SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS STUART F. HEMP 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 a Fire Team Leader with Company L,
Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 August 1969,
the Third Platoon was conducting a patrol north of the Vandergrift Combat
Base when Private First Class Hemp and the two lead squads were pinned down
by a heavy volume of automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire
from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying a fortified bunker
complex. Realizing that several wounded men had fallen in dangerously
exposed positions, Private First Class Hemp, with complete disregard for
his own safety, maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the side of his
companions and, in two successful, hazardous attempts, moved two of his
comrades to covered locations. Braving the intense enemy fire for a third
time, he was moving toward another casualty when he was seriously wounded.
Although realizing his need for immediate medical attention but, unwilling
to risk other Marine lives during an attempt to evacuate him from his
completely exposed position, Private First Class Hemp steadfastly refused
to allow his companions to come to his aid and subsequently succumbed to
his extensive injuries. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who
observed him and save the lives of two fellow Marines. By his courage, selfless concern for his
fellow man and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal
danger, Private First Class Hemp upheld the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life in the service of his country.
