Thomas R. Childers, Jr.

Thomas R. Childers, Jr.
Class of 1969
Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, First Marine Division, FMF Pacific

Bronze Star w/Valor for valorous actions and meritorious service in combat as a platoon leader and rifle company commander while conducting numerous night ambushes and other direct engagements with the enemy. In each of these actions, Lt. Childers exhibited courage under fire, composure, resourcefulness and disregard for his own safety to protect the lives of his Marines and accomplish the mission. Frequently, he retrieved wounded Marines from hot kill zones, pursued retreating enemy personnel, and motivated leadership by moving under fire to various positions to solidified and coordinate action essential to mission’s accomplishment.

Robert R. Stewart

Robert R. Stewart
Class of 1968
6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, USARV

Bronze Star w/Valor for heroism while serving as a platoon leader during a night combat operation against a numerically superior enemy force. 1LT Stewart exposed himself to heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire upon contacting an entrenched enemy force, enabling him to direct the actions of his men and orchestrate the delivery of indirect fire and gunships. The effect of sound maneuver and well placed fires routed the enemy force and inflicted heavy casualties. 1LT Stewart’s actions were instrumental to the successful outcome of this engagement.

Joseph C. Gross
Class of 1968
176th Assault Helicopter Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, Americal Division USARV

Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander during the extraction under fire of a long range reconnaissance team. Despite the hazardous conditions of terrain and enemy fire, 1LT Gross maneuvered the aircraft into a stable and stationary position at tree top level to enable the team to be pulled through the canopy onto the aircraft. This was accomplished at significant personal risk and resulted in the team’s safe return to friendly control without any loss of life.

Richard L. Clark

Richard L. Clark
Class of 1968
1st Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), USARV

Army Commendation Medal w/V for heroism when his platoon was attacked by a well-equipped and determined company of North Vietnamese regulars. Lt. Clark directed retaliatory fire to each member of his platoon and then, under heavy fire, attempted to recover the body of a mortally wounded armored personnel driver. His courageous efforts kept casualties low and were a significant contribution to the defeat of the enemy.

Michael R. Sullivan

Michael R. Sullivan
Class of 1967
2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, USARV

Silver Star for heroic action while on a reconnaissance mission in Vietnam. When his company came under attack from an enemy of unknown size, 1st Lt Sullivan acted swiftly. Despite heavy enemy fire he placed his men in strategic fighting positions. Sullivan was wounded as he positioned his men and directed suppressive fire on the enemy, allowing for his unit to withdraw and regroup. Being wounded a second time, he was forced to accept medical help and evacuation.

John C. Everson

John C. Everson
Class of 1967
1st Battalion, 11th Infantry, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), USARV

Bronze Star w/Valor for valorous actions. While commanding B Company, 1-11th Infantry during contact with an North Vietnamese force inside the DMZ, LT Everson’s unit sustained numerous casualties. After having evacuated the wounded, 1st Platoon discovered that its point man was unaccounted for and presumed KIA. In order to determine the young rifleman’s status and recover him, LT Everson moved 300 meters outside the company perimeter through the enemy automatic weapons kill zone to locate him. Though he located the body, it was too close to the enemy bunkers to recover it that night. The next morning the body was recovered during the morning’s sweep of the position.