SILVER STAR MEDAL to CORPORAL ANDRES CANTU, JR. UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS For service as set forth in the following CITATION: FOR THE
PRESIDENT H. W. BUSE,
JR. LIEUTENANT
GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING
GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the 60mm
Mortar Section Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third
Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the
Republic of Vietnam. On 11
September 1968, while participating in Operation Lancaster II in the Cam Lo
Valley, Corporal Cantu’s unit came under intense hostile mortar fire and
sustained several casualties. Observing that the Corpsmen required
assistance in treating the casualties, Corporal Cantu fearlessly left his
relatively covered position and aided in the treatment of the wounded,
comforting the Marines and preparing them for evacuation. Disregarding the
intense hostile fire, he returned to his platoon and discovered that the
platoon commander had been medically evacuated for injuries. Unhesitatingly
assuming control of the platoon, Corporal Cantu rapidly reorganized his men
into an effective fighting force and ensured that all mortars were manned
and ready to provide fire support if requested. His heroic and timely
actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in preventing
further Marines casualties. By his courage, superb leadership and
unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal
Cantu upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United
States Naval Service.
