The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Dennis Dean Dooley (MCSN: 1198206), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of a Combat Patrol of Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 October 1952. Observing a fellow Marine caught on barbed wire when the patrol withdrew to the base of the hill after it was subjected to intense enemy machine-gun fire, Private First Class Dooley unhesitatingly returned to the entangled man’s position directly in front of a hostile machine gun, pulled him free and continued to expose himself to the heavy fire to assist the Marine to safety. By his courageous initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of another, Private First Class Dooley served to inspire all who observed him and was instrumental in saving the life of his comrade, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
4th MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
March 26, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Dennis Dean Dooley (MCSN: 0-96559), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Platoon Commander of the First Platoon, with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 March 1967, during Operation BEACON HILL I, Company C was returning to its patrol base when the lead platoon was ambushed by an estimated company of North Vietnamese Army soldiers firing from well-concealed bunkers and trenchlines. In the initial burst of fire the second platoon suffered heavy casualties and in response to the perilous situation, Second Lieutenant Dooley moved forward to reorganize the beleaguered unit. Accompanied by three grenadiers, he proceeded to the ambush site where he observed numerous dead and wounded lying exposed to the enemy fire. Realizing the urgent need for neutralizing the strategically emplaced enemy machine gun bunkers which were pinning down the remaining members of the unit, he quickly organized a small force to assault the enemy positions. Disregarding his own safety, he unhesitatingly led an attack through 100 meters of intense machine gun and small arms fire which successfully pushed back the hostile force. During this action three Marines were killed and six were wounded, including Second Lieutenant Dooley. Despite his painful wounds, he carried a seriously wounded comrade to relative safety and then supervised the redistribution of ammunition and medical aid for the casualties. Refusing treatment for his own wounds, he immediately began establishing night defensive positions and personally positioned the crew-served weapons to ensure a strong defensive perimeter. His efforts were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his units mission. By his uncommon valor, outstanding leadership and fearless initiative despite grave personal risk, Second Lieutenant reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.