THE WALL OF FACES

SERGEANT


RICHARD FRANKLIN ABSHIRE


COMPANY " G "

2nd BATTALION

4th MARINES

9th MARINE AMPHIBIOUS BRIGADE


was a posthumous recipient of the


~ ~ ~ NAVY CROSS ~ ~ ~


~ ~ ~ PURPLE HEART ~ ~ ~





~ ~ ~ SEMPER FIDELIS ~ ~ ~





YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



CITATION

FOR AWARD OF THE


NAVY CROSS


TO


SERGEANT


RICHARD FRANKLIN ABSHIRE



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.

Hey Rick, I know you're looking down on us,I
wish we could have played that one last Gig
together before your young life was wrenched
from you and us. You're in my thoughts and
prayers forever Bro.