THE WALL OF FACES

Marc Steven James

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Navy
Rank: Seaman
Division: Armored Troop Carrier 91-3
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Seaman Marc Steven James (NSN: 7884795), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 27 September 1967, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against communist insurgent (Viet Cong) forces, during search and destroy operations in Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam. With Seaman James embarked as gunner on the port thirty-caliber machine gun, Armored Troop Carrier 91-3 was operating as the lead boat of a formation of riverine assault craft in support of elements of the Second Brigade, Ninth Army Infantry Division. Contact with the Viet Cong was initiated by a sudden and heavy recoilless rifle attack directed at ATC 91-3 at point-blank range, from fortified bunkers along the river bank. One of the first enemy rounds fired pierced the bow ramp of ATC 91-3, inflicting shrapnel injuries to Seaman James, and knocking him to the deck. Despite his serious wounds, he re-manned his weapon and proceeded to expose himself to further enemy fire in order to better direct his return fire. He continued to fire on the enemy fortification at a range of only thirty to forty meters, until a second rifle round exploded directly on his mount, instantly causing his death. Seaman James' exceptional courage under fire and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

My name is Krysteen Wescott and I am the daughter of Sgt 1st class Robert H Wescott Jr. It meant a lot to me to find your picture. Your friend Rick supplied it to me. You are remembered.

Operation Coronado V was a riverine military operation conducted by the Mobile Riverine Force of the United States and elements of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) from September 12th to October 5th, 1967, in an attempt to shut down Viet Cong strongholds in the Mekong Delta. On September 27th, Riverine Assault Force Task Force 117 commenced landing troops on the west bank of the Ben Tre Creek in Kien Hoa Province, RVN, after an extensive artillery barrage and air strikes. While proceeding to patrol and blocking stations along Ben Tre Creek, the two lead armored troop carriers (ATC’s), which were being used as mine sweepers, received heavy enemy fire from both banks. Firing at point-blank range, the ATC’s suppressed the fire, killing at least two Viet Cong. The engagement resulted in the deaths of three U.S. sailors and the wounding of six others. The lost sailors included SN Marc S. James, SN David D. Knowles, and BM3 Wiselee Smith. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Marc, its been almost 50 years, and the ache in my heart for you has never faded, my brother in arms. We had dreams of being photographers together. I miss you. my brother!

Marc was a crew member with me on the same river boat crew. He was a likable guy who was friendly from the first time I met him. Although it has been 48 years, he will always be a 19 year old kid in my mind and memory.