SILVER STAR MEDAL to CAPTAIN LYNDELL MARTIN ORSBURN UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS For service as set forth in the following CITATION: FOR THE
PRESIDENT A. R. KIER MAJOR GENERAL,
U. S. MARINE CORPS ACTING
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 Commanding
Officer with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine
Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of
Vietnam. On 28 February 1966, Captain Orsburn’s Company was assigned as a
subordinate element of Task Unit Hotel and was engaged in search and
destroy operation in Thua Thien Province. When two companies on his right
were subjected to intense automatic weapons and mortar fire from along a
tree line, Captain Orsburn, upon receipt of his mission, unhesitatingly
moved to the right flank of his Company to maneuver his forces in an
envelopment of the enemy’s right flank. Realizing his intention, the Viet
Cong shifted a heavy volume of defensive fire in the direction of the
Company. Completely disregarding his own safety, Captain Orsburn repeatedly
exposed himself to the vicious hostile fire to direct the movement of his
men across open ground. Although painfully wounded in the neck and
shoulders by mortar fragments, he set an example of calmness and courage
which inspired his men to overrun the enemy’s defensive position in that
sector. As a result of his exceptional leadership, more than twenty-eight
Viet Cong were killed in position, and numerous weapons and equipment were
captured. His daring effort contributed directly to the overall success of
the operation. By his resolute fighting spirit, brilliant leadership and
selfless dedication to duty, Captain Orsburn upheld the highest traditions
of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
