Medal of Honor winner Private First Class Gary W. Martini, USMC. K.I.A.

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."


Stouthearted and indomitable, Pfc. Martini unhesitatingly yielded his life to save 2 of his comrades...


Note one:

A Marine private first class was an E - 2.

Note two:

The phrase used in the official document -- elements of company F -- translates as the 8 rifle squads on hand for the developing battle, plus their weapons attachments.

These 8 rifle squads, then, were out of the 9 total available on the Foxtrot Co. Roster.

It was they who were committed to the frontal assault, reinforced with such miscellaneous tag - a - longs as your proverbial "cooks, clerks and candle stick makers" -- be they one - o - six crewmen, etc. -- or whoever had volunteered to go along for the ride.

In fact. as I seem to recall, our intrepid, hardworking and very quiet and - keep - to - himself cook was later credited with helping save the lives of several badly wounded Marines.

NOW, HIS STORY!

(adapted from this online source: "Medal of Honor Winners Vietnam M - Z")

"MARTINI, GARY W.

"Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

"On 21 April 1967, during Operation UNION elements of Company F, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division 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 [already] been killed attempting to assist the wounded, 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 lying wounded only 20 meters in front of the enemy trench line.

"As he 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, [and] 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 United States Naval Service.

"He gallantly gave his life for his country."