for service as set forth in the following 

     CITATION: 

 
          "For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the republic of Vietnam while serving as Weapons Platoon Commander with Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division. On the evening of 13 October 1968, while providing security for a new and as yet incomplete combat base southeast of DaNang, the weapons platoon came under a vicious ground attack by North Vietnamese Army sappers who succeeded in infiltrating the friendly position. After severely wounding several Marines with hand grenade, the sappers occupied the bunkers of the causalities and delivered machine gun fire while other hostile soldiers utilized hand grenades and mortar fire from outside the defensive perimeter. When a grenade detonated near the company commander and the resulting concussion left him temporarily stunned, Second Lieutenant King unhesitatingly assumed command and, fearlessly moving about the fire-swept terrain, directed the fire of his men at the enemy positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, he then led an aggressive counterattack against the two bunkers occupied by the hostile soldiers and, although seriously wounded in the leg, resolutely continued his determined attack until the emplacements were regained and the hostile soldiers were routed. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him, contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy, and restored the security of the combat base. Second Lieutenant King's courage, bold initiative, and steadfast devotion to duty were in the keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service." 

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized. 

FOR THE PRESIDENT,

 H.W. BUSE, JR.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC

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Combat Commissioning Program


 

Staff Sergeant King has displayed excellent leadership ability in combat operations. His attention to duty, and professional combat skill has been evident continuously, and his performance was noteworthy on two (2) separate occasions.

On February 16, 1968, while on patrol east of Con Thien, in the vicinity of hill 39, the first platoon, Company "H", came into contact with an estimated platoon of NVA supported by mortars. Staff Sergeant King as Platoon Sergeant provided the necessary assistance to the Platoon Commander to overcome the enemy position. He assisted by relaying commands, maneuvering squads, displaying personal courage as he moved from position to position pointing out targets, rallying his Marines and providing them with the necessary example that makes for success in combat. During this contact, Staff Sergeant King was painfully wounded in the leg, but despite the wound, he continued to assist his men. By his leadership, enthusiasm, and personal courage heavy casualties were inflected on the enemy.

On 17 May 1968, Company "H" was on patrol southwest of Khe Sanh combat base, when the first platoon, the point element of the company, came in contact with an undetermined size enemy force in a bunker complex. Again Staff Sergeant King displayed the example of good leadership, personal courage, and determination to assist his platoon and the company to secure the objective. At the direction of the Platoon commander Staff Sergeant King skillfully maneuvered the flank squad close in to the enemy so as to direct accurate small arms and automatic weapons fire on the enemy position, and permit the orderly withdrawal of forces and casualties, thereby permitting the company commander to direct supporting arms on the complex and finally secure the objective.

Staff Sergeant King on many occasions, has served as Platoon Commander. In this billet, he displayed a professional skill at map reading and land navigation. He has an excellent knowledge of unit tactics and understanding of the use of supporting arms.

I feel that Staff Sergeant King's long experience as a Drill Instructor and his excellent performance of duty, has provided him with a mature outlook and the ability to understand and handle Marines.

Staff Sergeant King would be an asset to his organization and the Marine Corps as a Commissioned Officer. Staff Sergeant King is recommended with enthusiasm for the Combat Commissioning Program.

F. J. Mahady, Jr. 
Captain - USMC

First Endorsement

From:      Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, lst Marines 

To:          Commandant of the Marine Corps

via           (1) CO, Ist Mar
               (2) CG, Ist Mar Div

I.       Forwarded with enthusiasm.

2.      Staff Sergeant King has continually demonstrated extraordinary leadership, courage, dedication, and professionalism., The skill with which he performs and the example he sets are an inspiration to all those about him. His capacity and desire for increased responsibility are among those qualities which make him a superior nominee for the Combat Commissioning Program.

J. E. Poindexter 
Lt.Col - USMC