THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service, your self-lessness and your sacrifice. RIP

PFC Oscar Palmer Austin you would not let your fellow wounded Marine lay in the field of battle to die.You left the safety of your machine gun bunker during the heat of battle to rescue him and in doing so, you sacrificed your life. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace and tank you from a fellow Marine and a grateful nation.

Oscar Palmer Austin

Medal of Honor
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Oscar Palmer Austin (MCSN: 2472757), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 February 1969, while serving as an assistant machine gunner with Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against enemy forces west of DaNang, Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours Private First Class Austin's observation post was subjected to a fierce ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force supported by a heavy volume of hand grenades, satchel charges, and small arms fire. Observing that one of his wounded companions had fallen unconscious in a position dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, Private First Class Austin unhesitatingly left the relative security of his fighting hole and, with complete disregard for his safety, raced across the fire-swept terrain to assist the Marine to a covered location. As he neared the casualty, he observed an enemy grenade land nearby and, reacting instantly, leaped between the injured Marine and the lethal object, absorbing the effects of its detonation. As he ignored his painful injuries and turned to examine the wounded man, he saw a North Vietnamese Army soldier aiming a weapon at his unconscious companion. With full knowledge of the probable consequences and thinking only to protect the Marine, Private First Class Austin resolutely threw himself between the casualty and the hostile soldier, and, in doing, was mortally wounded. Private First Class Austin's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Happy Birthday Uncle Oscar, you are loved and we are greatful for your sacrafice and the two neices that share your day with you!

Private First Class Oscar Palmer Austin, Served with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.