thedrifter
09-27-07, 05:31 AM
United States Medal of Honor Citations
U.S. Marine Corps Gary W. Martini
Author: FSM Editors
Source: The Family Security Foundation, Inc.
Date: September 27, 2007
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/assets/home/180px-Martini_GW.jpg
In the name of Congress, the President of the United States has awarded more than 3,400 Medals of Honor to our nation’s bravest soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coastguardsmen. FamilySecurityMatters.org is privileged to bring you the outstanding stories of some of these remarkable American patriots.
United States Medal of Honor Citations
U.S. Marine Corps Gary W. Martini
From the FSM Editors
U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Gary W. Martini was born on September 21, 1948 in Lexington, VA. Martini entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps in Portland, Oregon, joining Company F, 2d Battalion of the 1st Marines.
On April 21, 1967, at the town of Binh Son, Vietnam, Pvt. 1st Class Martini displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. During Operation Union, elements of Company F, conducting offensive operations at Binh Son, encountered a firmly entrenched enemy force and immediately deployed to engage them.
The marines in Pfc. Martini's platoon assaulted across an open rice paddy to within 20 meters of the enemy trench line where they were suddenly struck by hand grenades, intense small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. The enemy onslaught killed 14 and wounded 18 marines, pinning the remainder of the platoon down behind a low paddy dike.
In the face of imminent danger, Pfc. Martini immediately crawled over the dike to a forward open area within 15 meters of the enemy position where, continuously exposed to the hostile fire, he hurled hand grenades, killing several of the enemy. Crawling back through the intense fire, he rejoined his platoon, which had moved to the relative safety of a trench line. From this position he observed several of his wounded comrades lying helpless in the fire-swept paddy.
Although he knew that 1 man had been killed attempting to assist the wounded Marine, Pfc. Martini raced through the open area and dragged a comrade back to a friendly position. In spite of a serious wound received during this first daring rescue, he again braved the unrelenting fury of the enemy fire to aid another companion who had fallen seriously wounded only 20 meters in front of the enemy trench line. As Pvt. Gary Martini reached the fallen marine, he received a mortal wound, but disregarding his own condition, he began to drag the marine toward his platoon's position.
Observing men from his unit attempting to leave the security of their position to aid him, concerned only for their safety, he called to them to remain under cover, and through a final supreme effort, moved his injured comrade to where he could be pulled to safety, before he fell, succumbing to his wounds.
Stouthearted and indomitable, Pfc. Martini unhesitatingly yielded his life to save 2 of his comrades and insure the safety of the remainder of his platoon. His outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflected the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
FSM salutes the memorable achievements of all of our great American military.
Ellie
U.S. Marine Corps Gary W. Martini
Author: FSM Editors
Source: The Family Security Foundation, Inc.
Date: September 27, 2007
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/assets/home/180px-Martini_GW.jpg
In the name of Congress, the President of the United States has awarded more than 3,400 Medals of Honor to our nation’s bravest soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coastguardsmen. FamilySecurityMatters.org is privileged to bring you the outstanding stories of some of these remarkable American patriots.
United States Medal of Honor Citations
U.S. Marine Corps Gary W. Martini
From the FSM Editors
U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Gary W. Martini was born on September 21, 1948 in Lexington, VA. Martini entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps in Portland, Oregon, joining Company F, 2d Battalion of the 1st Marines.
On April 21, 1967, at the town of Binh Son, Vietnam, Pvt. 1st Class Martini displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. During Operation Union, elements of Company F, conducting offensive operations at Binh Son, encountered a firmly entrenched enemy force and immediately deployed to engage them.
The marines in Pfc. Martini's platoon assaulted across an open rice paddy to within 20 meters of the enemy trench line where they were suddenly struck by hand grenades, intense small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. The enemy onslaught killed 14 and wounded 18 marines, pinning the remainder of the platoon down behind a low paddy dike.
In the face of imminent danger, Pfc. Martini immediately crawled over the dike to a forward open area within 15 meters of the enemy position where, continuously exposed to the hostile fire, he hurled hand grenades, killing several of the enemy. Crawling back through the intense fire, he rejoined his platoon, which had moved to the relative safety of a trench line. From this position he observed several of his wounded comrades lying helpless in the fire-swept paddy.
Although he knew that 1 man had been killed attempting to assist the wounded Marine, Pfc. Martini raced through the open area and dragged a comrade back to a friendly position. In spite of a serious wound received during this first daring rescue, he again braved the unrelenting fury of the enemy fire to aid another companion who had fallen seriously wounded only 20 meters in front of the enemy trench line. As Pvt. Gary Martini reached the fallen marine, he received a mortal wound, but disregarding his own condition, he began to drag the marine toward his platoon's position.
Observing men from his unit attempting to leave the security of their position to aid him, concerned only for their safety, he called to them to remain under cover, and through a final supreme effort, moved his injured comrade to where he could be pulled to safety, before he fell, succumbing to his wounds.
Stouthearted and indomitable, Pfc. Martini unhesitatingly yielded his life to save 2 of his comrades and insure the safety of the remainder of his platoon. His outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflected the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
FSM salutes the memorable achievements of all of our great American military.
Ellie