THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Navy Cross citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Guy Merrill Hodgkins (MCSN: 1490687), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, near An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam on 3 September 1966. While moving with the First Squad of his platoon, Sergeant Hodgkins came upon fifteen Viet Cong retreating along a trail and an adjoining trench line, and received heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. Reacting immediately, his men returned fire, forcing the Viet Cong to break contact and flee. To prevent the enemy's escape, he directed the squad in an aggressive pursuit of the Viet Cong for two hundred meters. Desperately setting up a hasty ambush in and around a concrete building, the enemy took cover and awaited their pursuers. Sergeant Hodgkins was cautiously leading his men forward when they suddenly received intense enemy fire, immediately sustaining three casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, he courageously advanced, under heavy enemy fire, returning fire with a fallen Marines' weapon. Having expended all his rifle ammunition, he boldly continued to advance and, with only a grenade in each hand, assaulted the building from which the Viet Cong were delivering their most effective fire. He fearlessly moved to within point-blank range before throwing his grenades. His brave action resulted in three enemy deaths and the neutralization of Viet Cong fire from the building. Having accomplished his mission, he became the target of intense enemy fire and grenades and was finally struck and mortally wounded. Sergeant Hodgkins' heroic leadership, courage, and dedication to duty inspired his squad to assault and rout the entire enemy force. This resolute fighting spirit and great personal valor in the face of heavy odds reflected the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/4215

Dear Ssgt Guy Hodgkins, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Leader. Happy Summer in heaven! Please watch over the USA, it still needs your strength. Rest in peace with the angels.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING INTEREST IN AN 18 YR OLD MARINE GIVING ADVICE AND ENCOURAGEMENT WHICH WOULD SERVE HIM LATER IN HIS CAREER. YOU TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE A LEADER OF MARINES. THANK YOU. SEMPER FI.

Guy Merrill Hodgkins

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Guy Merrill Hodgkins (MCSN: 1490687), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, near An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam on 3 September 1966. While moving with the First Squad of his platoon, Sergeant Hodgkins came upon fifteen Viet Cong retreating along a trail and an adjoining trench line, and received heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. Reacting immediately, his men returned fire, forcing the Viet Cong to break contact and flee. To prevent the enemy's escape, he directed the squad in an aggressive pursuit of the Viet Cong for two hundred meters. Desperately setting up a hasty ambush in and around a concrete building, the enemy took cover and awaited their pursuers. Sergeant Hodgkins was cautiously leading his men forward when they suddenly received intense enemy fire, immediately sustaining three casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, he courageously advanced, under heavy enemy fire, returning fire with a fallen Marines' weapon. Having expended all his rifle ammunition, he boldly continued to advance and, with only a grenade in each hand, assaulted the building from which the Viet Cong were delivering their most effective fire. He fearlessly moved to within point-blank range before throwing his grenades. His brave action resulted in three enemy deaths and the neutralization of Viet Cong fire from the building. Having accomplished his mission, he became the target of intense enemy fire and grenades and was finally struck and mortally wounded. Sergeant Hodgkins' heroic leadership, courage, and dedication to duty inspired his squad to assault and rout the entire enemy force. This resolute fighting spirit and great personal valor in the face of heavy odds reflected the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.