William H. Dabney

COMMANDER UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCES VIETNAM The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting aGold Star in lieu of the Second Navy Commendation Medal to WILLIAM HOWARD DABNEY MAJOR UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION "For heroic achievement while serving with the Third Infantry Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 June 1971, Major DABNEY was serving as Senior Advisor while conducting security operations and had established a night defensive position. Shortly after midnight, an enemy grenadier penetrated security and threw several grenades, seriously wounding Major DABNEY and numerous others. Reacting immediately, he went to the aid of the other wounded and assisted in their medical evacuation. Despite his own wounds, he refused medical attention to remain with his unit. Major DABNEY's exemplary professionalism, devotion to duty and courage under fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service." The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized. For the Secretary of the Navy, /s/ R. S. Salzer R. S. SALZER Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy Commander U. S. Naval Forces, Vietnam

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting aGold Star in lieu of the Second Navy Commendation Medal to

"For heroic achievement while serving with the Third Infantry Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 June 1971, Major DABNEY was serving as Senior Advisor while conducting security operations and had established a night defensive position. Shortly after midnight, an enemy grenadier penetrated security and threw several grenades, seriously wounding Major DABNEY and numerous others. Reacting immediately, he went to the aid of the other wounded and assisted in their medical evacuation. Despite his own wounds, he refused medical attention to remain with his unit. Major DABNEY's exemplary professionalism, devotion to duty and courage under fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."