RICHARD F ABSHIRE
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HONORED ON PANEL 53E, LINE 44 OF THE WALL

RICHARD FRANKLIN ABSHIRE

WALL NAME

RICHARD F ABSHIRE

PANEL / LINE

53E/44

DATE OF BIRTH

10/20/1944

CASUALTY PROVINCE

QUANG TRI

DATE OF CASUALTY

05/02/1968

HOME OF RECORD

ABBEVILLE

COUNTY OF RECORD

Vermilion Parish

STATE

LA

BRANCH OF SERVICE

MARINE CORPS

RANK

SGT

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Contact Details
ASSOCIATED ITEMS LEFT AT THE WALL

REMEMBRANCES

LEFT FOR RICHARD FRANKLIN ABSHIRE
POSTED ON 5.2.2017
POSTED BY: A US Marine, Quang Tri

Navy Cross Citation

Richard Franklin Abshire
Date of birth: 20-Oct-44
Date of death: May 2, 1968
Home of record: Abbeville Louisiana
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Richard Franklin Abshire (MCSN: 2125809), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 May 1968. Sergeant Abshire's unit and a sister company were launched on a coordinated attack against a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force occupying the village of Dinh To, Quang Tri Province. As the Marines entered the village, they were taken under devastating enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire which inflicted numerous casualties and temporarily halted the lead platoon of each company. Directed to establish a defensive perimeter, Sergeant Abshire immediately deployed his men into advantageous firing positions and commenced directing a heavy volume of accurate fire into the enemy emplacements. As the enemy fire increased in volume and accuracy, it became apparent that the North Vietnamese force was preparing to launch a counterattack. Rapidly obtaining grenades from his fellow Marines, Sergeant Abshire boldly exposed himself to the full fury of the enemy fire and threw several grenades into the enemy's ranks, temporarily halting their assault. Returning to his unit, he moved from position to position, despite intense enemy fire, to pinpoint hostile targets and encourage his men. As their ammunition supply depleted, he ordered his men to withdraw across a river and resolutely provided covering fire, which enabled his men to reach positions of relative safety. After expending his ammunition, he was attempting to rejoin his unit when he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his superior leadership, intrepid fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Abshire inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: 2-May-68

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Sergeant

Company: Company G

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 4th Marines, 9th Amphibious Brigade

Division: III Marine Amphibious Force
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POSTED ON 7.4.2016
POSTED BY: Lucy Conte Micik

Remembered

DEAR SGT. ABSHIRE,

Today is the birthday of America. I feel it is important to remember those who paid the ultimate price for this nation.

There would be no celebration without our military. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

REST IN PEACE.
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POSTED ON 8.24.2014
POSTED BY: Tom Burgdorf

Cemetery Correction

Saint Mary Magdalen Cemetery and Mausoleum
Abbeville Louisiana, USA
Plot: Section B-1
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=86009776
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POSTED ON 5.2.2014
POSTED BY: A Marine, Quang Tri

Semper Fi Sergeant.

POSTED ON 4.12.2014
POSTED BY: Curt Carter [email protected]

Remembering An American Hero

Dear SGT Richard Franklin Abshire, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter
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