Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Victor Ohanesian (MCSN: 0-50708), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 28 February to 1 March 1967. Leading his battalion command group and reinforcements into the midst of a fierce battle in the Quang Tri Province, Lieutenant Colonel Ohanesian immediately assumed command of the tactical situation of a smaller unit that had encountered a superior enemy force. After consolidating the position and evacuating the casualties, he then rallied his forces and launched an attack against the enemy. The attack was met by a heavy volume of enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire. Having full knowledge of the hazards involved and with complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly and repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to direct and maneuver his command. As the battle progressed he moved into the area where the fighting was heaviest to supervise and assist in the evacuation of the wounded and also give his troops the inspiration to rally and fight back fiercely. While personally leading and supervising his troops, he fell, mortally wounded by an enemy mortar round. Lieutenant Colonel Ohanesian’s professional ability, leadership, fighting spirit in the face of danger and unselfish devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    3d Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    August 2, 1966 – March 1, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Victor Ohanesian (MCSN: 0-50708), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam from 2 August 1966 to 1 March 1967. Displaying outstanding leadership and tactical skill, Lieutenant Colonel Ohanesian led his battalion on four highly successful operations against the insurgent communist forces and in leading his units continually exposed himself to enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire, sniper fire, mortars and booby traps. His extreme aggressiveness and skillful application of sound tactical principals notably contributed to the overwhelming success of Operations ALLEGHENY, KERN, PRAIRIE, and PRAIRIE II. He ingeniously utilized available material and personnel to coordinate and direct the efforts of controlling the Battalion’s Tactical Area of Responsibility and Area of Operations. While controlling his Tactical Area of Responsibility in DaNang and his Area of Operation in Quang Tri Province he exhibited exceptional initiative, resourcefulness and professional knowledge in executing search and destroy operations. In addition, he equally well applied his skill to the Civic Action Program. His dedicated professionalism and sincere compassion for the Vietnamese people earned him their complete trust and confidence, materially contributing to the success of Marine Corps goals in Vietnam. He was able, because of his superb capabilities, to maintain efficiency in all administrative and logistic functions of the battalion. Drawing from his extensive combat experience, Lieutenant Colonel Ohanesian provided inspiring leadership and professional guidance for the officers and men of the battalion. By his dynamic leadership, sound judgment, extraordinary devotion to duty, and unfailing loyalty, Lieutenant Colonel Ohanesian upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. (Lieutenant Colonel Ohanesian is authorized the Combat “V”.)