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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Roy E. DeForest (MCSN: 0-82183), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Operations Officer of the Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 17 June 1969, the Command Post and other elements of the Third Battalion were established in a defensive position near Gio Linh in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a vicious ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army force employing mortars, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. Rapidly assessing the situation, Major DeForest repeatedly disregarded his own safety to skillfully coordinate the firing of a variety of supporting arms with the defensive actions of the Marines. On one occasion, when a group of hostile soldiers moved toward the Battalion Command Group, he fearlessly engaged them at close quarters, killed one and forced the remainder to abandon their assault. Inspired by his bold courage, the Marines fought with renewed vigor, killed thirty-five enemy soldiers and successfully repulsed the North Vietnamese Army attack. By his courage, bold initiative, and steadfast devotion to duty during an extremely critical situation, Major DeForest contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his command’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    September 14, 1968 – August 23, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Major Roy E. DeForest (MCSN: 0-82183), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service while serving in various capacities with the THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, from 14 September 1968 to 23 August 1969. Throughout the period, Major DeForest performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as a G-3 Watch Officer, and subsequently reassigned as Officer in Charge of the Combat Operations Center, Major DeForest, then a Captain, skillfully coordinated and supervised the myriad activities of his section and ensured that accurate and timely reports were prepared and disseminated to the special and general staffs. In addition, he served as the G-3 Briefer and distinguished himself by the ability to evaluate large quantities of data and present precise portrayals of current and developing tactical situations. Reassigned as the Division Assistant Operations Officer on 9 November 1968, Major DeForest was instrumental in the planning and successful conduct of eight major combat operations including Operations SCOTLAND II, DAWSON RIVER, and DEWEY CANYON. Assuming duties as Operations Officer of the Third Battalion, Third Marines on 6 April 1969, he quickly molded his large section into an efficient well-coordinated operations team and planned and supervised the execution of several major combat operations in the northern sector of the I Corps Tactical Zone. Boldly moving to forward areas, he repeatedly disregarded his own safety to assist his commanding officer and ensure the delivery of concentrated firepower against hostile positions. His remarkable ability to modify operational plans to counter the enemy’s changing scheme of battle earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his command’s mission. By his professionalism, extraordinary initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Major DeForest rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)