The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Terrance Leo Meier (MCSN: 1999759), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Sergeant of the Second Platoon, Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the vicinity of Ca Lu, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 July 1967. The Second Platoon was moving along Vietnamese National Route 9, investigating a suspected enemy ambush site, when it was ambushed four miles west of Ca Lu. As the enemy fire increased, the point squad became separated from the remainder of the platoon by 150 meters. The platoon commander was wounded during the early stages of the encounter leaving Staff Sergeant Meier, who was with the rear elements, in command. While awaiting reinforcements and calling in artillery support he tried to lead the rear elements forward to the separated lead squad and the wounded commander, but was unsuccessful. Completely exposed to enemy fire, he courageously continued his efforts. Repeatedly he was driven back because of insufficient fire power and the numerically superior enemy. When the reinforcements with mounted weapons arrived, Staff Sergeant Meier organized and led them to evacuate the wounded and supply ammunition to the fighting Marines. While covering the evacuation of the casualties, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire and taken from the battle area. By his dauntless courage, initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of his fellow Marines, Staff Sergeant Meier served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
3d MarinesDivision:
3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
April 30, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Terrance Leo Meier (MCSN: 1999759), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 30 April 1967. During Operation UNION II, near Khe Sanh in Quang Tri Province, Company M was assigned the mission of securing the eastern portion of Hill 881, a position commanding the northern approaches to the Khe Sanh complex. As the assault elements advanced toward the crest of the hill, with Staff Sergeant Meier’s platoon following the lead element, the unit suddenly came under intense enemy mortar fire which inflicted numerous casualties. Upon learning that his platoon commander had been mortally wounded, Staff Sergeant Meier unhesitatingly assumed command of the platoon and continued the assault against the numerically superior enemy force. Demonstrating outstanding leadership and courage, he skillfully coordinated his unit’s fire and encouraged his men throughout the six-hour fire fight. Subsequently, becoming separated from his platoon, he exhibited selfless dedication by remaining with six seriously wounded companions and providing protective fire for them until he was able to move the men to a captured enemy bunker. Displaying exceptional composure in the face of continuous enemy fire, he called in artillery fire on the Viet Cong from his vantage point. Subjected again to intense enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Meier and his companions were unable to join their unit until he requested 81-mm. mortar white phosphorus rounds to cover t heir movement. Largely due to his aggressive fighting spirit and professionalism, his platoon accounted for an estimated forty enemy killed during the fierce encounter. By his courageous actions, fearless determination and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk, Staff Sergeant Meier reflected the highest credit upon himself and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.