The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Hospital Corpsman Second Class Richard F. Bradford, III (NSN: 9975869), United States Navy, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Corpsman with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division. On 13 May 1968, Petty Officer Bradford was a member of a reaction force assigned to assist a four-man reconnaissance patrol that was heavily engaged with a well-concealed enemy unit near Camp J. J. CARROLL in Quang Tri Province. Arriving at the designated area, he alertly observed a wounded Marine and, boldly moving across the fire-swept terrain to the side of his injured comrade, skillfully administered first aid to the casualty. Continuing his determined efforts, he again maneuvered across the hazardous area to a second injured Marine, and after assisting the casualty to a position of relative safety, he provided the man with effective medical treatment. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two Marines. Petty Officer Bradford’s courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Hospitalman Corpsman Second Class Bradford is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Home:
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Hospital Corpsman Second ClassBatallion:
3d Reconnaissance BattalionDivision:
3d Marine DivisionAction Date:
May 13, 1968
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Hospital Corpsman Second ClassBatallion:
3d Reconnaissance BattalionDivision:
3d Marine DivisionAction Date:
March 5, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Second Class Richard F. Bradford, III (NSN: 9975869), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 March 1969, Petty Officer Bradford and two other men were manning a sector of his unit’s defensive perimeter when the Marines came under a heavy volume of mortar, small arms, and automatic weapons fire supporting an assault by a North Vietnamese Army platoon. When the two Marines in his emplacement were wounded in the initial moments of the fire fight, Petty Officer Bradford immediately seized a weapon and commenced defending his charges against further injury by firing on the enemy as they attempted to overrun the position. Although painfully wounded, he unhesitatingly left his relatively safe position and rapidly coordinated the deployment of additional Marines and the distribution of ordnance in the embattled sector. Having ensured the safety of the position, Petty Officer Bradford commenced moving among the emplacements to treat his injured comrades, and ignoring the continuous enemy fire, he subsequently assisted the casualties t the medical evacuation helicopter. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades and steadfast devotion to duty, Petty Officer Bradford upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.