Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Other Memories
Spent very little time with the unit. All the time I was with an Infantry unit in the field as their forward observer. The one time I was with the Battery I got hit by shrapnel from a 122mm rocket. Seems like every time I left a fire base it got hit by the NVA.
Worst Moment
Lying next to Battalion Commander and his RTO playing dead on Hill 996, A Shau Valley.We were all wounded when NVA came in killing the wounded. The BN CO was killed at that time along with his RTO
Other Memories
Was assigned to D Company 1/506 on 10 July 1969 as their forward observer. Shot on 11 July 1969 and sent home
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments 11 July 1969
My day on Hill 996, Vietnam
This story is not the complete story of the battle?skirmish?engagement?or firefight or what ever you want to call it, on Hill 996. It is what I saw, heard and d... 11 July 1969
My day on Hill 996, Vietnam
This story is not the complete story of the battle?skirmish?engagement?or firefight or what ever you want to call it, on Hill 996. It is what I saw, heard and did on the three days I was there. The remarkable thing about the firefight was the casualties. Rarely is the number of those killed and those wounded almost the same. Usually it is a one to five ratio. Each man has his own story and when they are all combined the event on those few days is truly revealed. The comments made by some of my brothers helped fill in the gaps and those gaps went from resentment and hatred of a few men to admiration. I learned not to make judgment until all the facts are known. It took forty years to find out many facts.
The reference of Brother is an overly used word by some war veterans but it is the closest word I can think of that expresses my feelings of those I served with. Each, regardless of race, age or religion was a brother and of each one there was a love like that can only be compared to that of my own brother. You would willingly sacrifice yourself for your brother and my fellow men were the same.
I arrived in Vietnam in October 1968 and was assigned to Camp Evans with the 2/320th Artillery also known as the ?Balls of the Eagle?. I was assigned to Infantry unit B Company 2/506 as their Forward Observer with the call sign, ?Bravo One?. Many times my RTO would answer the radio with my call sign and the caller would ask to speak with Bravo One. I would answer, ?This is The Bravo One?. There were light sides in Vietnam. In July 1969 I had just returned from a thirty day search and destroy mission and had my shower and ice cream. The second day in Camp Evans, July 10, 1969 I was called by my Artillery Battalion Liaison Officer and told to get my gear and report to the chopper pad. I had never had a R&R or an in country R&R in nine months. A FO in D 1/506 had gotten hurt and I was going to replace him. I later found out it was Lt. Fisher who had jumped from the chopper at a hot LZ and injured himself.
I flew to the LZ, got off the chopper and reported to the Company Commander then went over to the closest platoon. We were on a hill top looking at Hill 996 with a large clearing in the valley below us. I was standing there and heard a ?Thump? of a mortar firing. About 20 seconds later I heard a whistling sound then the mortar impacted near our position. I was amazed that no one moved, took cover or tried to engage the mortar. I saw the smoke from the mortar and knew it was within range of the M-60s but they were not firing. I got on the radio and called in a fire mission. The white prosperous round went off 1000 feet up and I adjusted the round and requested HE on the ground 600 yards to the left. When the HE round hit I further moved it to the left and put in six rounds of HE on the mortar position. The mortar stopped firing after that. The Artillery LNO requested we go in for a body count but the Infantry Commander refused.
We began walking downhill to the valley then headed up towards Hill 996. In the valley we walked through a field of standing corn. I pulled an ear off and stripped off the husk and found an ear of white sweet corn. Most of the men pulled off the ears and ate them raw as they walked. It was a real treat. When the hill began to become steep we found steps built into the hillside going up the hill. We all became alert because we knew we were not alone.
At the top of the hill we found two hill tops with a saddle between them. Just at dark the Infantry CO told me to place a final protective fire on one of the hill tops. He showed me on the map where he wanted it. I told him that the location he wanted the artillery was where we were standing. He said we were on the other hill top and told me to place the rounds where he said.
I called in the artillery and knew from experience that I could adjust the fire from the concussion I felt when the rounds hit and didn?t have to see them hit. I brought the rounds in and placed them on the hill top where the Company Commander said were standing. I knew how to read a map and knew he couldn?t.
It was quite that night. The next morning, July 11, 1969, we started to move out when the firing began. Looking towards the firing I saw green tracers coming in my direction and moved to where the Battalion Commander and his RTO were standing so I had access to a radio. Suddenly a burst of fire from and AK-47 hit the three of us. I was hit in the left shoulder, that broke the upper arm bone and the bullet lodged in the joint., LTC Hayward I believe in the stomach and I don?t know about the RTO. I do know we were all alive after being hit. We crawled to where a log was and lay behind it. One of the medics who was later killed dressed our wounds. I had lost my rifle during this time. After dressing our wounds the medic left to help others.
I heard more firing and heard a shot followed immediately but a loud grunt and a M-79 grenade launcher fire into the ground near me. I knew the M-79 round had a built in safety and would not explode until it had turned a certain number of revolutions. I knew the person who was shot was the one who fired the M-97.
I few minutes later I heard another shot and a man cry out ?Mommie?. Sporadic shooting continued for a while then and RPG hit near me and a piece of shrapnel cut my left ear. For a while I was deft. Then the shooting slowed and stopped. LTC Hayward, the RTO and myself talked in hush tones when my hearing returned. The RTO was in pain but there was no one near who could help him. I became cold and covered up with a poncho. LTC Hayward was upbeat and never complained of any pain even though he was seriously wounded. We were all lying on the ground. I lost track of time but I knew the unit had pulled back leaving us. Suddenly a burst of fire from very close by hit in front of my face knocking dirt into my face. I played dead since I had no weapon except a knife on my belt and I was in no shape to use it. LTC Hayward and the RTO were startled and jumped when the rounds were fire. The NVA opened up on them killing them instantly. The NVA were advancing and killing the wounded. I remember the smell afterwards and recalled that I had smelled it before. It was the odor of a large quantity of blood, the smell of death. I never heard the NVA walk away. I guess he was waiting for someone to come and help us, using us as bait. I lay still for many hours until it became dark. I heard very faint English being spoken up the hill and knew our line was close by.
Very slowly I rolled over expecting to see the NVA aiming at me and saw no one then began to crawl up the hill. At about 20 yards away I hid behind a tree so that my own people would not become surprised and shoot me. I called out ?This is Lt. Leonard Griffin the Forward Observer. , I?m coming in.? I moved from behind the tree and went up the hill as fast as I could until I got to our line. Almost immediately behind me and to my right I heard ?I?m coming in? and another man came up the hill to our line. It was obvious he was one of ours from his American accent.
I told another FO who had been shot in the helmet earlier that day what had happened. I told him ?They pulled back and left us there. ? Forty years later I found out that several brave attempts were made by the men when they heard the NVA shooting the wounded to come to our aid but the Company Commander decided to stop because it was too dangerous to send any more men out to save us.
I found a spider hole and crawled inside and spent the night. The next morning, July 12, 1969, I came out of the hole and found four leaches on me. I removed them and remembered that the scars lasted for several months.
Choppers were called in to remove the wounded. Since there was no LZ they lowered a cable and pulled the wounded up two at a time. Rick ?Doc? Daniels one of the surviving medics hooked the wounded up to the cable. I told the Company Commander that I would be the last to be taken out. Daniels hooked me and another to the cable and it began lifting us up. About 30 feet up the mike cord from the crew chief?s helmet got caught in the winch and it would not go up any higher. Immediately we came under fire. The pilot had a choice, fly as is or lower us and cut the cable. He lowered us and cut the cable. I later found out the pilot had been shot in both legs. The Snakes opened up on the NVA and ran them off until we could get out. The next chopper came in and pulled us out.
At the hospital they removed an AK-47 bullet from my shoulder. I kept it until it was stolen from my desk at Ft. Bragg, NC with the 82d Airborne Division. When I was in the hospital at Ft. Gordon, GA I received a letter from LTC Hayward?s wife wanting to know how her husband died. I spoke with a Chaplain and decided she did not know the whole truth. True he died instantly from a gun shot and that was all I told her. The rest she didn?t need to know. I have to live with it, not her or their kids.
Being with this unit only a very brief period I never learned their names or became friends. Rick ?Doc? Daniels told me their names. I found Rick 40 years later. They were my brothers as were all in Vietnam?even the Marines.
There were 20 Americans killed, 26 wounded. As with Hamburger Hill, that was about 4000 yards Northeast of Hill 996, we took it, then left it.
There was one Medal of Honor, four Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars with ?V? devices and forty-six Purple Hearts presented.
The MOH was awarded to the youngest soldier ever in history and he later served in Iraq as a LTC in the Medical Corps 40 years later. He helped the men there to mentally accept what was happening and how to cope with it. I know he had many odd stares when he was in his class A uniform. A LTC in the Medical Corps with a Medal of Honor, Silver Star and Bronze Star. He earned it!
It took me 40 years to face the Vietnam Memorial Wall on the computer. I know I cannot face the actual wall. I looked at the names of those who died on the day I was shot,researched their names and found out about Hill 996. Rick ?Doc? Daniels told me he had left it behind and didn?t want to revisit it. He answered my questions to help me. I told him ?Face it?deal with it?Let it go?
Now I can let it go.
I am available to talk anytime with any Veteran who needs to talk.
The second award was on June 9, 1969 at Firebase Currahee on the A Shau Valley floor from a 122mm rocket. I was the FO for the B Company 2/506 and we came in for a few days. I stayed with the Battery sinse I was not needed by the Company. Myself, the Battery XO and Battery Commander were all wounded and another FO was killed. A total of 16 were wounded.They medivaced the CO and XO and assigned me as the XO on June 10, 1969 for A Battery 2/319th Artillery until a replacement could be brought in.
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments
FB Currahee. shrapnel from a 122mm rocket while in camp
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description 319th Artillery
2d Battalion
Presidential Unit Citation�??10�??21 May 69, DAGO 16, 72
15 February 2011, Docket # AR20100021007, Army Board for Correction of Military Records awards VUA and PUC... 319th Artillery
2d Battalion
Presidential Unit Citation�??10�??21 May 69, DAGO 16, 72
15 February 2011, Docket # AR20100021007, Army Board for Correction of Military Records awards VUA and PUC MoreHide
Criteria The Valorous Unit Award may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States; while engaged in military oper... The Valorous Unit Award may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. MoreHide
Description 319th Artillery
2d Battalion
Presidential Unit Citation�??10�??21 May 69, DAGO 16, 72
Valorous Unit Award�??13 Jun�??23 Sep 68, DAGO 52, 74
Meritorious Unit Commendation�??14 Mar 68�??3 Oct 68... 319th Artillery
2d Battalion
Presidential Unit Citation�??10�??21 May 69, DAGO 16, 72
Valorous Unit Award�??13 Jun�??23 Sep 68, DAGO 52, 74
Meritorious Unit Commendation�??14 Mar 68�??3 Oct 68, DAGO 22,
76
RVN Gallantry Cross w/Palm�??19 Jul 68�??14 May 69, DAGO 43,
70; 18 Apr�??31 Aug 71 and 6�??19 Sep 71, DAGO 6, 74; 1 Mar�??9
Oct 71, DAGO 6, 74
RVN Civil Actions Honor Medal, FC�??3 Oct 68�??2 May 70, DAGO
48, 71
Battery B
Valorous Unit Award�??17 Apr�??7 May 69, DAGO 2, 71
15 February 2011, Docket # AR20100021007, Army Board for Correction of Military Records awards VUA and PUC MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Comments (9) Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase VI, 2 November 1968â??22
February 1969.
(10) TET 69 Counteroffensive, 23 February 1969â??8 June 1969.
( 1 1 ) V i e t n a m S u m m e r - F a l l 1 9 6 9 , 9 J u n e 1... (9) Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase VI, 2 November 1968â??22
February 1969.
(10) TET 69 Counteroffensive, 23 February 1969â??8 June 1969.
( 1 1 ) V i e t n a m S u m m e r - F a l l 1 9 6 9 , 9 J u n e 1 9 6 9 â?? 3 1 O c t o b e r
1969.
(12) MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description
RVN Gallantry Cross w/Palm�??19 Jul 68�??14 May 69, DAGO 43, 70;
Criteria
The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
Description
RVN Civil Actions Honor Medal, FC�??3 Oct 68�??2 May 70, DAGO 48, 71
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description Operations by the 101st Airborne Division on Route 547 and the A Shau Valley in Thua Thien Province, I Corps to provide security for Engineer units constructing Route 547 into the A Shau Valley. Part Operations by the 101st Airborne Division on Route 547 and the A Shau Valley in Thua Thien Province, I Corps to provide security for Engineer units constructing Route 547 into the A Shau Valley. Part of this project was to build an airstrip near Ta B... More
Description This campaign was from 9 June to 31 October 1969. During the summer and fall of 1969, conduct of operations was increasingly turned over to Vietnamese, US troops withdrew in greater numbers amid reaffThis campaign was from 9 June to 31 October 1969. During the summer and fall of 1969, conduct of operations was increasingly turned over to Vietnamese, US troops withdrew in greater numbers amid reaffirmations of support for the Republic of South Vietnam government. President Nixon announced the reduction of the U.S. military presence in South Vietnam which would be demonstrated initially by the withdrawal of 25,000 troops by 31 August 1969.
American troop strength had peaked at 543,400 in April 1969 but dropped to 505,500 by mid October. More scattered than before, enemy attacks were concentrated on South Vietnamese positions. U.S. combat deaths were down in the early fall as American units switched to small unit actions. The trend was not constant, however, because U.S. troops deaths which had fallen well below l00 a week in the fall, rose above 100 later in the year.... More
Description This campaign was from 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969. In November 1968 the South Vietnam government with American support began a concentrated effort to expand security in the countryside. This This campaign was from 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969. In November 1968 the South Vietnam government with American support began a concentrated effort to expand security in the countryside. This project was known as the "Accelerated Pacification Campaign."
This period covers the election of President Richard M. Nixon and a change of policy brought about by his administration after January 1969 when he announced a coming end to US combat in Southeast Asia and a simultaneous strengthening of South Vietnam's ability to defend itself. Formal truce negotiations began in Paris on January 25, 1969. The period can be characterized as marking time in preparation for an about face. Forty-seven ground combat operations were recorded during this period, the following being the most important:
(1). Operation NAPOLEON in the Dong Ha area initiated previously (1967) by Marine units, terminated on 9 December 1968.
(2). Operation WHEELER WALLOWA by 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and 196th Infantry Brigade (Light) in north-central Quan Tin Province. This ended on 11 November.
(3). Operation MACARTHUR initiated by 4th U.S. Infantry Division in II Corps tactical zone terminated on 31 January 1969.
(4). Operation COCHISE GREEN conducted by the 173d Airborne Brigade in Binh Dinh Province.
(5). Operation TOAN THANG II consisted of ground operations throughout III CTZ. This was a multi-division operation involving allied forces.
(6). Operation SEA LORDS was a coast and riverine operation. On 6 December Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT was started to disrupt enemy infiltration of materials from the "Parrot's Beak" area of Cambodia. Air operations continued to be important with over 60,000 sorties flown.... More
Best Moment
Went through the traditional "Prop Blast" ceremony with the other officers. It was forbiddened prior to this due to a death of one officer during his "Prop Blast" Ceremony.
Other Memories
OIC of Marksmanship Detachment. Was also Battallion S-4 and Div Arty asst. S-4
Best Moment
First jump I was last man in stick. I think it was the slowest drops I ever had, best jump I ever had.
Worst Moment
The worst part was that the wind was blowing so hard we could not go off the 250 towers. Added to that was the fog. Many times we could not see the top of the towers
Other Memories
I had orders to report for the 82d Airborne Division. I attended Jump School in Jan 1968 and graduated 19 Jan 1968. Total of 27 Jumps, three short of my senior rating. Jumped c-130, c-141, c-119, ch-47, Huey
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for action about 5 clicks West of Firebase Evans. 30 December 1968. We lost more that day to booby traps than enemy fire
1968 - 01B Class Roster Started July 11, 1967 Graduated Dec. 12, 1967 *KIA killed in action *HOF Hall of Fame
Ager, David L Alten, R L Anderson, Andrew S Anderson, Richard O Antku, Charles T, Jr. Backe, Richard E Balthrop, Edward S, III Barnes, Gerald Becker, Stephen C Bento, Robert L Bishop, Carlton L Blair, Walter D Blankenship, J Blevins, James H Bomaster, R L Borsos, Donald R Bresnahan, J M, III Brister, Wentz F Brockfield, Gerald M Brunsvold, Rudolph K Buck, Phillip L Burch, Robert W, Jr. Carr, Terry A Carrales, Carlos C Church, Michael J Cleary, James A, III Cottier, Paul W Crenshaw, Russell D Crenshaw, Stephen P Cutter, Albert V T, III De La Garza, Oscar Fekete, Peter A Fitch, Stanley M Flowers, Leonard Foster, Irving D, Jr Graham, Donald G Graham, Lawrence C, III Griffin, Leonard E Harper, Ronnie D Hawkins, David S *Heimbold, James R ? KIA 12/4/70 Hudson, Roger A Jones, Thomas M, Jr. Karas, Andrew P Kesner, K L Kirkpatrick, Roger W Kraha, Leo Littlejohn, Ray L Lund, Michael Marlin, Steven L Marshall, Richard M Martinez, Francisco J Masi, Lawrence J McCauley, William J *McFarland, Arthur R- KIA 5/15/69 McGown, Michael R Meyer, Alan R Miner, Dennis C Mocsny, William R Morris, Neal R Mulcahy, Charles R Murnane, Wilfred J Oard, Michael D Olson, Gregory Owen, William N Paquin, Donald I Peacock, Jack B, Jr Poston, Larry G Prevo, Daniel T Ray, James W Ritter, Bruce D Roath, Sterling, Jr Rone, Kenneth L Russell, James P Sanders, Thomas P Santiago, Edward D Simon, Donald R Sizemore, James D Snow, Artis R, Jr Southard, Lee D Spear, Carson A, Jr Stanczak, John S *Steiner, Mark S ? KIA 11/24/68 DSC, HOF Strickland, Richard L Subjeck, Thomas E *Sullivan, David P ? KIA 9/4/68 Taylor, James D Walters, Lynwood Ward, Daniel P Warner, David F Weiss, Michael W Weller, Norbert D Wendt, Gary R Wollen, James W Yoakum, Billy D Yowell, Robert A
Worst Moment
Four have died in Vietnam Sullivan Steiner awarded DSC McFarland Heimbold
Best Friends
Noel Flowers. He was best man at my wedding
Best Moment
First and only weekend pass at OCS First official salute from an enlisted man. The First Sgt as he handed me my new ID Card showing I was a 2nd Lt. Tradition I paid him $1.00 as did each new officer.
Worst Moment
First Jark, 2nd Jark, 3rd Jark, 4th Jark etc...etc
Other Memories
Class 1-68B. Class is 1968 but we graduated in 1967. A week later I got married and have been married for 42 years...to same woman.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
D Company, 1/506. Gun shot wound, left shoulder on battle of Hill 996. 20 killed, 26 wounded. One MOH and seven Silver Stars