THE WALL OF FACES

John Robert Dawson
Date of birth: May 14, 1944
Date of death: October 27, 1967
Place of Birth: Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh
Home of record: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
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 Second Lieutenant John Robert Dawson (MCSN: 0-100987), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Forward Observer with Battery G, Third Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 October 1967. During Operation GRANITE, Second Lieutenant Dawson was attached to Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines during a search and destroy operation in Thua Thien Province. As the company was moving down a narrow jungle trail, it suddenly came under intense enemy fire from well-concealed North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces on three sides, sustaining immediate casualties, and was temporarily pinned down by the heavy volume of automatic weapons and small-arms fire and grenade attack. Although the enemy ambush continued with relentless intensity, Second Lieutenant Dawson completely disregarded his own safety as he dauntlessly moved from his position at the rear of the platoon to the side of the company commander in the foreground of the attack. After the two officers conferred to determine how artillery could best be deployed against the enemy, Second Lieutenant Dawson quickly called for and accurately adjusted supporting arms fire on the enemy positions. While he continued to direct artillery fire, the commanding officer was struck by an enemy round and fell to the ground, exposed to further injury or possible death on the open trail. Quickly obtaining a rifle, Second Lieutenant Dawson unhesitatingly positioned himself by the side of his wounded comrade, using his own body as a shield in an effort to protect him from the hostile fire. Exhibiting a sincere concern for the welfare of his companion and a determined fighting spirit, he courageously returned fire upon the enemy until he was mortally wounded. His heroic action at the risk of his own life was instrumental in saving the life of his fellow Marine and contributed significantly in repulsing the enemy force. By his intrepid fighting spirit, daring initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Dawson 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: October 27, 1967

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Company: Battery G

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 12th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Jack was a year, maybe two, ahead of me at Ohio Wesleyan. He was a campus leader, looked up to by all his peers. He graduated, went to PLC, and then to Vietnam, where on patrol, with his company commander grievously wounded on point, Jack ran forward to aid his fellow officer. He was shot and killed while protecting another Marine...in other words, while being the leader he always was.

I think of you often, Jack, and how you would have contributed to our country, had you lived. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten, your loss never fully measured. God bless you, and God bless our United States.

I was a senior when you were a freshman, so we never really connected on a personal level. But, we all knew your Dad, President of the college, and your Dad and mine were roommates in seminary. So, We had a connection in that way. We remember when you left for Vietnam Nam and we remember when we heard of your tragic passing. In 1983, I was on a business trip to DC and visited the wall. I looked up your name and thanked you for your extraordinary sacrifice. We, again, take this time on this Memorial Day 2016 to thank you once again for the what you sacrificed for all of us. We will never forget!

we set up most night talking about the meeting with capt ross and drinking scotch out of a plastic bottle my mother had sent me, white flakes and all

Dear Jack,
Agony Appreciation Duty All of these immediately come to mind
Grief Admiration Faith when I think of you and the sacrifice
Hurt Bravery Gallantry you made for all of us. I will not
Loss Courage Honor forget you or your sacrifice.
Pain Daring Heroism REST IN PEACE.
Sorrow Determination Sacrifice
Tears Devotion Thanks