The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the

BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

LANCE CORPORAL FRANCIS JOSEPH ESPINOZA

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For services as set forth in the following

CITATION:

   “For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division.  On 7 September 1967, Lance Corporal ESPINOZA’s unit came under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire while advancing to relie4ve an ambushed convoy on National Route Nine north of C Lu in Quang Tri Province.  During the ensuing fire fight the Marines became temporarily halted and sustained several casualties.  With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal ESPINOZA unhesitatingly exposed himself to the hostile fire to provide covering fire for the platoon corpsman while he administered aid to the wounded.  Fearlessly maneuvering across the hazardous terrain to within twenty meters of the enemy positions, he delivered accurate suppressive fire and threw hand grenades, killing two North Vietnamese soldiers.  Ignoring the hostile fire around him, he carried one of his wounded comrades to a place of relative safety and assisted in the evacuation of a mortally wounded Marine.  Subsequently, he continued to provide covering fire to enable the corpsman to render medical assistance to other casualties.  His superb professionalism and bold initiative in the face of extreme personal danger were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several fellow Marines.  Lance Corporal ESPINOZA’s courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.” 

Lance Corporal ESPINOZA is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.

For the President

V. H. KRULAK

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC