Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines Regiment, 1st Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps

“For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division. On 12 August 1969, Co A was conducting a combat operation in its area of responsibility when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying a well-concealed bunker complex. Reacting instantly, Corporal Means boldly maneuvered to a forward position to more accurately ascertain the situation and requested Marine supporting artillery fire upon the enemy. Fearlessly moving to a more tactically advantageous location, he shouted encouragement to his companions as he skillfully adjusted artillery fire to within a short distance of the friendly unit. Alertly observing that the platoon’s movement was impeded by devastating fire from a hostile bunker, Corporal Means unhesitatingly crawled across the fire swept terrain, threw a hand grenade into the emplacement and then, entering the smoking bunker killed he hostile occupant with his .45 caliber pistol. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him, relieved the pressure from the enemy fire, and contributed significantly to the defeat of the North Vietnamese Army Force. Corporal Means courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”