Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    September 30, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Paul D. Wiggins (MCSN: 2456227), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 30 September 1968, during a search and destroy operation, Company F was advancing through a tree line near the village of Le Nam in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire, hand grenades and anti-tank rockets from three well-concealed North Vietnamese Army bunkers and sustained several casualties. Alertly observing a Corpsman pinned down by the intense enemy fire as he was attempting to reach the wounded Marines, Private First Class Wiggins fearlessly advanced upon one of the hostile fortifications, delivering suppressive fire and effectively drawing the enemy’s attention away from his wounded comrades as the injured men were assisted to covered positions. Although seriously wounded during his assault, Private First Class Wiggins resolutely continued to crawl forward and boldly delivered covering fire upon the North Vietnamese emplacement, enabling another Marine to advance and destroy the structure with several hand grenades. His bold initiative and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Wiggins contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.