Citations for Valor

During the entire war in Vietnam, no battle of such short duration generated so many of the nation’s three highest decorations for valor as did The Battle of Getlin’s Corner:

The Medal of Honor

2nd Lt. John Bobo

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Company I was establishing night ambush sites when the command group was attacked by a reinforced North Vietnamese company supported by heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire. 2nd Lt Bobo immediately organized a hasty defense and moved from position to position encouraging the outnumbered Marines despite the murderous enemy fire. Recovering a rocket launcher from among the friendly casualties, he organized a new launcher team and directed its fire into the enemy machine gun positions. When an exploding enemy mortar round severed 2nd Lt. Bobo’s right leg below the knee, he refused to be evacuated and insisted upon being placed in a firing position to cover the movement of the command group to a better location. With a web belt around his leg serving as a tourniquet and with his leg jammed into the dirt to curtail the bleeding, he remained in this position and delivered devastating fire into the ranks of the enemy attempting to overrun the Marines. 2nd Lt. Bobo was mortally wounded while firing his weapon into the main point of the enemy attack, but his valiant spirit inspired his men to heroic efforts, and his tenacious stand enabled the command group to gain a protective position where it repulsed the enemy onslaught. 2nd Lt. Bobo’s superb leadership, dauntless courage, and bold initiative reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

The Four Navy Crosses

Captain Michael Getlin

For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer, Company “I”, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 March 1967. The company was engaged in establishing platoon night ambush sites against communist insurgent forces in Quang Tri Province when all elements became engaged simultaneously, and the company’s command group and a small security element were attacked by a reinforced North Vietnamese company utilizing heavy automatic weapons fire and mortar barrages. Captain Getlin, despite multiple shrapnel and gunshot wounds, while under constant mortar and small arms fire, remained on the exposed forward slope of the hill where he calmly called in artillery fire and directed helicopter strikes on the advancing enemy. When the attack build to the point of overrunning the Marine position, Captain Getlin moved to the most critical position and delivered devastating shotgun fire into the assaulting enemy. The barrel of his shotgun split due to the rapid rate of fire. With complete disregard for the danger involved, he reloaded and continued to fire, personally killing at least six enemy soldiers. Realizing that the position was not tenable, Captain Getlin directed his men to move to a better position while he covered their move. At this time three grenades fell within his immediate position. He threw one grenade back at the enemy and was mortally wounded attempting to retrieve the others.

1st Sergeant Raymond G. Rogers

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Sergeant Raymond G. Rogers, Jr. (MCSN: 583291), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as First Sergeant, Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 30 March 1967. While on Operation PRAIRIE III, northwest of Cam Lo, near the Demilitarized Zone, the command post group with two squads and a sixty-millimeter mortar section were preparing night positions on Hill 70 when they were hit with a vicious mortar barrage followed by an intense and vicious ground assault by an estimated reinforced North Vietnamese Army company. Seeing his company commander's position occupied by the enemy, he single-handedly charged through heavy automatic weapons fire and grenades to assist him.

Upon reaching the position, he found his company commander mortally wounded and engaged the numerically superior enemy force, killing several. In this instant he was severely wounded by rifle fire, but despite his painful injuries, he continued to deliver accurate and effective fire upon the enemy. Seeing the weapons platoon commander go down, he crawled to him, administered first aid and, at the injured man's request, propped him into a firing position. Being the senior Marine present, he assumed command of his remaining forces and crawled through a widely exposed area to radio and re-establish contact with the battalion. While attempting to call in artillery fire on his own position, a Huey Gunship came into the area. He established contact with the gunship and directed fire on the enemy, but the enemy hordes kept coming into his positions. Although seriously wounded, he led six seriously wounded survivors to a covered position and established a hasty defense. As a result of his professionalism, courageous leadership and stirring example, the fanatic enemy assaults were stopped, and he and his forces accounted for sixty-two enemy soldiers killed. By his daring initiative, valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk,

First Sergeant Rogers served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Corporal Jack Loweranitis

For extraordinary heroism while serving as Company Messenger of Company “I”, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 March 1967. The company was a engaged in establishing platoon night ambush sites against communist insurgency forces in Quang Tri Province when the company command group and small security element were attacked by a North Vietnamese reinforced company utilizing heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire. At the initiation of the action Corporal Loweranitis moved through the intense fire to the 60MM mortar position, reorganized the crew, and delivered effective fire on the machine gun positions that were raking the Marine positions. When the mortar ammunition was expended, he again exposed himself to small-arm fire and grenades as he moved from position to position evacuating wounded to the reverse slope of the hill. When the North Vietnamese Army attempted to overrun the Marine positions, he moved to the most threatened point and personally accounted for five enemy kills. Although wounded by small-arms fire and grenade fragments on two separate occasions, he refused to leave his position and resolutely covered the withdrawal of the command group to a more tenable position until he fell, mortally wounded. His heroic action, with complete disregard for his own life, allowed the Marines to gain a new position and account for numerous enemy casualties. By his outstanding courage, exceptional fortitude and valiant fighting spirit, Corporal Loweranitis served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

HM 3 Kenneth “Doc” Braun

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Kenneth R. Braun (NSN: 9188839), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Corpsman, Command Group, India Company, Third Battalion , Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in connection with combat operations against North Vietnamese regular forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 and 31 March 1967. While on a battalion level sweep in the vicinity of Hill 70, Quang Tri Province, India Company came in contact with an estimated battalion of enemy soldiers supported by mortar and rocket fire. The command group was immediately under heavy automatic fire and ground attack, suffering numerous casualties. In close combat conditions, Petty Officer Braun, although having received serious shrapnel wounds from the initial firefight, quickly began administering medical aid to those around him. Seeing that their current position was untenable and as casualties mounted, the order was given to pull back. Realizing that many wounded Marines were forward of his position, and disregarding his own safety and wounds, Petty Officer Braun moved throughout the fire swept area, treating the wounded and exposing himself to enemy fire. Time and again, he dragged the wounded across open terrain, shielding them from fire with his body while pulling them to safety. Trading his pistol for a rifle, Petty Officer Braun fought his way back down the hill to where Marines were pinned down and suffering heavy casualties; moving from Marine to Marine, with total disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly and skillfully administered medical aid to the wounded while simultaneously engaging the enemy. With enemy forces in position, Petty Officer Braun did not withdraw, but continued to treat the wounded and though armed with a malfunctioning weapon was able to kill two enemy soldiers while protecting his Marines. Maintaining the tenuous position while assisting a seriously wounded officer, and with enemy troops all around him, Petty Officer Braun held his position, continued to treat the officer, and held off the enemy with his weapon until shot three times. By his uncommon courage, valiant fighting spirit, and selfless dedication to duty, Petty Officer Braun reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Navy.

The Six Silver Stars

1st Lt. Neal

1st Lt. Richard “Butch” Neal

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard Irving Neal (0-92178), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer attached to India Company, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1967, First Lieutenant Neal was serving with Company I Command Group during Operation PRAIRE III in Quang Tri Province . The company had established a night position on Hill 70 in the vicinity of Cam Lo near the Demilitarized Zone when it came under heavy enemy mortar fire. The Command Group immediately sustained numerous casualties and the Company Commander and the Executive officer were killed during the initial moments of the attack. Quickly and expertly assessing the tactical situation, First Lieutenant Neal immediately assumed command of the surviving members of the Command Group and, with exceptional professional skill and resolute determination, reorganized his unit and succeeded in gaining fire superiority over the numerically superior enemy force. Closely supervising the rapidly changing situation, he courageously moved throughout the fire-swept area directing counter fire and encouraging his men. Simultaneously, he skillfully called for and directed air and artillery support, which was instrumental in forcing the enemy to break contact. As the attack diminished, First Lieutenant Neal hastily reinforced his perimeter and secured a landing zone for the evacuation of the casualties. His daring and heroic actions undoubtedly prevented the enemy from overrunning his unit’s position. By his inspiring leadership, aggressive fighting spirit, and courage in the face of enemy fire, First Lieutenant Neal upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Lance Corporal Burghardt

Lance Corporal James Edwin Burghardt

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Messenger with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1967, Lance Corporal Burghardt's platoon came under intense enemy small arms fire while moving to reinforce the Company Command Group. In the initial burst of fire, his platoon commander was seriously wounded and fell in an area exposed to enemy fire. Disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal Burghardt unhesitatingly advanced through the heavy rifle and automatic weapons fire to the side of his wounded platoon commander. Throwing himself on the wounded officer in an attempt to shield him from the heavy volume of enemy fire, Lance Corporal Burghardt immediately began administering first aid. As a result of his unselfish act, he was seriously wounded by small arms fire. His heroic actions despite grave personal danger undoubtedly saved the life of his platoon commander and was an inspiration to all who observed him. By his exceptional fortitude, inspiring courage and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Burghardt upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Lance Corporal Butt

Lance Corporal Thomas E. Butt

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Thomas E. Butt (MCSN: 2172737), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Machine Gun Team Leader with the command group of Company I, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1967, in the Cam Lo District of Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam, Lance Corporal Butt settled his machine gun team into a night ambush site. Suddenly and without warning, they became the target of a vicious attack. Exposing himself repeatedly to enemy fire, he courageously and skillfully directed his machine gun team. When the accompanying rocket team leader was killed, he was ordered to man the rocket launcher site. He unhesitatingly dashed to the rocket team's position, picked up the launcher tube and assaulted the enemy. Despite being wounded several times, Lance Corporal Butt kept on fighting. By his courage in the face of extreme personal danger, bold initiative, and tireless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Butt reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Gunnery Sergeant Stankowski

Gunnery Sergeant William N. Stankowski

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant (then Private First Class) William N. Stankowski, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while assigned as Anti-tank Assault Man, Weapon Platoon, Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Republic of Vietnam on 30 March 1967. During a pitch battle with a strong North Vietnamese force attempting to overrun the company command post, Gunnery Sergeant Stankowski heroically delivered accurate rocket fire into the advancing enemy force. Severely wounded by an incoming enemy mortar round, he advanced under fire to treat other wounded Marines while continuing to fight the enemy. While dragging wounded Marines to the landing zone from the surrounded position, he was critically wounded a second time. Refusing evacuation, Gunnery Sergeant Stankowski lead a small group of Marines back through the withering enemy fire in a valiant attempt to recover their mortally wounded platoon commander. Wounded a third time while engaged in a fight to retake the command post position, Gunnery Sergeant Stankowski was finally evacuated. Gunnery Sergeant Stankowski’s courageous actions, exceptional initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest tradition of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Private First Class Chamberlain

Private First Class Gene Chamberlain

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gene Chamberlain (MCSN: 2217725), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Automatic Rifleman with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1967, during Operation PRAIRIE III, Private First Class Chamberlain's platoon came under intense enemy fire while preparing night defensive positions. As the enemy began enveloping the platoon's left flank, Private First Class Chamberlain's fire team was deployed to counter the attack. In the ensuing fire fight when the fire team leader was killed, Private First Class Chamberlain unhesitatingly assumed command of the team and aggressively led his men in an assault against the enemy. Although wounded in the leg and arm and subsequently in the head and chest by grenade fragments, Private First Class Chamberlain continued to rally and direct his fire team as he delivered suppressive fire into the enemy force. His fearless actions despite his painful wounds inspired all who observed him and were a determining factor in repelling the enemy attack. By his aggressive leadership, courageous action, initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Chamberlain upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Corporal Walter J. Riley

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a squad leader with Company I, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1967, Corporal Riley's squad and another squad from his platoon were providing security for his company command group. While establishing a night position near Hill 70 in Quang Tri Province, they came under file from enemy mortars and heavy automatic weapons, followed by direct assault from an estimated reinforced company that penetrated their defensive perimeter. After all the officers and senior enlisted Marines were killed or wounded, Corporal Riley took charge, and despite being heavily outnumbered and under murderous fire, he led an audacious and determined counterattack that repulsed the enemy. As darkness fell, he consolidated the defensive position and continued to rally his Marines in fending off the enemy until his position was reinforced by other elements of Company I and friendly casualties could be evacuated. By his bold and decisive actions, courage under fire, and total dedication to duty, Corporal Riley reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of Marine Corps and the United Stages Naval Service.

The Fifteen Who Died

Killed in Action at the Battle of Getlin’s Corner

Captain Michael P. Getlin

27 years old

Kirkwood, MO

Captain Ralph B. Pappas

27 years old

Presidio, CA

2nd Lt. John P. Bobo

24 years old

Niagara Falls, NY

Corporal John L. Loweranitis

22 years old

DuBois, PA

Corporal James E. Blevins

19 years old

Empire, OH

Corporal Walter Nerad, Jr.

22 years old

Maple Heights, OH

Corporal David A. Siemon

21 years old

Springdale, PA

L/Corporal Larry H. Crumbaker

21 years old

Salem, OH

L/Corporal Roman R. Villamor, Jr.

19 years old

Warren, MI

PFC Albert G. Anter

18 years old

Central Falls, RI

PFC Ruben M. Armenta

18 years old

Pico Rivera, CA

PFC Edward E. Cannon

18 years old

Avon Park, FL

PFC Donald W. Krick

20 years old

Cleveland, OH

PFC Frank H. Thomas Jr.

20 years old

Pompano Beach, FL

PFC Wallace Williams

19 years old

New York, NY

PHOTO – Reflections of Corporal Jack Riley (another unsung hero of Getlin’s Corner) and his son, Will, as they visit Jack’s brothers on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Fifteen Who Died

Killed in Action at the Battle of Getlin’s Corner

Captain Michael P. Getlin

27 years old

Kirkwood, MO

Captain Ralph B. Pappas

27 years old

Presidio, CA

2nd Lt. John P. Bobo

24 years old

Niagara Falls, NY

Corporal John L. Loweranitis

22 years old

DuBois, PA

Corporal James E. Blevins

19 years old

Empire, OH

Corporal Walter Nerad, Jr.

22 years old

Maple Heights, OH

Corporal David A. Siemon

21 years old

Springdale, PA

L/Corporal Larry H. Crumbaker

21 years old

Salem, OH

L/Corporal Roman R. Villamor, Jr.

19 years old

Warren, MI

PFC Albert G. Anter

18 years old

Central Falls, RI

PFC Ruben M. Armenta

18 years old

Pico Rivera, CA

PFC Edward E. Cannon

18 years old

Avon Park, FL

PFC Donald W. Krick

20 years old

Cleveland, OH

PFC Frank H. Thomas Jr.

20 years old

Pompano Beach, FL

PFC Wallace Williams

19 years old

New York, NY

PHOTO – Reflections of Corporal Jack Riley (another unsung hero of Getlin’s Corner) and his son, Will, as they visit Jack’s brothers on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.