A Note from The Virtual Wall
The Marines at the Khe Sanh Combat Base were subjected to near-continuous artillery , rocket, and mortar bombardments. On 30 Jan 1968 the enemy got luckier than usual, hitting a munitions storage site as well as other facilities. Four men died in the attack:
- B Co, 3rd Recon Bn:
- LCpl Timothy M. Barmmer, Westport, CT
- LCpl Blake W. Farris, Saltville, VA
- Ammo Co, Supply Bn, 1st Force Svc Rgt:
- Sgt Jesus R. Vasquez, El Paso, TX (Navy Cross)
- HQ Co, 26th Marines:
- 1stLt Robert J. Mariz, South St Paul, MN
Sergeant Vasquez's Navy Cross Citation describes the circumstances of his death:
The President of the United States
takes pride in presenting the
NAVY CROSS
posthumously to
JESUS ROBERTO VASQUEZ
Sergeant
United States Marine Corps
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician with the Ammunition Company, Supply Battalion, First Force Service Regiment/Force Logistic Command in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 January 1968. During a mortar and rocket attack at the Khe Sanh Combat Base, several rounds landed in the ammunition supply point, igniting a stack of ammunition. Sergeant Vasquez, unhesitatingly rushed to the burning munitions and assisted in fighting the fire. Observing an 81-mm. mortar round burning and aware of the proximity of his comrades and the possibility of detonation, he lifted the round in an attempt to throw it into a deep crater where its lethal effects would be absorbed should it detonate. In his attempt to throw the round, it exploded, mortally wounding him. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, he was instrumental in saving his comrades from further injury or possible death by absorbing most of the impact with his own body. His great personal valor reflected great credit upon himself and enhanced the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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