302 Awards Compiled & Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

Born: 8/9/1947 at Alliance, Nebraska

Home Town: Denver, Colorado

*Connor, Peter Spencer

Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

Company F, 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Date of Action: February 25, 1966

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Peter Spencer Connor, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 25 February 1966, while serving with the Company F, Second Battalion, Third Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Viet Cong forces in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam. Leading his platoon on a search and destroy operation in an area made particularly hazardous by extensive cave and tunnel complexes, Staff Sergeant Connor maneuvered his unit aggressively forward under intermittent enemy small-arms fire. Exhibiting particular alertness and keen observation, he spotted an enemy spider hole emplacement approximately 15 meters to his front. He pulled the pin from a fragmentation grenade intending to charge the hole boldly and drop the missile into its depths. Upon pulling the pin he realized that the firing mechanism was faulty, and that even as he held the safety device firmly in place, the fuse charge was already activated. With only precious seconds to decide, he further realized that he could not cover the distance to the small opening of the spider hole in sufficient time, and that to hurl the deadly bomb in any direction would result in death or injury to some of his comrades tactically deployed near him. Manifesting extraordinary gallantry and with utter disregard for his personal safety, he chose to hold the grenade against his body in order to absorb the terrific explosion and spare his comrades. His act of extreme valor and selflessness in the face of virtually certain death, although leaving him mortally wounded, spared many of his fellow Marines from death or injury. His gallant action in giving his life in the cause of freedom reflects the highest credit upon the Marine Corps and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Born: 9/4/1932 at Orange, New Jersey

Home Town: South Orange, New Jersey

*Cook, Donald Gilbert (POW)

Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps

Naval Advisor Group, Military Assistance Command

Date of Action: December 31, 1964 - December 08, 1967

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Donald Gilbert Cook, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Naval Advisor Group, Military Assistance Command, while interned as a Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong in the vicinity of Binh Gia, Phouc Tuy Province, Republic of Vietnam during the period 31 December 1964 to 8 December 1967. Despite the fact that by so doing he would bring about harsher treatment for himself, Colonel (then Captain) Cook established himself as the senior prisoner, even though in actuality he was not. Repeatedly assuming more than his share of their health, Colonel Cook willingly and unselfishly put the interests of his comrades before that of his own well-being and, eventually, his life. Giving more needy men his medicine and drug allowance while constantly nursing them, he risked infection from contagious diseases while in a rapidly deteriorating state of health. This unselfish and exemplary conduct, coupled with his refusal to stray even the slightest from the Code of Conduct, earned him the deepest respect from not only his fellow prisoners, but his captors as well. Rather than negotiate for his own release or better treatment, he steadfastly frustrated attempts by the Viet Cong to break his indomitable spirit, and passed this same resolve on to the men whose well-being he so closely associated himself. Knowing his refusals would prevent his release prior to the end of the war, and also knowing his chances for prolonged survival would be small in the event of continued refusal, he chose nevertheless to adhere to a Code of Conduct far above that which could be expected. His personal valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death reflected the highest credit upon Colonel Cook, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.

Born: 8/9/1934 at Brooklyn, New York

Home Town: Brooklyn, New York

*Creek, Thomas Elbert

Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps

Company I, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Date of Action: February 13, 1969

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Thomas Elbert Creek, Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 13 February 1969, while serving as a rifleman with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force in action against enemy forces near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam. Lance Corporal Creek's squad was providing security for a convoy moving to re-supply the Vandegrift Command Base when an enemy command detonated mine destroyed one of the vehicles and halted the convoy near the Cam Lo Resettlement Village. Almost immediately, the Marines came under a heavy volume of hostile mortar fire followed by intense small-arms fire from a well-concealed enemy force. As his squad deployed to engage the enemy, Lance Corporal Creek quickly moved to a fighting position and aggressively engaged in the fire fight. Observing a position from which he could more effectively deliver fire against the hostile forces, he completely disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly dashed across the fire-swept terrain and was seriously wounded by enemy fire. At the same time, an enemy grenade was thrown into the gully where he had fallen, landing between him and several companions. Fully realizing the inevitable results of his action, Lance Corporal Creek rolled on the grenade and absorbed the full force of the explosion with his body, thereby saving the lives of five of his fellow Marines. As a result of his heroic action, his men were inspired to such aggressive action that the enemy was defeated and the convoy was able to continue its vital mission. Lance Corporal Creek's indomitable courage, inspired the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 4/7/1950 at Joplin, Missouri

Home Town: Amarillo, Texas

Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Date of Action: September 06, 1967

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Rodney Maxwell Davis, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 September 1967, while serving as the right guide of the Second Platoon, Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy forces in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam. Elements of the Second Platoon were pinned down by a numerically superior force of attacking North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Remnants of the platoon were located in a trench line where Sergeant Davis was directing the fire of his men in an attempt to repel the enemy attack. Disregarding the enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire, Sergeant Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them while firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. When an enemy grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sergeant Davis, realizing the gravity of the situation, and in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice, instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his body the full and terrific force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, Sergeant Davis saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life, enabled his platoon to hold its vital position, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 4/7/1942 at Macon, Georgia

Home Town: Macon, Georgia

*De La Garza, Emilio Albert

Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps

Company E, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Date of Action: April 11, 1970

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Emilio Albert De La Garza, Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 11 April 1970, while serving as a machine gunner with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, near Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam Returning with his squad from a night ambush operation, Lance Corporal De La Garza joined his platoon commander and another Marine in searching for two enemy soldiers who had been observed fleeing for cover toward a small pond. Moments later, he located one of the enemy soldiers hiding among the reeds and brush. As the three Marines attempted to remove the resisting soldier from the pond, Lance Corporal De La Garza observed him pull the pin on a grenade. Shouting a warning, Lance Corporal De La Garza placed himself between the other two Marines and the ensuing blast from the grenade, thereby saving the lives of his comrades at the sacrifice of his life. By his prompt and decisive action, and his great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, Lance Corporal De La Garza upheld and further enhanced the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.

Born: 6/23/1949 at East Chicago, Indiana

Home Town: Chicago, Illinois

*Dias, Ralph Ellis

Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps

Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Date of Action: November 12, 1969

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Ralph Ellis Dias, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 12 November 1969, while serving with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Que Son Mountain, Republic of Vietnam. As a member of a reaction force which was pinned down by enemy fire while assisting a platoon in the same circumstance, Private First Class Dias, observing that both units were sustaining casualties, initiated an aggressive assault against an enemy machinegun bunker which was the principal source of hostile fire. Severely wounded by enemy snipers while charging across the open area, he pulled himself to the shelter of a nearby rock. Braving enemy fire for a second time, Private First Class Dias was again wounded. Unable to walk, he crawled 15 meters to the protection of a rock located near his objective and, repeatedly exposing himself to intense hostile fire, unsuccessfully threw several hand grenades at the machinegun emplacement. Still determined to destroy the emplacement, Private First Class Dias again moved into the open and was wounded a third time by sniper fire. As he threw a last grenade which destroyed the enemy position, he was mortally wounded by another enemy round. Private First Class Dias' indomitable courage, dynamic initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service to his country.

Born: 7/15/1950 at Shelocta, Pennsylvania

Home Town: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

*Dickey, Douglas Eugene

Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps

Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Date of Action: March 26, 1967

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Douglas Eugene Dickey, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 26 March 1967 while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Amphibious Brigade, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy forces near Gio An, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. While participating in Operation BEACON HILL 1, the Second Platoon was engaged in a fierce battle with the Viet Cong at close range in dense jungle foliage. Private First Class Dickey had come forward to replace a radio operator who had been wounded in this intense action and was being treated by a medical corpsman. Suddenly an enemy grenade landed in the midst of a group of Marines, which included the wounded radio operator who was immobilized. Fully realizing the inevitable result of his actions, Private First Class Dickey, in a final valiant act, quickly and unhesitatingly threw himself upon the deadly grenade, absorbing with his body the full and complete force of the explosion. Private First Class Dickey's personal heroism, extraordinary valor and selfless courage saved a number of his comrades from certain injury and possible death at the cost of his life. His actions reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 12/24/1946 at Greenville, Ohio

Home Town: Cincinnati, Ohio

*Foster, Paul Hellstrom

Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)

2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Date of Action: October 14, 1967

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Paul Hellstrom Foster, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 14 October 1967, while serving as an artillery liaison operations chief with the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action near Con Thien, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours the Second Battalion was occupying a defensive position which protected a bridge on the road leading from Con Thien to Cam Lo. Suddenly, the Marines' position came under a heavy volume of mortar and artillery fire, followed by an aggressive enemy ground assault. In the ensuing engagement, the hostile force penetrated the perimeter and brought a heavy concentration of small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket fire to bear on the battalion command post. Although his position in the fire support coordination center was dangerously exposed to enemy fire and he was wounded when an enemy hand grenade exploded near his position, Sergeant Foster resolutely continued to direct accurate mortar and artillery fire on the advancing North Vietnamese troops. As the attack continued, a hand grenade landed in the midst of Sergeant Foster and his five companions. Realizing the danger, he shouted a warning, threw his armored vest over the grenade, and unhesitatingly placed his body over the armored vest. When the grenade exploded, Sergeant Foster absorbed the entire blast with his body and was mortally wounded. His heroic actions undoubtedly saved his comrades from further injury or possible death. Sergeant Foster's courage, extraordinary heroism, and unfaltering devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 4/17/1939 at San Mateo, California

Home Town: San Francisco, California

Fox, Wesley Lee

Captain, U.S. Marine Corps

Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Date of Action: February 22, 1969

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Wesley Lee Fox, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 22 February 1969, while serving as commanding officer of Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against the enemy in the northern A Shau Valley. Captain (then First Lieutenant) Fox's company came under intense fire from a large well concealed enemy force. Captain Fox maneuvered to a position from which he could assess the situation and confer with his platoon leaders. As they departed to execute the plan he had devised, the enemy attacked and Captain Fox was wounded along with all of the other members of the command group, except the executive officer. Captain Fox continued to direct the activity of his company. Advancing through heavy enemy fire, he personally neutralized one enemy position and calmly ordered an assault against the hostile emplacements. He then moved through the hazardous area coordinating aircraft support with the activities of his men. When his executive officer was mortally wounded, Captain Fox reorganized the company and directed the fire of his men as they hurled grenades against the enemy and drove the hostile forces into retreat. Wounded again in the final assault, Captain Fox refused medical attention, established a defensive posture, and supervised the preparation of casualties for medical evacuation. His indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his Marines to such aggressive action that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex. Captain Fox's heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and uphold the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Born: 9/30/1931 at Herndon, Virginia

Home Town: Leesburg, Virginia

A veteran of combat in Korea, Wesley Fox worked himself through each and every one of the ranks of the Marine Corps from private until his retirement as a Colonel of Marines.

*Gonzalez, Alfredo "Freddy"

Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Date of Action: January 1 & February 4, 1968

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Alfredo "Freddy" Gonzalez, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on January 1 and February 4, 1968, while serving as platoon commander, Third Platoon, Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against the enemy near Thua Thien, Republic of Vietnam. On 31 January 1968, during the initial phase of Operation HUE CITY, Sergeant Gonzalez' unit was formed as a reaction force and deployed to Hue to relieve the pressure on the beleaguered city. While moving by truck convoy along Route No. 1, near the village of Lang Van Lrong, the Marines received a heavy volume of enemy fire. Sergeant Gonzalez aggressively maneuvered the Marines in his platoon, and directed their fire until the area was cleared of snipers. Immediately after crossing a river south of Hue, the column was again hit by intense enemy fire. One of the Marines on top of a tank was wounded and fell to the ground in an exposed position. With complete disregard for his safety, Sergeant Gonzalez ran through the fire-swept area to the assistance of his injured comrade. He lifted him up and though receiving fragmentation wounds during the rescue, he carried the wounded Marine to a covered position for treatment. Due to the increased volume and accuracy of enemy fire from a fortified machinegun bunker on the side of the road, the company was temporarily halted. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sergeant Gonzalez exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved his platoon along the east side of a bordering rice paddy to a dike directly across from the bunker. Though fully aware of the danger involved, he moved to the fire-swept road and destroyed the hostile position with hand grenades. Although seriously wounded again on 3 February, he steadfastly refused medical treatment and continued to supervise his men and lead the attack. On 4 February, the enemy had again pinned the company down, inflicting heavy casualties with automatic weapons and rocket fire. Sergeant Gonzalez, utilizing a number of light antitank assault weapons, fearlessly moved from position to position firing numerous rounds at the heavily fortified enemy emplacements. He successfully knocked out a rocket position and suppressed much of the enemy fire before falling mortally wounded. The heroism, courage, and dynamic leadership displayed by Sergeant Gonzalez reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 5/23/1946 at Edinburg, Texas

Home Town: San Antonio, Texas

*Graham, James Albert

Captain, U.S. Marine Corps

Company F, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Date of Action: June 02, 1967

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to James Albert Graham, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 2 June 1967, while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy forces in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam. During Operation UNION II, the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, consisting of Companies A and D, with Captain Graham's company attached launched an attack against an enemy occupied position with two companies assaulting and one in reserve. Company F, a leading company, was proceeding across a clear paddy area 1,000 meters wide, attacking toward the assigned objective, when it came under fire from mortars and small arms which immediately inflicted a large number of casualties. Hardest hit by the enemy fire was the 2d platoon of Company F, which was pinned down in the open paddy area by intense fire from two concealed machineguns. Forming an assault unit from members of his small company headquarters, Captain Graham boldly led a fierce assault through the second platoon's position, forcing the enemy to abandon the first machinegun position, thereby relieving some of the pressure on his second platoon, and enabling evacuation of the wounded to a more secure area. Resolute to silence the second machinegun, which continued its devastating fire, Captain Graham's small force stood steadfast in its hard won enclave. Subsequently, during the afternoon's fierce fighting, he suffered two minor wounds while personally accounting for an estimated 15 enemy killed. With the enemy position remaining invincible upon each attempt to withdraw to friendly lines, and although knowing that he had no chance of survival, he chose to remain with one man who could not be moved due to the seriousness of his wounds. The last radio transmission from Captain Graham reported that he was being assaulted by a force of 25 enemy soldiers; he died while protecting himself and the wounded man he chose not to abandon. Captain Graham's actions throughout the day were a series of heroic achievements. His outstanding courage, superb leadership and indomitable fighting spirit undoubtedly saved the second platoon from annihilation and reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.