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Rank and organization: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, Company H, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines (Rein), 3d Marine
Division (Rein). Place and date: near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam,
18 August 1965. Entered service at: Dayton, Ohio. Born: 23 April
1946, Williamsburg, Ky.
Citation... For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. In violent battle, L/Cpl. Paul's platoon sustained 5
casualties as it was temporarily pinned down, by devastating mortar,
recoilless rifle, automatic weapons, and rifle fire delivered by
insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in well entrenched positions.
The wounded marines were unable to move from their perilously
exposed positions forward of the remainder of their platoon, and
were suddenly subjected to a barrage of white phosphorous rifle
grenades. |
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L/Cpl. Paul, fully aware that his tactics would almost certainly result in serious injury or death to himself, chose to disregard his safety and boldly dashed across the fire-swept rice paddies, placed himself between his wounded comrades and the enemy, and delivered effective suppressive fire with his automatic weapon in order to divert the attack long enough to allow the casualties to be evacuated. Although critically wounded during the course of the battle, he resolutely remained in his exposed position and continued to fire his rifle until he collapsed and was evacuated. By his fortitude and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of several of his fellow marines. His heroic action served to inspire all who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom. |
Paul, Joe C.
