Silver Star Citation
Posted for: JAMES AUSTIN BATEMAN:
Silver Star Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant James A. Bateman (MCSN: 2102290), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Senior AdvisorMarine Squad Leader of Combined Action Platoon 2-8-1, III Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 May 1969, when informed that an adjacent combined action platoon was in contact with a large hostile force, Sergeant Bateman aggressively moved his unit into a position to block the enemy's route of escape. Skillfully adjusting illumination over the battlefield, he directed his platoon's fire into the hostile position, killing three North Vietnamese soldiers. Subsequently, while moving his platoon to another position, he observed an enemy squad proceeding through a rice paddy. Unhesitatingly giving the order to open fire on the hostile soldiers, he boldly led an assault on the enemy, forcing them to withdraw. While conducting a sweep through the North Vietnamese Army force's position, his platoon came under intense small arms and grenade-launcher fire. Fearlessly exposing himself to the hostile rounds impacting around him, Sergeant Bateman moved through the fire-swept area, organized his men, and aggressively commenced an assault on the hostile positions during which he was mortally wounded by small arms fire. His bold initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and were responsible for the success of the attack which accounted for six hostile soldiers killed and numerous items of equipment captured. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty, Sergeant Bateman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Action Date: 15-May-69 Service: Marine Corps Rank: Sergeant Company: Combined Action Platoon 2-8-1 Division: III Marine Amphibious Force
Posted by: A Marine
Email:
Relationship: USMC, Vietnam, 1969
Monday, May 16, 2011
If you wish to edit or remove this remembrance, please contact VVMF. Please be sure to include your name, the reason for editing and the name of the servicemember for whom you wish these changes be made.

Share this on Facebook
Is this remembrance inappropriate? Please click here to alert VVMF staff.

Are you sure?

X

Please wait... loading
Donate to Build the Center
Social Media Header



Search The Wall
go
Today We Remember
On May 24,
  201 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1966,
  8 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1967,
  32 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1968,
  75 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1969,
  45 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1970,
  23 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1971,
  6 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1972,
  12 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
Click on the number of lives lost
to view the names.
Tour the Center


Our Charity Ratings

    The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund takes our stewardship of your donations seriously. The programs we fund are designed to help us achieve our mission of preserving the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, promoting healing and educating about the impact of the Vietnam War.