Truth, Lies and In Between

Today’s heroes…16 June.

Harold Roberts
Place of birth: Buffalo, N.Y.
Home of record: Buffalo, N.Y.

Awards and Citations

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Colonel Harold C. Roberts (MCSN: 0-3825), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as commanding Officer of the Twenty-Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 June 1945. Preparing for the assault on an enemy-held ridge in which his regiment was making the main effort of a Marine Division, Colonel Roberts established his observation post on a hill about one-half mile from the objective, whence he could see the entire regimental zone of action. When by-passed Japanese pockets of resistance on the hill became active and subjected the observation post to constant, intense mortar, grenade, and small-arms fire, he courageously refused to leave his post but continued at the risk of his life to direct the assault and, by his outstanding leadership and superb coordination and employment of the combat units under his control, was largely responsible for the rapid seizure of the objective by his regiment. While observing the final overpowering of the enemy resistance, he was mortally wounded by hostile rifle fire. His aggressiveness and brilliant combat tactics were major factors in the successful operation of the division, and reflect the highest credit upon Colonel Roberts and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Colonel
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 34821 (November 19, 1945)

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Robert Baltz
Date of birth: 1930
Home of record: Humboldt, Calif.

Awards and Citations

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the Korean War

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert L. Baltz (ASN: 0-2028370), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Baltz distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Tang-Wan-ni, Korea. On the morning of 16 June 1952, Lieutenant Baltz led an assault squad in an attack on a heavily-fortified hill to capture or kill enemy troops. While the group was advancing toward the position, an intense barrage of enemy small-arms, mortar, and artillery fire was encountered. In spite of the dangers involved, Lieutenant Baltz left the squad and circled an enemy bunker to throw grenades into the tunnel which connected the communications trench and the bunker. Returning to his squad, Lieutenant Baltz saw that the enemy was moving in reinforcements. Unhesitatingly, he assaulted the hill, encouraging his men to follow. Lieutenant Baltz had advanced only a few yards when he was hit by a burst of fire from an enemy burp-gun and mortally wounded.

Service: Army
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 297 (March 15, 1953)

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Lawrence Cordova

Awards and Citations

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the Korean War

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Lawrence Cordova, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Infantry Company of the 7th Infantry Division. Sergeant Cordova distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea, on 16 June 1952. On that date, Sergeant Cordova, while leading an automatic rifle team in a raid on a strategic hill, consistently exposed himself to an intense barrage of hostile fire to direct accurate and deadly fire into the enemy ranks. In his attempt to pin down the hostile troops so that the assault forces could move in, Sergeant Cordova unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, rose from his covered position and charged the strongly fortified enemy emplacements, using hand grenades and carbine fire. When he had exhausted his supply of ammunition, Sergeant Cordova took an automatic rifle from one of his comrades and moved directly into the enemy positions. Sergeant Cordova refused to be stopped by the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy forces until his platoon leader gave him a direct order to withdraw. He then continued to expose himself to hostile fire while directing the other members of the platoon in providing covering-fire for the evacuation of the dead and wounded.

Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 511 (May 26, 1953)

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Jerrald Thompson
Date of birth: 5 Nov. 1941
Home of record: Columbus, Ohio

On the date that he earned the Navy Cross, Jerrald Thompson was part of an 18-man reconnaissance patrol under Marine Gunnery Sergeant Jimmie E. Howard, that engaged in enemy in actions that earned Howard the Medal of Honor, and earned Thompson and three of his comrades the Navy Cross. The remaining men were awarded Silver Stars netting the 18-man patrol a combined total of 1 Medal of Honor, 4 Navy Crosses, 13 Silver Stars, and 18 Purple Hearts–perhaps making them the Most Decorated squad-size unit in Marine Corps history.

Awards and Citations

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Jerrald Rich Thompson (MCSN: 1892012), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Squad Leader serving with the First Platoon, Company C, First Force Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 June 1966. While occupying an observation post at 0100 on Hill 488, Quang Tin Province, deep in enemy controlled territory, the platoon of 18 men was subjected to an intense assault by a North Vietnamese unit estimated at battalion size. Corporal Thompson immediately ordered his squad to withdraw to a predetermined defensive perimeter. Braving a hail of small arms fire, automatic weapons, and mortar fire, the small bank of courageous Marines fought their way to the relative safety of the defensive position. In the course of this action, Corporal Thompson was painfully wounded by an enemy hand grenade and was unable to proceed. Armed with only a knife, he engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat and killed two before he fell, mortally wounded. By his indomitable fighting spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds he was instrumental in the defense of his platoon’s position. Corporal Thompson’s courageous action under hostile fire reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.

Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Corporal
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

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William Goodsell
Date of birth: 7 May 1929
Home of record: Seattle, Wash.

Awards and Citations

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Major William Joseph Goodsell (MCSN: 0-55282), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving with Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN, First Marine Aircraft Wing, in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 June 1966. Serving as Tactical Air Coordinator (Airborne) in an armed UH-1F helicopter, Major Goodsell made repeated rocket and machine gun attacks against an enemy battalion that had encircled and trapped a Marine reconnaissance unit. When a relieving force was airlifted into the battle, he guided the transport helicopters to the landing zone and delivered such devastating attacks on the enemy positions that only one aircraft in the assault force was struck by hostile fire. He then proceeded to fly dangerously low to seek out enemy positions and aid the assault force in their rescue of the beleaguered reconnaissance unit. When a juncture of the units was accomplished, he guided the medical evacuation helicopters to the friendly positions where eighteen wounded Marines lay waiting. Realizing the necessity to accurately mark the Marine positions because of the close proximity of the enemy, he courageously elected to fly very low and slow over the position to mark it with a smoke grenade. As his mark landed directly on target, he was taken under fire by several automatic weapons positions and although mortally wounded he maintained control of his aircraft until relieved by his copilot. By his bravery and fearless devotion to duty, Major Goodsell reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.

Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Major
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

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Today’s Heroes:

Stanley Burke
Place of birth: Plainfield, N.J.
Home of record: Plainfield, N.J.

Awards and Citations

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the World War I

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant Stanley W. Burke, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Fifteenth Company, Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action with the enemy in Bois-de-Belleau, France, on the night of 15 June 1918. When a non-commissioned officer of his company lay helplessly wounded in a position exposed to heavy and continuous enemy artillery fire, Lieutenant Burke voluntarily left the comparative safety of a dugout and went to his assistance. Crawling on his hands and knees in the darkness through the intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Burke finally reached the wounded non commissioned officer, and with the help of an enlisted man dragged him to the safety of the dugout, thereby saving his life.

Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Decorations U.S. Army, Supplement V, 1941

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Fenton Mee
Place of birth: Logansport, Ind.
Home of record: Logansport, Ind.

Awards and Citations

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Fenton J. Mee (MCSN: 0-5984), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Guide and Platoon Leader of Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Pinned down by heavy enemy fire while leading a group to the relief of two tank crews whose disabled vehicles were covered by hostile guns in front of our lines on 4 July, Captain Mee boldly pushed ahead for another three hundred yards and, despite continuous exposure to Japanese fire, succeeded in reaching his objective and in annihilating numerous snipers en route. By skillfully directing the tank weapons, he assisted in the destruction of two enemy fieldpieces and, after effecting the rescue of eight Marines in the two tanks, returned with his men to our lines. By his superb leadership, intrepid fighting spirit and courageous initiative in volunteering to guide his unit in its hazardous undertaking, Captain Mee contributed essentially to the success of a vital mission in this strategically important theater of war, and his unfaltering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Captain
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 13001 (SofN Signed September 9, 1947)

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Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Major Fenton J. Mee (MCSN: 0-5984), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. Assuming command after his Commanding Officer and the Battalion Executive Officer became casualties, Major Mee quickly reorganized the Battalion and pressed the attack in his zone of action against the heavily fortified ‘Amphitheatre’ area from which the Japanese poured devastating fire into our advancing assault troops. Skillfully maneuvering his men in this area to gain the vital and critical high ground to the rear, he contained and by-passed the pocket of resistance in the fortified area and, courageously moving from foxhole to foxhole in the front lines of his assault platoons, led his Battalion forward yard-by-yard through intense enemy rocket, mortar, antitank, machine-gun and small-arms fire. By his great personal leadership and tactical skill, Major Mee contributed greatly to the success of his unit in capturing the commanding high ground in the rear of ‘Turkey Knob’. His initiative, bravery and aggressive fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Major
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 46173 (January 26, 1948)

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James Cline
Home of record: Washington, Pa.

Awards and Citations

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the Korean War

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class James V. Cline (ASN: RA-13365172), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a machine-gunner with an Infantry Company of the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Private First Class Cline distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Karhyon-ni, Korea, on 15 June 1952. Late on the night of 15 June 1952, the company in which Private Cline served was occupying defensive positions on an important hill when it was exposed to an intense mortar and artillery bombardment followed by a hostile attack. As the foe began to advance toward the friendly positions, an enemy artillery round landed near Private Cline’s machine-gun emplacement, burying the gun crew and overturning their weapon. Quickly digging himself free, Private Cline hurriedly righted his gun, cleaned the dirt from it, and began firing at the advancing enemy, finally throwing back their assault. Although other enemy elements had penetrated the friendly perimeter to his right, he remained at his post and, when a machine-gun supported the second wave of attackers, he skillfully destroyed the weapon and single-handedly turned back the hostile advance. Another wave of the foe moved forward supported by a pack howitzer. This weapon was fired only once before Private Cline found the range and killed its entire crew. By this time the hostile infantrymen had advanced to within grenade range of his position, and one of the exploding enemy grenades seriously wounded Private Cline. Despite the fact that both of his legs were riddled with shrapnel and his right arm was all but useless, he swung his gun around and fired continuously into the advancing waves, successfully hurling them back. His ammunition supply finally exhausted, Private Cline, using a pistol and grenades, assisted in routing the foe who had penetrated the defense perimeter. In this action another hostile grenade wounded him in the face, forcing him to submit to medical treatment. During the extended fanatical assault, Private Cline personally accounted for more than one hundred of the enemy casualties.

Service: Army
Rank: Private First Class
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 716 (November 21, 1952)

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Charles Warner
Home of record: Jackson, Miss.

Awards and Citations

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the Korean War

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Charles L. Warner (ASN: 0-64284), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with serving as a Forward Observer of the 158th Field Artillery Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Warner distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Tumyong-dong, Korea, late on the night of 15 June 1952. On that date, Lieutenant Warner was with an infantry company occupying a strategically located hill. Suddenly the company was subjected to an intense artillery barrage followed by a fanatical attack, by a numerically superior hostile force. Despite the fact that he had been wounded early in the action, Lieutenant Warner remained at his post, adjusting artillery fire which inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. With wave after wave of screaming enemy troops assaulting the friendly position, Lieutenant Warner’s radio was destroyed by enemy fire, but he continued to call in fire directions by using the company’s radio and relaying his adjustments through the infantry battalion. Wounded again, he still refused evacuation, but remained throughout the night in a shallow trench, relaying every request for supporting fire. Early the following morning it was discovered that he had received fourteen wounds, and he was ordered to a rear area for medical treatment. As he was being placed on a stretcher for evacuation, a direct hit by an enemy mortar killed him instantly.

Service: Army
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 597 (October 4, 1952)

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David Kaufman
Date of birth: 6 April 1927
Home of record: Plaquemine, La.

Awards and Citations

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Sergeant David Mitchell Kaufman (MCSN: 1016850), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as First Sergeant of Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 June 1969. While Company E was participating in a search and destroy operation in Cam Lo Valley, the Marines came under a heavy volume of North Vietnamese Army mortar, small arms, and rocket-propelled grenade fire and sustained numerous casualties. Completely disregarding his own safety, First Sergeant Kaufman unhesitatingly left his position of relative security to assist the Corpsman in treating the wounded men and, on several occasions, fearlessly crossed the fire-swept terrain to aid casualties to covered places. During the ensuing fierce engagement, First Sergeant Kaufman, seemingly oblivious to the hostile rounds impacting about him, boldly moved to vantage points and, in full view of enemy soldiers, encouraged his men and ensured that every possible avenue of approach was effectively covered with fire power. Then, as he dauntlessly moved from one fighting position to another along the company’s defensive perimeter, exhorting his Marines to greater combat efforts, he was mortally wounded by North Vietnamese Army fire. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen and unwavering devotion to duty, First Sergeant Kaufman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Service: Marine Corps
Rank: First Sergeant
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

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William Mercer
Date of birth: 19 Dec. 1946
Home of record: Los Angeles, Calif.

Awards and Citations

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Second Class William Ivan Mercer (NSN: B-980863), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 15 June 1968 while serving as Senior Corpsman of Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. While conducting a sector of the battalion defense perimeter, Company M became heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force near Khe Sanh, and sustained numerous casualties. Reacting instantly, Petty Officer Mercer began assisting the injured Marines to a covered area for treatment, ensuring their further movement to the battalion landing zone for medical evacuation. On many occasions, he unhesitatingly moved to the points of heaviest contact and maneuvered about the fire-swept terrain to treat men who lay wounded in their fighting holes or the perimeter. When a platoon was assigned the mission of searching the area forward of friendly positions, Petty Officer Mercer voluntarily accompanied this unit and subsequently came under accurate enemy sniper fire. Upon observing a seriously wounded Marine, he fearlessly left his covered position and maneuvered across the hazardous area to the side of his injured comrade. Completely disregarding his own safety, Petty Officer Mercer shielded the man with his own body as he administered first aid, and then carried him to a position of relative safety. Alertly observing another casualty lying in an area dangerously exposed to the intense fire, Petty Officer Mercer rushed to his aid, and again selflessly used his own body to protect the Marine from the hostile fire impacting around them. While administering medical treatment to his comrade, Petty Officer Mercer was fatally wounded by the North Vietnamese fire. By his daring initiative, exceptional valor, and inspiring actions, he was directly responsible for saving the lives of several wounded men. His selfless devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Service: Navy
Rank: Petty Officer Second Class
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

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James Cruse
Date of birth: 28 Sept. 1945
Home of record: Paducah, Ky.

Awards and Citations

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospitalman James Dale Cruse (NSN: 1392506), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action on 15 June 1968 while serving as a Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospitalman Cruse’s platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation near the Khe Sanh Combat base when the platoon suddenly came under intense automatic-weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army Force. During the initial moments of the fire fight, lead elements of the platoon were pinned down in an open area, and the two point men were seriously wounded. Disregarding his own safety, Hospitalman Cruse unhesitatingly advanced from his position of relative safety and maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to assist his injured comrades. Upon reaching the first casualty, he efficiently rendered medical aid and spoke words of comfort and encouragement before moving forward to the other Marine casualty who lay exposed to enemy fire. While treating and comforting the second wounded Marine, Hospitalman Cruse was himself mortally wounded. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Service: Navy
Rank: Seaman
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

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