Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    December 15, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Kenneth Lee Looney (MCSN: 2213785), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 December 1967, while deployed in a company-size ambush northwest of Con Thien, Corporal Looney’s platoon killed several North Vietnamese soldiers and was advancing to search for weapons and documents when it suddenly came under intense mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire from a well entrenched, numerically superior enemy force. In the initial attack, his squad, serving as the point element for the platoon, sustained several casualties and was temporarily pinned down. Without hesitation, Corporal Looney commenced to direct accurate fire against enemy positions. Realizing the need for a heavy volume of suppressive fire and observing wounded Marines unable to move from the exposed terrain, he crawled sixty meters under intense enemy fire to an area in proximity to his beleaguered companions. Then, disregarding his own safety, he daringly stood up and fired his machine gun directly into enemy bunkers only thirty meters from his position. Although he sustained painful fragmentation wounds in his legs and back, Corporal Looney dauntlessly continued to fire his weapon until he neutralized the enemy fire, enabling the Marines to recover the wounded and move to more advantageous positions while he provided covering fire. Only after he was assured that the squad had reached relative safety did he cease fire and, under extremely heavy enemy fire, returned to his unit’s position, having killed at least twelve enemy soldiers. His steadfast determination and selfless concern for his fellow Marines inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly were instrumental in saving several Marine lives. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Looney upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.