The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Frank J. Breth, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Headquarters Battalion, THIRD Marine Division. On 31 January 1968, Major Breth was located at the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Compound in the city of Hue as Liaison Officer to the First Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division. In the early morning hours, when the compound came under heavy enemy attack, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he organized and supervised a sector of the compound’s defensive perimeter. Upon learning that several wounded Marines were pinned down a short distance from the compound, Major Breth organized a small reaction force and proceeded to the area. While directing accurate fire against enemy positions, he supervised the recovery of the casualties and directed their movement to the evacuation area. Throughout the day, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire to assist and evacuate wounded Marines and distribute supplies to besieged units. The following morning, he organized a reaction platoon of United States Army, Navy and Marine personnel and provided flank security for two Marine companies conducting an operation near the compound. For four hours, he led his men from one building to another, routing the enemy and securing the buildings. With complete disregard for his own safety, he launched an attack against a North Vietnamese force entrenched in a school house, killing three enemy soldiers and rescuing 35 civilians without sustaining a single friendly casualty. Major Breth’s resolute courage, exemplary leadership, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Frank J. Breth, United States Marine Corps, for meritorious achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as Commanding Officer of Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division from 23 September to 8 October 1967. During this period, Captain Breth performed his demanding duties in an exemplary manner. Assuming Command of Company M after the previous commanding officer had been medically evacuated during the defense of the Con Thien Combat Outpost, he immediately organized his men to effectively defend the Company’s sector against the North Vietnamese. Although his unit’s positions were subjected to almost continuous hostile artillery, rocket, recoilless rifle and mortar fire, and repeated infantry attacks, he constantly exposed himself to the enemy fire and fearlessly moved from one position to another in order to direct the fire of his men. Exhibiting a comprehensive knowledge of tactics, he skillfully established mutually supporting fields of fire with .50 caliber machine guns which effectively repulsed numerous assaults on his unit’s positions. In addition, he organized and conducted small unit patrols and ambushes that inflicted heavy casualties on the North Vietnamese Army forces. His superb leadership and calm presence of mind were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. Captain Breth’s courage, exceptional professionalism, and unswerving devotion to duty despite extreme personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)