Private First Class Samuel L. Felton, Jr. disobeyed an order to stay put behind cover, and instead single-handedly rescued three Marines trapped 75 yards outside the wire in a listening post.
Wounded, with a Marine slung over his shoulder, and wading through a knee-deep rice paddy, Felton fired his rifle one-handed killing two NVA at point-blank range. For his boldness and heroic efforts, PFC Felton was awarded the Navy Cross.
“…serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 11 June 1969 , Company C was established in a battalion night defensive perimeter two miles west of An Hoa Combat Base when its sector came under a heavy volume of rocket, mortar, recoilless rifle, and automatic-weapons fire followed by a determined assault by an estimated 100 North Vietnamese Army soldiers. When communications with a three-man listening post 75 meters forward of the perimeter were lost, PFC Felton established voice contact and learned that all three Marines were wounded and unable to return to the perimeter unassisted. With resolute determination, he left his fighting hole and although wounded by enemy fire, continued across the open terrain until he reached the beleaguered Marines. After administering first aid and ensuring that no equipment or ordnance was left behind, he provided covering fire as he directed the two least seriously wounded men across the hazardous area to the company lines. Despite his weakened condition from loss of blood, PFC Felton began to carry the most seriously injured Marine through the knee-deep mud and water of the rice paddy. Suddenly two hostile soldiers jumped in front of him, blocking his chance to return to friendly lines. Reacting instantly, he fired his M-16 with one hand while supporting the wounded Marine with his injured arm, killing both of the enemy, and fearlessly continued his Herculean efforts until he delivered his wounded comrade to the battalion aid station. He then returned to the perimeter and continued fighting the attacking force until the enemy was repulsed. His heroic actions and bold fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several fellow Marines.”
Felton served three combat tours in Vietnam before leaving the Marines as a Sergeant in 1972. Learn more about this incredible veteran and his work in the veteran community that continues today here:
http://www.chroniclet.com/…/Vietnam-veteran-recounts-time-s…
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