THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Cpl Ronald Southworth, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. I researched you on your 55th anniversary, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Holy Week, and Passover is soon, too. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Photos of Ronald Hubert Southworth, Massena High School, Yearbook 1964.

Ronald Hubert Southworth
Date of birth: August 8, 1945
Date of death: March 31, 1967
Place of Birth: New York, Massena
Home of record: Massena New York
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

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 Ronald Hubert Southworth (MCSN: 2102784), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as assistant squad leader with Combined Action Platoon 3-3, Headquarters and Service Company, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in Vietnam on 31 March 1967. Corporal Southworth's unit was engaged in a patrol to determine the status of three caves on the bank of a river. While using smoke grenades to flush out the second cave, the patrol was brought under sudden deadly enemy automatic weapons fire. As the initial hail of fire enveloped the patrol, Corporal Southworth, who was carrying a machine gun, immediately attempted to locate a position for his weapon so that he could effectively return fire. Spotting a shallow ditch that would have been cover for one man, and at the same time spotting a Marine still in the line of fire, Corporal Southworth, disregarding his own personal safety, shoved his comrade into the ditch. His selfless and daring action undoubtedly saved the life of his comrade. As Corporal Southworth moved to set up his machine gun, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his remaining in the open with his weapon, he enabled the rest of the patrol to return fire. Through his outstanding initiative, courageous actions and loyal devotion to duty, Corporal Southworth 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: March 31, 1967

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

Company: Headquarters and Service Company

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 4th Marines

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

Corporal Ronald Hubert Southworth, Served with the Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.