Cousins, Merritt T.
Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Battery B, 1st Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Date of Action: July 8, 1967
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Lance Corporal Merritt T. Cousins, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Radio Operator with Battery B, First Battalion, Twelfth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced) attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced) in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 July 1967. Lance Corporal Cousins, serving with a Forward Observer Team, was engaged in a search and clear operation in Cam Lo District, southwest of Con Thien. En route to their objective, the second squad was taken under heavy small-arms and automatic weapons fire by a numerically superior enemy force. The third squad, to which Lance Corporal Cousins was attached, immediately proceeded to assist them. Before contact was made with the second squad, the third squad was taken under heavy automatic weapons fire and a devastating mortar attack by an estimated reinforced North Vietnamese Army unit. In the initial moments of the battle he was wounded by shrapnel, and he and four comrades were cut off forward of their unit and completely surrounded by the enemy. Despite his painful wounds. he called in artillery and advised the command post of their situation. He called artillery in so close that shrapnel was hitting their position. As the artillery fire rocked the enemy position, they made an assault toward the Marine perimeter. Hand-to-hand combat ensued and Lance Corporal Cousins was wounded a second time. Disregarding his painful wounds, and aware of the desperate need for artillery fire and the needs of his fellow Marines, he refused to leave his radio and continued to adjust artillery fire upon the enemy and relay their situation until he succumbed to his wounds with his radio handset in his hands. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, he was instrumental in repulsing a large scale attack and saving the lives of the beleaguered Marines, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Marine Corps and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Devries, Marvin H.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Co. E, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Date of Action: August 10, 1969
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to First Lieutenant Marvin H. Devries, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 10 August 1969, while occupying a night defensive position near the Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri Province, First Lieutenant Devries' platoon came under a ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army company reinforced by sappers utilizing automatic weapons fire, rocket-propelled grenades, and satchel charges. During the initial moments of the assault, the momentum of the enemy movement enabled the hostile soldiers to penetrate a portion of the Marines' defensive perimeter. Reacting instantly to this threat, First Lieutenant Devries ran across the fire-swept terrain to the point of heaviest contact and, shouting directions to the Marines there, skillfully realigned the defensive perimeter in such a way that the North Vietnamese Army soldiers were again outside the friendly lines. Completely disregarding his own safety, First Lieutenant Devries then moved from one Marine position to another to encourage his men and to insure that every possible avenue of enemy approach was adequately covered with firepower. While rushing across the hazardous area to counter a new threat, First Lieutenant Devries was severely wounded by fragments from a rocket-propelled grenade which impacted hear him. Refusing medical attention, he directed a vigorous defense of the perimeter, personally accounting for five enemy casualties. He then moved to a dangerously exposed vantage point and, heedless of the rounds impacting around him, skillfully adjusted supporting Marine artillery fire with such accuracy that the North Vietnamese Army force lost the advantage of its numerical superiority and retreated. His heroic and determined actions over a prolonged period of time were instrumental in minimizing Marine casualties and turning a potential disaster into a resounding victory. By his courage, dynamic leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, First Lieutenant Devries upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Kaufman, David M.
First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Co. E, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Date of Action: June 15, 1969
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to First Sergeant David M. Kaufman, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as First Sergeant of Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 June 1969. While Company E was participating in a search and destroy operation in Cam Lo Valley, the Marines came under a heavy volume of North Vietnamese Army mortar, small arms, and rocket-propelled grenade fire and sustained numerous casualties. Completely disregarding his own safety, First Sergeant Kaufman unhesitatingly left his position of relative security to assist the corpsman in treating the wounded men and, on several occasions, fearlessly crossed the fire-swept terrain to aid casualties to covered places. During the ensuing fierce engagement, First Sergeant Kaufman, seemingly oblivious to the hostile rounds impacting about him, boldly moved to vantage points and, in full view of enemy soldiers, encouraged his men and ensured that every possible avenue of approach was effectively covered with fire power. Then, as he dauntlessly moved from one fighting position to another along the company's defensive perimeter, exhorting his Marines to greater combat efforts, he was mortally wounded by North Vietnamese Army fire. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen and unwavering devotion to duty, First Sergeant Kaufman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Lownds, David E.
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Khe Sanh Combat Base, U.S. Marine Corps
Date of Action: August 1967 - March 1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Colonel David E. Lownds, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer of the Khe Sanh Combat Base in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from August 1967 through March 1968. Upon assuming command of the vital combat base located in western Quang Tri Province and tasked with the responsibility of interdicting major North Vietnamese resupply routes and blocking any enemy invasion attempt from the west into the northern provinces of South Vietnam, Colonel Lownds immediately established combat outposts on Hills 881 South, 861, and 950, and launched extensive and highly effective patrol activities throughout his area of responsibility. Despite the hazardous, mountainous terrain, thick jungle foliage, and adverse weather conditions, Colonel Lownds' valiant combat leadership and indomitable command ability were the central instrument in achieving and maintaining the superb combat posture of the base. On 28 January 1968, when North Vietnamese divisions launched a coordinated attack on the Khe Sanh Combat Base with rockets, artillery, mortar, and machine-gun and small-arms fire, and with their main attack directed at Hill 861-A, Colonel Lownds' superb knowledge of and appreciation for the terrain and his aggressive utilization of all supporting arms minimized the effectiveness of the enemy attack and resulted in a large number of enemy casualties. During daily enemy rocket and artillery attacks, and on 23 February when the firing reached its peak with more than 1300 rounds impacting on the combat base, his superior tactical judgment, calm leadership, brave demeanor, and resolute endurance were an inspiration to all around him and were a prime factor in maintaining a high level of morale among his men. Giving no thought to his own safety, while exhibiting a compassionate concern for the welfare of his Marines, he gallantly and repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire making daily visits to outlying units to observe tactical operations and to study conditions confronting his unit commanders. During the period 1 November 1967 to 31 March 1968, Colonel Lownds organized and directed Operation Scotland, a highly effective search and destroy operation throughout the Khe Sanh tactical area of responsibility, which resulted in numerous enemy casualties, the capture of several enemy, and a large number of weapons confiscated. By his gallant leadership, distinguished personal bravery, and selfless devotion to duty throughout, Colonel Lownds upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Meuse, John R.
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Co. E, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Date of Action: May 3, 1967
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Private First Class John R. Meuse, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Radio Operator with the First Squad, Second Platoon, Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced) near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 3 May 1967. During the early morning hours Company E came under a heavy mortar barrage followed by an assault by a determined and well armed North Vietnamese force, overrunning their position and wounding Private First Class Meuse. When asked by his platoon commander for the situation, his radio transmissions indicated that he was severely wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued to report the situation for more than an hour. This accurate information on the disposition and nature of the enemy forces enabled the company commander to make essential decisions on the employment of his maneuvering elements and the coordination of supporting arms necessary to repulse the enemy attack and to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. At about noon, when the area was recaptured, the body of Private First Class Meuse was found, his handset still in his hand and five enemy dead in front of his position. By his selfless refusal to leave his position when medical aid might have saved him, and by his skillful appraisal of the situation, he contributed materially to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Oakley, John L.
Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Co. G, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Date of Action: August 22, 1966
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Lance Corporal John Oakley, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 August 1966. During Operation Alleghney, Corporal Oakley's platoon was assigned the mission of relieving a platoon that had become temporarily pinned down by a numerically superior communist force. As the point element of the platoon, his squad was brought under intense hostile fire from an estimated sixty Viet Cong, well hidden in the underbrush and trees. As the platoon advanced, enemy fire increased in intensity and was reinforced by volleys of grenades from the front and both flanks, all of which were concentrated on Corporal Oakley's squad in the center of the formation. Suddenly, an automatic weapon opened up at point-blank range directly to his front, killing two Marines at his side. He nevertheless continued to advance in front of the platoon and assaulted the enemy position, firing his rifle at a dead run. Wounded and knocked down once by the heavy fire that was now converging on him, Corporal Oakley continued the assault, only to be wounded again by a hand grenade. Completely disregarding his wounds, he selflessly and heroically continued his single-handed effort until he had overrun the position and killed the defenders. As a result of his gallant conduct and disregard for his own safety, the momentum of the assault was maintained and the platoon was able successfully to relieve the pinned-down unit. By his initiative, inspiring leadership, and heroic devotion to duty, Corporal Oakley reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Parrott, Lee R.
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Date of Action: August 10, 1969
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Gunnery Sergeant Lee R. Parrott, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commander of the 81mm Mortar Platoon, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division during operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam on the early morning of 10 August 1969. When his platoon was subjected to a heavy ground attack by enemy troops who penetrated a section of the platoon's defensive position and wounded several Marines, Gunnery Sergeant Parrott rushed to the beleaguered sector and, opening fire with his rifle, succeeded in accounting for several enemy casualties. Despite the fierceness of the enemy fire attack, he reached the forward fighting positions, directed his men to secondary defensive positions, and then aided the wounded Marines to rear locations. All the while he continued firing at the invaders with his free arm while assisting the casualties with his other arm. As a result of his valiant and inspiring leadership in a potentially chaotic situation, the Marines effected a vigorous defense and repelled several ground attacks. Following the retreat of the defeated attackers, Gunnery Sergeant Parrott led his men outside the defensive perimeter to secure the area and to evacuate all casualties. While he was thus engaged, the area came under hostile mortar fire. Although wounded by one of the first mortars to explode in the area, Gunnery Sergeant Parrott skillfully adjusted supporting counter mortar fire on suspected enemy positions and continued to direct the removal of other casualties to a more tenable landing zone while he remained to provide rear-guard security. By his heroic actions, aggressive fighting spirit, and determined efforts in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds, he was directly instrumental in saving the lives of several fellow Marines, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Reilly, James R.
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Co. G, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Date of Action: March 17, 1966
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Private First Class James R. Reilly, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Machine Gunner with the Second Platoon, Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against communist forces at Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, on 17 March 1966. In the early morning hours of that day, Private First Class Reilly and a fellow Marine were vigilantly defending their two-man foxhole position on the unit's perimeter against repeated enemy small-arms and grenade attacks. Their position was of particular importance in that it blocked the possible approach of the enemy forces through a wooded draw. As Private First Class Reilly peered into the semidarkness he heard and saw an object, which he immediately recognized as a grenade, land about four feet from his position beyond the edge of the foxhole. The ground at this point sloped sharply toward his position and he realized instantly that the grenade would roll into the hole itself. With precious seconds already gone, Private First Class Reilly knew he could not retrieve the grenade and hurl it away in time. Without a moment's hesitation he called a warning to his comrade and, unmindful of his own personal safety, threw himself upon the deadly missile, absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and thereby saving his comrade from serious injury or possible death. Private First Class Reilly, by his superb courage and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice, reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Russell, William E.
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Co. E, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Date of Action: May 28, 1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Captain William E. Russell, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 May 1968, Captain Russell was assigned the mission of leading his company and a tank platoon to a ridgeline position in Quang Tri Province to relieve a unit which had been heavily engaged with the enemy the previous night. Under his superb leadership, his unit maneuvered to the ridgeline and killed sixty-five enemy soldiers while advancing under fire. Upon arriving at the besieged Marines' position and despite strong enemy resistance, Captain Russell rallied his forces and, after evacuating the casualties, consolidated the perimeter and coordinated his units' defensive actions. On the night of 30 May when his position was attacked by a reinforced North Vietnamese battalion, he directed well coordinated and highly accurate air strikes and artillery fire around his perimeter, killing ninety-six enemy soldiers and forcing the hostile force to discontinue the attack and withdraw from the area. Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the enemy mortar fire, Captain Russell refused medical assistance and continued to direct supporting fire against the retreating enemy throughout the night. Early the following morning, a relief force maneuvering along the ridgeline to his position came under heavy enemy fire and was pinned down. Disregarding his own safety, he quickly adjusted fire on the enemy positions, killing forty-four North Vietnamese soldiers and enabling the Marines to reach the relative safety of the company perimeter. Assuming command of the relieving company when its commanding officer was wounded, Captain Russell, even though wounded a second time, continued to direct the actions of his men throughout the night. He accepted medical evacuation the following day only when assured that the vital position was secure. His sustained heroism in the face of a numerically superior, determined enemy force inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his intrepid fighting spirit, superb leadership, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Russell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
