09 Aug 2002 REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421 Placed by another Vietnam veteran, Lester Modelowitz lmodelowitz@si.rr.com

 

16 Aug 2005      The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL posthumously to LANCE CORPORAL RICHARD A CARABBA UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following      CITATION:          "For meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Rifleman with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division from 9 August to 27 September 1969. Throughout this period, Lance Corporal Carabba performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Participating in several combat operations, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and composure under fire as he continually moved to dangerously exposed vantage points from which to inflict maximum casualties on the enemy. During the early morning hours of 27 September 1969, while Company G was occupying a night defensive position near Fire Support Base Elliot, the Marines came under intense mortar fire and Lance Corporal Carabba, unhesitatingly leaving his position of relative safety, maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to a fighting hole to defend his position against possible ground attack. Boldly exposing himself to the enemy fire he began pointing out hostile targets to the mortar crew and while thus engaged was mortally wounded. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in repelling the enemy. Lance Corporal Carabba's professionalism, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service." The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized. FOR THE PRESIDENT, H. W. BUSE, JR. LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC From his father. E-mail address is not available.

 

25 Aug 2005 Dear Rickey, There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you after all these years. You were taken from all of us much too soon. You were only eighteen. I was only eleven. I still wonder what it would be like if you were here right now. You are always in my prayers and forever in my heart. From a sister. E-mail address is not available.

 

25 Sep 2005 Dear Rickey, When you told me you didn't think you would make it home I knew deep in my heart that it would be true. I'll never forget the time you came home and surprised us all. My kids and grandkids know you by what I've told them. You touched many hearts in your short lifetime and I look forward to the time when we can be together again. You're in my thoughts, my prayers and in my heart. I can still hear those drums! From another sister. E-mail address is not available.

 

11 Oct 2005 Dear Rick, I was only a baby when you were killed. I often wonder what you were like and what it would be like to have you around. I know you from the wonderful stories and memories you left with our parents, who are so proud of you! My children have heard countless stories about your bravery and dedication. Two of them are in the military, and I have one who looks quite like you! I will continue to pray for you and all of the other soldiers whose lives were cut too short. One day, through the Grace of God our Father, I may be able to meet you. Love from another one of your sisters. E-mail address is not available.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 2/4 Marines Command Chronology for September 1969 contains the following entry for 27 September: "Company G reported movement north of their position in the vicinity of XD978592 ... A fire team ambush reported three figures moving across their front to the north. M-79s were fired and artillery was called in with unknown results. Company Golf received small arms fire and mortar fire from the vicinity of XD978590. Enemy mortar fire was both 60mm and 81mm. Two Marines were killed and five were wounded. Enemy casualties were unknown." The two men killed were LCpl Richard A. Carabba and Pfc Allan T. Aslett of Twin Falls, Idaho.

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