Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospitalman

    Batallion:

    3d Reconnaissance Battalion

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 16, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Augustin Sepulveda, Jr. (NSN: B-418645), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company D, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 May 1969, Hospitalman Sepulveda accompanied a relief force from Company D, dispatched to assist a five-man reconnaissance team that was heavily engaged with an estimated platoon-size North Vietnamese Army force in Quang Tri Province. Fearlessly moving throughout the area, Hospitalman Sepulveda gave emergency first aid to the most seriously wounded men and ensured their immediate medical evacuation. Alertly observing one critically wounded Marine lying less than twenty meters from two enemy soldiers, Hospitalman Sepulveda, reacting instantly, crawled across forty-five meters of fire-swept terrain to his position. Although under intense enemy fire, he skillfully applied Tracheal and Nasal suction to the Marine, thereby clearing his air passages, and steadfastly remained with the casualty until he could be removed to safety., His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of four Marines. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Hospitalman Sepulveda upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.