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The following letter advising Lance Corporal Terry
L. Smith he had been nominated for the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry was
probably written for his participation in Operation Kingfisher during September
1967 prior to him being assigned to Hill 881S. This was later upgraded
to also include the Vietnamese Military Merit Medal (equivalent
to the United States Medal of Honor).
7G/JRB/ghf
From: Commanding General
1650--------- 12 Jan 1968 To: Lance Corporal Terry L. SMITH 2306818 USMC Via: Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 26th Marines Subj: Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, award of Ref: (a) SECNAVINST P1650.23
1. You have been nominated for the subject decoration for your achievements in support of the Armed Forces of Vietnam in their struggle against the Communist insurgents. 2. Your nomination has been approved by this Headquarters, and by the Commanding General, 1st (ARVN) Division. Decrees and citations are normally received from Vietnamese authorities within three to seven months from the time the nominations have been submitted. At such times as they are received by this Headquarters, they will be translated and forwarded to via your Commanding Officer. 3. As a matter of information, you are advised that normally, unless the Vietnamese authorities present the subject medal to you at a ceremony, they do not otherwise provide one. Procurement of the Medal then becomes a matter of individual acquisition from local sources. Approved ribbon bars are available and may be purchased from U. S. sources. 4. In accordance with the instructions contained in reference (a), you are authorized to accept and wear the subject decoration as of the date of this letter. Your Commanding Officer will make the appropriate entries in your service records in accordance with the provisions of reference (b). /s/ R. McC. Tomkins Major General, U. S. Marine Corps
Copy to:
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| REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT No. 463/TT/SL. THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM Considering the Constitution of the Republic of Vietnam, dated 1 April 1967; Considering Decree #234/TT/SL, dated 25 May 1968, prescribing the composition of the Government; Considering Edict #10-b, dated 15 August 1950, creating the MILITARY MERIT MEDAL; Considering Decree #74-b/QT, dated 15 August 1950, prescribing the procedures for awarding the MILITARY MERIT MEDAL; Following the recommendation of the Chief of the Joint General Staff, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces; DECREES THAT: ARTICLE I: This formalizes the posthumous award of the MILITARY MERIT MEDAL to the U. S. Marine Corps personnel whose names appear below with the following meritorious citation: "Servicemen of courage and rare self-sacrifice, they displayed at all times the most tactful cooperation while aiding the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam to repel the Red wave undermining South Vietnam and Southeast Asia. With a ready zeal and commendable response, they fought on to the end in every mission and set a brilliant example for their fellow soldiers. They died in the performance of duty. Behind them they leave the abiding grief of their former comrades-in-arms, Vietnamese as well as American." Webmaster's note; A total of
71 names appeared on the list, only the names of Marines contained in the
Warriors of Hill 881S Roster are shown.
THESE POSTHUMOUS AWARDS ARE TO INCLUDE THE GALLANTRY CROSS WITH PALM. ARTICLE II: The Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense and Veterans' Affairs are charged with the execution of this Decree. Saigon, 23 September 1968
OFFICIAL:
CERTIFIED COPY:
I certify that this is a true translation. /s/ W. A. Runkle WILLIAM A. RUNKLE
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The above two letters submitted by:
Dorothy Smith, mother of Cpl. Terry
L. Smith
