Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lance Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    May 27, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Willis Sinilla Turner (MCSN: 2335473), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 May 1968, during a search and destroy mission near Ky Lam Village in the Cua Viet area, Company D came under heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire and the point platoon was pinned down by the fire from an entrenched North Vietnamese Army company. When his squad leader was seriously wounded, Lance Corporal Turner unhesitatingly advanced under fire to the side of the casualty and administered first aid. Then, assuming command of the squad, he successfully maneuvered his men to the safety of friendly lines. Upon learning that the remainder of his platoon was still heavily engaged with the enemy and unable to withdraw, he returned to the battlefield, administering medical treatment to casualties he encountered en route and directing them to areas of safety. Upon joining the remainder of his platoon, which was attempting to evacuate Marines who were pinned down by the heavy hostile fire, he completely disregarded his own safety as he advanced into the open and pulled one man to safety. Subsequently, he assisted in moving another wounded man 400 meters to friendly lines despite small arms fire around him and exploding hand grenades. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Turner upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.