The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Maurice Oliver Volentine Green (MCSN: 0-103516), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Operations Officer of the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hour of 19 March 1969, the First Battalion’s command post at the Liberty Bridge cantonment in Quang Nam Province came under a heavy volume of hostile rocket and mortar fire supporting a ground attack by an enemy company. Disregarding his own safety, First Lieutenant Green unhesitatingly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to a vantage point from which to observe the hostile activity, and fearlessly remaining in his dangerously exposed position, he skillfully adjusted supporting arms fire upon the hostile force. While maneuvering about the battalion’s defensive perimeter to ensure that every possible avenue of approach was effectively covered by fire, he observed several casualties lying in an open area and, enlisting the assistance of nearby Marines, supervised the removal of the wounded men to an aid station. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he then initiated an aggressive counterattack upon the advancing hostile soldiers which disrupted their faltering attack and forced them into a disorganized withdrawal. By his courage, bold initiative and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Green was instrumental in his unit accounting for seventy-two enemy soldiers confirmed killed, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
–
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Navy Cross
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
March 19, 1969
-
Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMFAction Date:
October 27, 1968
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and MedalsThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Maurice Oliver Volentine Green (MCSN: 0-103516), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as the Intelligence Officer of the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 October 1968. First Lieutenant Green traveled to the Company D Command Post in Quang Nam Province to interrogate two North Vietnamese Army prisoners. During the night, the Marine perimeter was breached by an enemy engineer unit hurling satchel charges throughout the position. Simultaneously, a large North Vietnamese force initiated a savage attack employing mortars, small arms, automatic weapons and antitank rockets. Alertly observing the commanding officer among the seriously wounded, First Lieutenant Green unhesitatingly assumed command of the company and repeatedly exposed himself to the continuous hail of enemy fire as he began rallying the Marine defenders. Completely disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly moved about the fire-swept terrain to each Marine position, shouting words of encouragement to the men and directing their fire at the hostile soldiers. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he swiftly retrieved a radio from a seriously injured radio operator and boldly adjusted supporting arms fire on the attackers with pinpoint accuracy, forcing them to withdraw in panic and confusion. Rapidly assessing the turn of events, First Lieutenant Green courageously mounted and skillfully directed a determined counterattack in pursuit of the fleeing enemy soldiers while continuing to direct effective supporting arms fire on them. After contact had been broken with the enemy, he ensured that the wounded were medically treated and made arrangements for their evacuation. His daring initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in his company’s accounting for eight hostile soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, bold leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Green upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.