THE WALL OF FACES

Petty Officer Third Class James Thomas Elrod, Served with the Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force. He was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, When He was Killed in Action.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

On the remembrance of your 74th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Doc.

James Thomas Elrod


Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Navy
Rank: Hospital Corpsman Third Class
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Third Class James Thomas Elrod (NSN: 6954121), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 10 August 1966. When his unit almost immediately sustained four casualties upon being subjected to intense machine gun and automatic weapons fire during Operation COLORADO, Petty Officer Elrod unhesitatingly raced through the withering fire to aid the stricken men. Without regard for his own safety, he moved from man to man to administer medical care, and was largely responsible for saving the life of the squad leader who had been seriously wounded in the face and arm. Undaunted by the vicious action around him, he valiantly continued to assist his comrades until he was mortally wounded. By his daring initiative, extraordinary courage, and uncommon concern for others in the face of overwhelming odds, Petty Officer Elrod upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Thank you Doc Elrod for your courage and for your devotion to your Marines.