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Lance Corporal United States Marine Corps
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to LANCE CORPORAL JOSEPH B. WEGENER UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165, First Marine Aircraft Wing in
connection
with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the
morning
of 10 October 1968, Lance Corporal Wegener launched as Aerial Gunner
aboard
a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned to insert a reconnaissance team
deep
in enemy controlled territory near Thuong Due in Quang Nam Province.
Arriving
over the designated area, the aircraft sustained battle damage from a
heavy
volume of hostile fire, and when the helicopter crashed, it commenced
to
burn violently. Despite sustaining a painful wound, Lance Corporal
Wegener
resolutely commenced assisting personnel out of the wreckage, and as
the
intense heat of the fire caused machine gun ammunition within the
aircraft
to begin exploding, he steadfastly remained in the helicopter until all
of the passengers had escaped. After departing the aircraft, he
discovered
that the other crew members were still in the helicopter and,
fearlessly
returning to the burning wreckage, assisted the injured pilot to a
position
of relative safety. Undaunted by enemy fire, he resolutely continued
his
determined efforts and, again returning to the aircraft, obtained first
aid equipment which he utilized to treat the aircraft commander's
wounds.
By his courage, resolute determination and unwavering devotion to duty
in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Wegener was
instrumental
in saving the lives of several Marines and upheld the finest traditions
of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."
H.W. BUSE, JR.
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