The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William Eric Marcantel (MCSN: 0-83491), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Infantry Advisor to the First Vietnamese Marine Battalion on 22 June 1966. Late in the afternoon, the First Battalion sustained a large number of casualties from a well-occupied and prepared defensive position held by two battalions of Viet Cong. Realizing that the lives of many wounded Vietnamese Marines depended on immediate medical evacuation, Captain Marcantel volunteered to establish a landing zone and coordinate the evacuation. With total disregard for his own personal safety, he moved across a rice paddy swept by automatic weapons and mortar fire to establish communications and mark the landing zone for the medical evacuation helicopters. As the helicopters approached the evacuation point, Captain Marcantel continued to expose himself to hostile fire in order to guide each helicopter to the correct site and assist in the loading of the wounded Vietnamese Marines. Despite the onset of darkness and the fact that flares made him a prominent target, he continued in his heroic actions until he was wounded. By his outstanding courage, leadership, and unyielding devotion to duty Captain Marcantel served to inspire all those who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
December 1984 – June 1987
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel William Eric Marcantel (MCSN: 0-83491), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, Sixth Marine Amphibious Brigade, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina from December 1984 to June 1987. Colonel Marcantel’s performance was characterized by superior professionalism and sound judgment in the successful standup of the Marine Corps’ first Maritime Propositioning Brigade, the successful completion of the first Biennial Maintenance Cycle of embarked equipment and supplies, and the maintenance of the command element of the Sixth Marine Amphibious Brigade and assigned subordinate elements at maximum operational capability. Under his tutelage, multiple integrated plans were developed with a single goal; the realization of the “first” combat ready Maritime Propositioning Force with maximum flexibility. Colonel Marcantel’s pioneer efforts and accomplishments in establishing doctrine were the hallmarks for future Maritime Propositioning operations. By his brilliant leadership, expert judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Colonel Marcantel reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 1987 – June 1989
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel William Eric Marcantel (MCSN: 0-83491), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4 and Chief of Staff, SECOND Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina from June 1987 through June 1989. As Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4, Colonel Marcantel radically streamlines the G-4 section, reorganizing and reducing the size of the G-4 staff, simplifying the paper flow, and increasing the logistical readiness of the Division. In April 1988, he was personally selected by the Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force to organize a Survey, Reconnaissance, and Liaison Party and deploy within 72 hours to Puerto Rico. He flawlessly coordinated the simultaneous off-loading of two Maritime Propositioned Ships, involving 189 containers and 1,498 vehicles. Reassigned as Chief of Staff in May 1989, Colonel Marcantel imprinted this mission this mission oriented leadership philosophy on all with whom he came in contact. Especially noteworthy were the personal drive and leadership that he demonstrated during a series of field training exercises which culminated with Operation COMBINED ARMS 89. By his peerless leadership, mature judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Colonel Marcantel reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.