![]() “When the attack stalled due to fierce resistance, another Marine maneuvered amid enemy rocket and automatic weapon fire to employ an explosive charge. Tasked with assaulting an enemy controlled complex, the company followed Canley as they cleared the building from room to room engaging in close combat with the enemy. Utilizing an entrenching tool as a splint, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Ker and two Marines lifted the stricken commander onto a poncho and carried him to safety amid withering small arms, rocket, and automatic weapons fire.”Īfter their commander was injured in battle, the men followed the lead of their company gunnery sergeant, Gunnery Sergeant John L. “When the company column was taken under attack en-route to Hue, he repeatedly crossed open terrain under heavy enemy fire to render aid to wounded Marines,” states the award citation for Ker, “A short time later his company commander suffered a life threatening wound to his femur. The award citations credit all three men with putting themselves in the line of enemy fire to complete their mission as well as rescue their fallen comrades. During the battle, now regarded as the longest and bloodiest of the Vietnam War, all three men showed great courage under fire and unwavering dedication to duty as they fought house-to-house in the streets of Hue City. Ker, who served as a corpsman with Alpha Company, First Battalion, First Marine Division, received the awards for their heroic achievements in combat during the Battle of Hue City from January 31 to February 5, 1968. Lewis, who served as riflemen, and Michael B. The veterans were recognized fifty-four years after their valiant actions in the war. Three Vietnam War veterans were awarded the Bronze Star Medal on Friday, June 24 on the parade deck aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, following the recruit graduation ceremony.
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