The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Frank J. Breth, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Headquarters Battalion, THIRD Marine Division. On 31 January 1968, Major Breth was located at the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Compound in the city of Hue as Liaison Officer to the First Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division. In the early morning hours, when the compound came under heavy enemy attack, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he organized and supervised a sector of the compound’s defensive perimeter. Upon learning that several wounded Marines were pinned down a short distance from the compound, Major Breth organized a small reaction force and proceeded to the area. While directing accurate fire against enemy positions, he supervised the recovery of the casualties and directed their movement to the evacuation area. Throughout the day, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire to assist and evacuate wounded Marines and distribute supplies to besieged units. The following morning, he organized a reaction platoon of United States Army, Navy and Marine personnel and provided flank security for two Marine companies conducting an operation near the compound. For four hours, he led his men from one building to another, routing the enemy and securing the buildings. With complete disregard for his own safety, he launched an attack against a North Vietnamese force entrenched in a school house, killing three enemy soldiers and rescuing 35 civilians without sustaining a single friendly casualty. Major Breth’s resolute courage, exemplary leadership, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Frank J. Breth, United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving in various capacities with the THIRD Marine Division from 30 August 1967 to 9 September 1968. Assigned as Commanding Officer, Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Major [then Captain] Breth displayed exceptional leadership and initiative as he expeditiously accomplished all assigned tasks and consistently provided his command with outstanding support. Reassigned in November 1967, as THIRD Marine Division Liaison Officer to the First Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division, he exhibited superb resourcefulness as he assisted in planning more than 20 combined Marine and Vietnamese operations. To maintain direct liaison with both Marine units and the Vietnamese division, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire during the Tet Offensive as he traveled daily from Dong Ha to Hue and Phu Bai. Assuming the duties of Operations Officer of the Third Battalion, Ninth Marines in March 1968, he worked tirelessly and with meticulous attention to detail as he skillfully planned and implemented 18 heliborne assaults in more than 15 major combat operations, including Operations KENTUCKY and LANCASTER II. Due largely to his outstanding professional competence, his battalion sustained minimum casualties while accounting for more than 630 North Vietnamese soldiers killed and 24 captured. As a result of his diligent efforts and seemingly unlimited resourcefulness, he gained the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. Major Breth’s leadership, superior professionalism and steadfast devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)