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 Corporal Sheldon D. Hoskins (MCSN: 2261445), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 7 October 1968, during Operation MAUI PEAK, Company G was occupying a defensive position on a hill near Ha Nha Hamlet in Quang Nam Province when a sector of the perimeter was assaulted by a large North Vietnamese Army force utilizing automatic weapons and hand grenades. During the initial moments of the fierce attack, every Marine in one of the forward machine gun emplacements was seriously wounded and the friendly perimeter was in danger of being penetrated by the enemy. Completely disregarding his own safety, Corporal Hoskins unhesitatingly left his covered position and maneuvered across twenty meters of fire-swept terrain to the silent machine gun. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he fearlessly commenced directing a heavy volume of fire against the North Vietnamese soldiers who had advanced to the edge of the perimeter. Continuing his determined efforts, he resolutely expended his ammunition against the hostile force and was reloading his weapon when he was mortally wounded. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit repulsing the enemy assault. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Hoskins upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: October 7, 1968

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

Company: Company G

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 5th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Dear CPL Sheldon Dale Hoskins, 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

*

Blackfoot Marine killed in Vietnam (Blackfoot News, Blackfoot ID, Monday, 14 Oct 1968) Word has been received in Blackfoot of the death of Cpl. Sheldon D. Hoskins, USMC, who was killed in action on 7 Oct (1968), near Quang Nam, Vietnam. Cpl. Hoskins is the son of Dale E. and Naomi Wright Hoskins, Rt 5, Blackfoot. He was born at Blackfoot 15 May 1948. He graduated with the Class of '66 from the Snake River High School, where he excelled in sports. He was co-captain of the football team in his senior year, took state championship honors in wrestling in the 168-pound class in both his junior and senior years and was awarded a scholarship to Weber State College He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 6 Sep 1966 at Salt Lake City. Cpl Hoskins completed his basic training at San Diego and was transferred to Camp LeJune NC. From here he volunteered for duty in the Phillipines, where he was attached to a guard detachment at Subic Bay. After spending five months there he volunteered for duty in Vietnam where he served for the past eight months. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dale E. Hoskins, Blackfoot; two sisters and two half-brothers; Mrs. LaGrand (Cheryl) Wallace, Salt Lake City; Lenna Hoskins, Blackfoot; Merlin Anderson with Army Special Forces in Fort Bragg; and Hiram Anderson, Salt Lake City. The maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Wright of Kellogg, Idaho also survive. Funeral arrangements are pending arrival of the body in Blackfoot and will be announced by the Howard Packham Mortuary.

Sheldon is buried at Grove City Cemetery in Blackfoot,ID. PH