Major William H. Dabney

COMMANDER UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCES VIETNAM The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of Second Bronze Medal to WILLIAM HOWARD DABNEY MAJOR UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION "For meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam from August 1970 to July 1971. While serving as the Senior Advisor to the Third Infantry Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps, Major DABNEY participated in six major combat operations, providing invaluable tactical advice and assistance to his counterpart. He skillfully coordinated and controlled all United States supporting arms which included tactical air, helicopter gunships and artillery in addition to resupply and medical evacuation support. Major DABNEY often accompanied the rifle companies of his battalion on patrols and reconnaissance missions which made frequent contact with enemy forces. During those contacts he positioned himself where he could best influence the actions of his counterpart, constantly exposing himself to enemy fire without regard for his own personal safety. His outstanding efforts throughout greatly enhanced the advisory effort to the Vietnamese Marine Corps. Major DABNEY's exemplary professionalism, devotion to duty and courage under fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized. For the President, /S/ R. S. Salzer R. S. SALZER Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy Commander U. S. Naval Forces, Vietnam

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of Second Bronze Medal to

"For meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam from August 1970 to July 1971. While serving as the Senior Advisor to the Third Infantry Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps, Major DABNEY participated in six major combat operations, providing invaluable tactical advice and assistance to his counterpart. He skillfully coordinated and controlled all United States supporting arms which included tactical air, helicopter gunships and artillery in addition to resupply and medical evacuation support. Major DABNEY often accompanied the rifle companies of his battalion on patrols and reconnaissance missions which made frequent contact with enemy forces. During those contacts he positioned himself where he could best influence the actions of his counterpart, constantly exposing himself to enemy fire without regard for his own personal safety. His outstanding efforts throughout greatly enhanced the advisory effort to the Vietnamese Marine Corps. Major DABNEY's exemplary professionalism, devotion to duty and courage under fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.