OSCAR PALMER AUSTIN

Private First Class
Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, (Rein), FMF

Born January 15, 1948 in Nacogdoches, Texas
Entered service at Phoenix, Arizona
Awarded posthumously for heroic action west of Da Nang on February 23, 1969
Killed in Action February 23, 1969 at age 21

CITATION

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an assistant machine gunner with Company E, in connection with operations against enemy forces

During the early morning hours, Pfc. Austin's observation post was subjected to a fierce ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force supported by a heavy volume of hand grenades, satchel charges and small arms fire.  Observing that one of his wounded companions had fallen unconscious in a position dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, Pfc. Austin unhesitatingly left the relative security of his fighting hole and, with complete disregard for his safety, raced across the fire-swept terrain to assist the marine to a covered location.  As he neared the casualty, he observed an enemy grenade land nearby and, reacting instantly, leaped between the injured marine and the lethal object, absorbing the effects of its detonation.  As he ignored his painful injuries and turned to examine the wounded man, he saw a North Vietnamese Army soldier aiming a weapon at his unconscious companion.  With full knowledge of the probable consequences and thinking only to protect the Marine, Pfc. Austin resolutely threw himself between the casualty and the hostile soldier, and, in doing, was mortally wounded.  Pfc. Austin's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.  He gallantly gave his life for his country.