Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    4th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    March 5, 1966

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Henry J. Trautwein, Jr. (MCSN: 0-83757), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 March 1966, First Lieutenant Trautwein’s Company was landed by helicopter in the vicinity of An Tuyet and was quickly subjected to heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire from high ground dominating the landing zone. As one platoon maneuvered to the base of the enemy controlled ridgeline, it was pinned down and isolated by devastating automatic weapons fire from previously undetected enemy positions. Both the Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant were wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Trautwein sprinted across open, fire-swept rice paddies to a position from which he could direct supporting machine gun and rocket fire against the hostile positions. He then daringly moved through the savage fire to the location of the battered platoon and proceeded to reorganize its personnel. Gallantly exposing himself to the enemy fire in the area where the majority of Marine casualties had been sustained, he directed the movement of the platoon to a tactically superior position. Despite the fact that he was suffering severe pain from a concussion wound in his ear, he continued in his effort to tie the stricken platoon with the remainder of the Company. While moving from position to position, encouraging and assisting the men, directing the evacuation of casualties and assisting in reorganization, he sustained a wound in the arm. Ignoring his own condition, he stalwartly continued to assist the Company Commander in reorganizing the controlling the units. His determined effort throughout was an inspiration to all who observed him, and prevented more extensive losses among the Marines engaged in the action. By his extraordinary heroism, uncommon concern for the welfare of others at his own expense and unfaltering dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Trautwein upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.