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bob witt07:59:25 - February 14 2014
Valentine Day 1969rreilly.witt@gmail.com
It was 45years ago today. Valentine Day 1969

Larry Looby along with 3rd Platoon Delta 1-7, Platoon Commander, 2nd Lt James Patrick Witt and Machine Gunner Mike Wyman were KIA from 3rd Platoon Delta 1-7.

Thanks Marines for bringing their memory back to life at all the reunions.

Below are the Silver Star citations for both Witt and Wyman. Thanks to Neil Wilson for the info.

Silver Star Citation
Silver Star Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant James Patrick Witt (MCSN: 0-106078), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 14 February 1969, during a company-sized patrol in Quang Nam Province, the point element took the command post of a North Vietnamese Army company by surprise. One enemy soldier was killed, and the others hastily retreated to the security of fortified positions under cover of protective fire from a bunker emplacement 15 meters to the Marines' front. Realizing the advantage of immediate action, Second Lieutenant Witt deployed the lead squad on line and, while initiating an aggressive assault on the enemy bunker, received multiple wounds as he moved across the fire-swept terrain to direct the fire of his men. When another Marine started to his aid, he yelled for the man to get down as a hostile hand grenade detonated nearby, injuring him again. Although painfully wounded, Second Lieutenant Witt calmly briefed the Marine and delivered explicit directions regarding the course of action to be followed by his men. Subsequently, he was medically evacuated and succumbed to his wounds. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit's killing three hostile soldiers while overrunning the North Vietnamese Army position. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant Witt upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Action Date: 14-Feb-69 Service: Marine Corps Rank: Second Lieutenant Company: Company D Battalion: 1st Battalion Regiment: 7th Marines Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Michael James Wyman (2404772), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a machine gunner with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 14 February 1969, during a company-sized patrol in Quang Nam Province, the point element took the command post of a North Vietnamese Army company by surprise. One enemy soldier was killed and the others hastily retreated to the security of fortified positions under cover of protective fire from a bunker emplacement fifteen meters to the Marines' front. Wounded in the hip after he left his relatively secure rear position to maneuver to the point of heaviest combat, Lance Corporal Wyman resolutely continued to advance through the intense hostile fire to aid his fellow Marines. When he was within five meters of the enemy bunker, he received an injury to his other hip which knocked him to the ground and jarred his weapon loose from his hand. Ignoring his wounds, he attempted to reach his weapon and, unable to do so, calmly directed the accurate fire of his comrades. Subsequently, he was medically evacuated and succumbed to his wounds. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his units killing 3 hostile soldiers while overrunning the North Vietnamese position. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal duty, Lance Corporal Wyman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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