967. Corporal Ortiz was engaged as a member of a force assigned to
cover the evacuation of dead and wounded from a landing zone under heavy
fire from a large enemy force. His position was on the edge of the zone
where intense enemy fire had been building steadily for an hour.
Only a thin tree
line stood between the company and two North Vietnamese Army Battalions
firmly entrenched 1500 to 2000 meters away with interlocking grazing
fields of fire. As the helicopter landed and his fellow Marines started to
load the dead and wounded Corporal Ortiz saw the bar bank, 250 meters
away, erupt in a hail of fire as the enemy attempted to halt the
evacuation.
With complete
disregard for his own safety, he rose from his protected position, and
firing his machine gun from a standing position, silhouetted against the
background of the helicopter, delivered a steady stream of accurate,
withering suppressive fire into the enemy. While fearlessly exposing
himself to enemy fire in defense of his comrades, he was mortally wounded
as the helicopter took off.
His heroic action
and initiative in defense of his fellow Marines undoubtedly resulted in
saving the helicopter, the wounded aboard, and prevented further
casualties. By his daring actions and selfless devotion to duty Corporal
Ortiz was an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
For the
President,
Paul R.
Ignatius,
Secretary of the
Navy
UNION
II
MAJOR
HAROLD D. PETTENGILL
LIMA 3/5
26 May 1967
The
President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL
to
MAJOR HAROLD D. PETTENGILL
UNITED STATES MARINE
CORPS
For service as set forth
in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of Company
“L”, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines during Operation UNION TWO on 26 May 1967
in connection with combat operations against the enemy in South Vietnam.
Leading his rifle company
in the heliborne assault that led off this Operation, Major (then Captain) Pettengill’s
forces landed in the midst of approximately 1,000 enemy. Though seriously wounded
by enemy fire, causing loss of hearing and severing several muscles in his neck,
Major Pettengill retained command of his Company and professionally directed
air and artillery fire to bear on the enemy positions.
Refusing medical evacuation,
he resolutely continued to render the enemy positions ineffective; thereby assuring
the safe landing of the remainder of his Battalion in the landing zone. By his
courageous and daring actions, complete disregard for his own personal safety,
and selfless devotion to duty, Major Pettengill reflected great credit upon
himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United
States Naval Service.
FOR
THE PRESIDENT,
J.
WILLIAM MIDDENDORF
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
CORPORAL BENJAMIN RICHARDSON
LIMA 3/5
26 May 1967
The
President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL
posthumously to
CORPORAL BENJAMIN RICHARDSON
UNITED STATES MARINE
CORPS
For
service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines
in the Republic of Vietnam on 26 May 1967. While participating in Operation
UNION II, Company L was given the mission of securing a landing zone near Cam
La for the remainder of the battalion. As they left the helicopters, they came
under an intense barrage of automatic weapons and mortar fire from an estimated
battalion of North Vietnamese soldiers.
With too little cover
available, the company began to suffer heavy casualties from the intensity of
the enemy fire. Corporal Richardson, realizing the urgent need to evacuate the
wounded from the beaten zone, dashed across the open, fire-swept paddy field
and returned with an injured Marine on his back. Completely disregarding his
own safety, he made three more trips, each time returning with a wounded Marine.
On his fourth trip,
he was hit and mortally wounded before he could reach the security of the evacuation
point. By his exceptional courage and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Richardson
upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
For
the President,
PAUL
R. IGNATIUS
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
2LT
WILLIAM A. RAWSON
INDIA 3/5
2 June 1967
The President of the United States takes
pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to
SECOND LIEUTENANT WILLIAM A. RAWSON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE
For
service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity while serving as the Platoon Commander, First Platoon, Company
I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in the
Republic of Vietnam on 2 June 1967. During Operation UNION II in Quang Tin Province,
Second Lieutenant Rawson distinguished himself while leading his platoon in
an assault against a prepared and entrenched North Vietnamese Army force.
When ordered to seize
a heavily contested tree line across a rice field about 100 meters to his front,
Second Lieutenant Rawson carefully organized his men and bravely led them through
available cover, and launched an assault upon the objective. As the platoon
took cover under devastating grazing automatic weapons and rifle fire from a
determined enemy, he immediately requested supporting arms and set up a base
of fire.
Observing one of his
squad leaders seriously wounded and knocked down by enemy fire, he unhesitatingly
left his position and courageously rushed 30 meters across the fire swept rice
field to cover and protect the badly wounded Marine. While he was administering
first aid and covering the wounded man, they were both hit by enemy fire and
mortally wounded.
Through his daring
initiative and intrepid fighting spirit against numerically superior enemy forces,
the enemy was fixed in place, permitting adjacent units to flank the objective
and overrun the position with minimum casualties. Second Lieutenant Rawson’s
outstanding courage, resolute leadership and valiant devotion to duty served
to inspire all who observed him and was in keeping with highest traditions of
the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life for his country.
For
the President,
SECRETARY
OF THE NAVY
[ Home ] [ Up ]
[ Operation UNION II ]
[ Operation UNION and UNION II KIAs ]
[ Operation UNION/UNION II Citations ]