James Dale Cruse

The database page for James Dale Cruse

25 Jun 2003 HN James Dale Cruse served as a Corpsman with M Company, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division. My cousin HM3 Charles Hugh Crawford served in the same capacity with the same outfit and was killed in action on 29 May, 1967. James Dale Cruse was a special type of person who cared more for his fellow man than he did for himself. Both of these fine men were posthumous recipients of the Navy Cross. Both gave their lives caring for their comrades. Semper FI, James, and may God Rest Your Soul. The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to JAMES DALE CRUSE Hospitalman, United States Navy, for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism in action on 15 June 1968 while serving as a corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic Of Vietnam. Hospitalman Cruse's platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation near the Khe Sanh Combat base when the platoon suddenly came under intense automatic-weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army Force. During the initial moments of the fire fight, lead elements of the platoon were pinned down in an open area, and the two point men were seriously wounded. Disregarding his own safety, Hospitalman Cruse unhesitatingly advanced from his position of relative safety and maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to assist his injured comrades. Upon reaching the first casualty, he efficiently rendered medical aid and spoke words of comfort and encouragement before moving forward to the other Marine casualty who lay exposed to enemy fire. While treating and comforting the second wounded Marine, Hospitalman Cruse was himself mortally wounded. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

"You guys are the Marine's doctors - There's none better in the business than a Navy Corpsman ..." -- Lieutenant General "Chesty" Puller -- Visit John Dennison's Medics on the Wall memorial which honors the Army Medics and Navy Corpsmen who died in Vietnam.

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 08/10/2009