THE WALL OF FACES

Silver Star


Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Gary C. Griswold (MCSN: 2289655), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as an Assistant Machine Gunner with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 October 1967 the battalion was assigned the mission of protecting a newly constructed bridge approximately 3000 meters south of Con Thien. The battalion came under heavy rocket and mortar attack, which was followed by a human wave assault of North Vietnamese soldiers. The enemy penetrated Company G's most forward position and was charging directly toward Private First Class Griswold's machine gun. The attack was a savage and vicious one, and the enemy had the machine gun pinpointed with heavy automatic weapons and rocket fire. With complete disregard for his own safety he exposed himself constantly while feeding ammunition to his gunner so as to deliver a heavy and accurate rate of fire on the enemy. The machine gun took a direct hit with rocket and automatic weapons fire wounding Private First Class Griswold and also putting the machine gun out of action. Although wounded, he refused to abandon his position, thus allowing other Marines of his company further time to prepare for the vicious battle yet to come. Again with complete disregard for his own personal safety he, along with this squad leader and gunner, attacked the oncoming enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat, inflicting several casualties before he was mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His courage, devotion to duty, and inspiring valor in the face of great personal risk were a major contribution to the success of Company G in continuing to defend its sector of the battalion perimeter. Private First Class Griswold reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: October 14, 1967

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company G

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 4th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Dear PFC Gary Clifford Griswold, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Gary is buried at Center Cemetery, Bethel,CT. SS PH

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Gary Clifford Griswold, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you PFC G.C. Griswold, for a job exceptionally well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND

PFC Gary Griswold, USMC was killed in action near Con Thien/ bridge on October 14, 1967 while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. The machine gunner ( PFC Dave Hamilton) and Griswold were awarded the Silver Star Medal, posthumousl