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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Clovis Clyde Coffman, Jr. (MCSN: 1106891), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Operations Officer of the Third Force Reconnaissance Company, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 31 August 1969, the containment area of the Quang Tri Combat Base came under an intense rocket attack which caused several casualties and considerable damage. Reacting instantly, First Lieutenant Coffman rushed from his quarters and was immediately knocked to the ground by the concussion of a rocket which impacted on top of a nearby hut. Although wounded by fragments from the exploding rocket, he recovered quickly and resolutely ran through the continuing explosions to the demolished hut. Upon finding five wounded men in the wreckage, he expertly administered first aid to the most critically wounded man, a Corpsman, then picked him up and gallantly braved the enemy rockets impacting throughout the area as he carried the casualty toward a bunker. En route, First Lieutenant Coffman was thrown to the ground and wounded twice more by exploding rockets. Despite his painful wounds however, he fearlessly continued his valiant efforts until he carried his wounded companion to the safety of the bunker. With complete disregard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Coffman then unhesitatingly left his covered position and maneuvered back through the hazardous area to assist with the evacuation of other casualties and to aid in fighting fires which had resulted from the attack. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of the Corpsman and several fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Coffman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Gunnery Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Reconnaissance Battalion

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

    Action Date:

    October 10, 1966
    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunnery Sergeant Clovis Clyde Coffman, Jr. (MCSN: 1106891), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in action against Communist Forces while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company C, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 October 1966. Sergeant Coffman was leading a thirteen man patrol assigned the mission of observing a valley near Long Bihn, Quang Ngai Province for enemy activity. Early in the afternoon, while leading his unit from their observation post to a helicopter landing zone, the patrol came under a heavy small arms and grenade attack from an estimated thirty-five to fifty man enemy force. Reacting immediately, Sergeant Coffman skillfully organized and directed the return fire of his out-numbered unit. Fearlessly disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself in order to deploy his force and deliver maximum fire power against the attackers. On one occasion during the ensuing fierce action, he observed a wounded Marine lying helpless forward of his position. Courageously he went to his stricken comrade’s aid. Although wounded himself, he killed three of the enemy at point blank range in order to reach the stricken Marine. Sergeant Coffman was successful in his effort to return his stricken comrade to friendly lines. When the patrol’s medical Corpsman was disabled by wounds, he skillfully administered first aid to four seriously wounded Marines. Sergeant Coffman directed fixed wing and armed helicopter attacks against the enemy with devastating accuracy, with the result that helicopters were able to land and extract the force. Although wounded, he remained until all of his men were safely embarked, resolutely defending the landing zone. As the last rescue helicopter was loading, he and another Marine held the landing zone alone, killing four of the enemy in close combat. Only after all of his patrol were embarked, did he board the aircraft and depart the embattled area. By his courageous devotion to duty, and extraordinary leadership, Sergeant Coffman reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.