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 soldiers. May you rest in eternal peace.

As NROTC midshipmen, Steve Broquist and I served in the same Marine Corps OCS platoon during the summer of 1965 in Quantico, VA. We also shared the same rack: he had the bottom bunk and I occupied the top. I remember him as a physically fit officer candidate, a born leader, and a friend. During our training, we once faced off with pugil sticks. Steve easily won the match by nearly knocking me out. I still recall the sadness I felt many decades ago when I read his name among the KIA in the Marine Corps GAZETTE.

Roland G. Robertson

Second Lieutenant Steven Andre Broquist, Served with Company D, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Steven Andre Broquist
DATE OF BIRTH: July 13, 1944
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Nyack, New York
HOME OF RECORD:
Champaign, Illinois
Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Steven Andre Broquist (MCSN: 0-94500), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 14 May 1967. During a sweep and destroy mission, Second Lieutenant Broquist was moving through extremely thick vegetation with his platoon when it was taken under heavy machine gun and automatic weapons fire from all sides by a large force of North Vietnamese. Second Lieutenant Broquist deployed his men and immediately returned fire and pressed the attack. Casualties mounted within the platoon from enemy automatic weapons, small arms fire, and grenades but he skillfully maneuvered his forces, killing many of the enemy during this encounter. Moving from position to position to righten any weak spots in his perimeter, Second Lieutenant Broquist directed one of his platoon corpsmen to the wounded Marines and immediately assisted the wounded to safer areas. Observing that one of his platoon corpsmen was seriously wounded, he unhesitatingly moved to that position under heavy fire. While personally evacuating the wounded Corpsman, Second Lieutenant Broquist was critically wounded. Disregarding his own personal wounds, he continued to direct the fire of his men until the enemy was routed. Even though exposed to great danger at all times, he exhibited aggressive and inspiring leadership to all who depended upon him. As a result of his professional abilities and stirring example, the enemy forces were completely routed. After evacuation, he failed to respond to medical treatment and succumbed to his wounds. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty, thirteen of the enemy were killed. Second Lieutenant Broquist reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Dear Lt Broquist,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Officer. It is another summer, as time continues to pass since Vietnam. It is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.