Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lance Corporal

    Batallion:

    3d Reconnaissance Battalion

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    January 22, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Oliver Ray Sharp (MCSN: 2229871), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 and 23 January 1967. After penetrating deep into enemy controlled territory, Lance Corporal Sharp’s eight man reconnaissance patrol was attacked by an estimated reinforced squad of North Vietnamese Army soldiers armed with automatic rifles and a machine gun. In the ensuing fire fight, Lance Corporal Sharp, acting as the point man, and two other members of the patrol were wounded. Realizing that the enemy machine gun had to be silenced, Lance Corporal Sharp, with complete disregard for his own safety, maneuvered to within hand grenade range of the position and threw a grenade which destroyed the machine gun emplacement. A few minutes later, as he lay in a small depression with two other patrol members, he saw an enemy grenade land beside him. Without hesitation, he picked up the grenade and threw it away from the position, second before it exploded. Exhibiting outstanding presence of mind and quick reaction, Lance Corporal Sharp prevented serious injury or possible death to himself and his fellow Marines. Extremely adverse weather conditions prevented extraction of the unit, therefore the patrol was forced to remain in their perilous position throughout the night. However, by skillful direction of artillery fires, the numerically superior enemy force was prevented from overrunning the patrol’s position. Throughout the night, Lance Corporal Sharp threw hand grenades, fired his grenade launcher, adjusted artillery fire and offered words of encouragement to his fellow Marines. Shortly after daybreak, the weather cleared which enabled a rescue helicopter to land. Although wounded himself, Lance Corporal Sharp assisted the more seriously wounded men aboard the aircraft before allowing himself to be evacuated. By his uncommon initiative, courageous actions and loyal devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Sharp upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.