In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General, Fleet Marine
Force, Pacific takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to
LANCE CORPORAL VERNON JESSIE FORD
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team
Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division on 22 July
1966 in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During
search and destroy operations in Quang Tri Province, Lance Corporal FORD's fire team was
in the lead squad of the Company moving up a stream bed when they came under heavy fire
from a North Vietnamese Army ambush. Reacting instantly, he led his fire team into the
foliage surrounding the stream bed. When it became apparent that additional firepower was
needed, a squad-from another platoon was sent to envelop the enemy position, approximately
100 meters down the stream bed. In order to converge on the enemy's unprotected side, the
squad had to maneuver through dense undergrowth, an extremely difficult move because the
unit could easily lose their sense of direction and become ineffective. To eliminate this
problem, Lance Corporal FORD kept the squad informed as to the position of friendly units
by courageously shouting his name every thirty seconds , thus exposing his position to
hostile enemy fire. At the same time, he continued to advance his fire team toward the
enemy. Although he was wounded by machine gun fire and a Marine only a few feet from him
had been killed, he fearlessly continued to use his voice to direct the squad to the enemy
position. With complete disregard for his own safety, he refused evacuation and braved
increasingly intense enemy fire until the squad had overrun the enemy position and the
area was secured. By his fearless determination, initiative and inspiring leadership,
Lance Corporal FORD materially contributed to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and
upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval
Service."
FOR THE PRESIDENT,
V. H. KRULAK
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING
TEMPORARY CITATION
