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CPL William David Morgan

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CPL William David Morgan Famous memorial Veteran

Birth
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA
Death
25 Feb 1969 (aged 21)
Quảng Trị, Vietnam
Burial
Mount Lebanon, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA Add to Map
Plot
Section 8, Lot 44
Memorial ID
View Source
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during the Vietnam War in the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal in Company H, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at the Vandegrift Combat Base in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam on February 25, 1969. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company H, in operations against the enemy. While participating in Operation DEWEY CANYON southeast of Vandergrift Combat Base, 1 of the squads of Cpl. Morgan's platoon was temporarily pinned down and sustained several casualties while attacking a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a heavily fortified bunker complex. Observing that 2 of the wounded marines had fallen in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire and that all attempts to evacuate them were halted by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and rocket-propelled grenades, Cpl. Morgan unhesitatingly maneuvered through the dense jungle undergrowth to a road that passed in front of a hostile emplacement which was the principal source of enemy fire. Fully aware of the possible consequences of his valiant action, but thinking only of the welfare of his injured companions, Cpl. Morgan shouted words of encouragement to them as he initiated an aggressive assault against the hostile bunker. While charging across the open road, he was clearly visible to the hostile soldiers who turned their fire in his direction and mortally wounded him, but his diversionary tactic enabled the remainder of his squad to retrieve their casualties and overrun the North Vietnamese Army position. His heroic and determined actions saved the lives of 2 fellow Marines and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the enemy. Cpl. Morgan's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Services. He gallantly gave his life for his country." His Medal was posthumously awarded to his family by President Richard Nixon at the White House on August 6, 1970.
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during the Vietnam War in the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal in Company H, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at the Vandegrift Combat Base in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam on February 25, 1969. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company H, in operations against the enemy. While participating in Operation DEWEY CANYON southeast of Vandergrift Combat Base, 1 of the squads of Cpl. Morgan's platoon was temporarily pinned down and sustained several casualties while attacking a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a heavily fortified bunker complex. Observing that 2 of the wounded marines had fallen in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire and that all attempts to evacuate them were halted by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and rocket-propelled grenades, Cpl. Morgan unhesitatingly maneuvered through the dense jungle undergrowth to a road that passed in front of a hostile emplacement which was the principal source of enemy fire. Fully aware of the possible consequences of his valiant action, but thinking only of the welfare of his injured companions, Cpl. Morgan shouted words of encouragement to them as he initiated an aggressive assault against the hostile bunker. While charging across the open road, he was clearly visible to the hostile soldiers who turned their fire in his direction and mortally wounded him, but his diversionary tactic enabled the remainder of his squad to retrieve their casualties and overrun the North Vietnamese Army position. His heroic and determined actions saved the lives of 2 fellow Marines and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the enemy. Cpl. Morgan's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Services. He gallantly gave his life for his country." His Medal was posthumously awarded to his family by President Richard Nixon at the White House on August 6, 1970.

Bio by: RPD2


Inscription

MEDAL OF HONOR
CPL US MARINE CORPS
VIETNAM



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  • Maintained by: Find a Grave
  • Originally Created by: RPD2
  • Added: Mar 13, 2002
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6257531/william_david-morgan: accessed ), memorial page for CPL William David Morgan (17 Sep 1947–25 Feb 1969), Find a Grave Memorial ID 6257531, citing Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Mount Lebanon, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.