THE WALL OF FACES

Marwick Leroy Kemp

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Battalion: 2d 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 pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Staff Sergeant Marwick Leroy Kemp (MCSN: 2017255), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a 3.5" Rocket Squad Leader attached to Third Platoon, Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 March 1966. As the company was engaged in search and destroy operations against the communist insurgent forces in Quang Ngai Province, it moved across an open rice paddy area and approached to within thirty-five meters of a small village and was taken under fire from a large Viet Cong force emplaced in heavy fortifications and trench lines completely surrounding the village. The Third Platoon came under particularly devastating fire as it was completely exposed to the enemy's automatic weapons fire, mortar fire, and grenade attacks. Within seconds the platoon commander, the platoon sergeant, the platoon guide, and two rifle squad leaders had been wounded and were out of action. Sergeant Kemp moved to the commander's side and offered aid, but was instructed to take over the platoon and continue the attack. Exposing himself to intense enemy fire from several fortified positions, he quickly reorganized the squads. He then directed the continuation of the attack, exposing himself to urge his men forward until word came down from the company commander to withdraw from the village. Simultaneously directing fire on the enemy, conducting the evacuation of the wounded, and personally carrying other wounded back to safety, he unselfishly risked his life time after time to insure that the withdrawal was performed in an orderly manner and that each wounded man was brought back to safety. During this entire period, Sergeant Kemp performed his duties in a fashion that would be considered extremely exceptional for men of higher grade and experience. His tireless devotion to duty, his unswerving courage in the face of great danger, and his brilliant display of professional skill were responsible for the saving of many lives and were directly responsible for over sixty Viet Cong killed by his platoon. His actions upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corp and the United States Naval Service.

I just saw your post, my name is Dona Jones and I am the niece of Marwick. His sister, other niece, 2 brothers still live in Pensacola area. His wife and only child live in Nebraska and will be in Pensacola later this year to visit.

Joe Hancock.
I was in Vietnam 66-67 with M/3/26. Trying to locate Gunny Kemp family or friends. going to honor Gunny Kemp at the Vietnam memorial in Pensacola Florida Feb.24 2018. Are you coming to the reunion? Please call me at 850-384-7680
Thanks,
James Shirley

3/26 Marines having reunion in Pensacola Florida on February 21-24,2018. The battalion would like to honor GYSGT Marwick Kemp and PFC Michael Sprinkle on Friday, Feb.23 at the Pensacola Vietnam memorial park. Need help trying to contact their families to attend the ceremony.

I served with Kemp in Echo Company, 2nd Bn, 4th Marines during Operation Texas. I joined the company in August 1965. Kemp was in weapons platoon so I did not know him until Operation Texas. After the operation, it seemed every time we (Marines) turned our heads, there was a General there to promote him. We believe he was the ONLY Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps who was not old enough to go to a bar and drink. LOL I remember him walking around all the time with a walking stick. On patrols, missions, etc, we could always identify Kemp and his stick. Kemp and I rotated back to the US at the same time. We were too short to join the company for Operation Prairie. They had walked into a 51 cal ambush and had lots of casualties. Kemp and I were at the LZ at Dong Ha when the casualties came in. We assisted in taking our Brothers bodies off the helos, knowing each of them as we worked. We both broke down afterwards. That was the last time I saw him. I just learned that he returned and was killed in action in 1969. Rest in peace.