SILVER STAR MEDAL to CORPORAL DEWAYNE G. BRUINEKOOL UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS CITATION: FOR THE
PRESIDENT V. H. KRULAK LIEUTENANT
GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING
GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the
For service as set forth in the following
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire
Team Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine
Division on 21 July 1967, in connection with operations against insurgent
communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Enroute to relieve
an ambushed convoy, Corporal Bruinekool’s company came under intense enemy
mortar and automatic weapons fire. As his unit advanced on the enemy, he
courageously led his fire team through heavy fire in an aggressive assault
on the Viet Cong positions. While skillfully directing accurate fire on the
enemy, he was wounded by and exploding grenade. Disregarding his painful
wound, Corporal Bruinekool gallantly continued to lead and direct his men
until he was seriously wounded again by an exploding enemy mortar,
resulting in his medical evacuation and subsequent partial amputation of
both his feet. His daring and heroic actions in the face of enemy fire were
instrumental in his company’s defeat of the Viet Cong force. By his
exceptional leadership, resolute determination and inspiring devotion to
duty, Corporal Bruinekool upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps
and of the United States Naval Service.
