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 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.
Action Date: May 14, 1967

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Company: Company D

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 9th Marines

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

Steve was my next door neighbor, my friend, my confidant, also my high school crush. I kept in touch every Christmas with his parents until his dad died 2 years ago. Steve was an admirable young man and good friend. You are missed my friend.

Rest in peace with the warriors.

Steve was a good friend of mine in high school and the best man at my wedding. He was a man of high honor and character. I am glad I knew him.

2nd LIEUTENANT

STEVEN ANDRE BROQUIST


Service Number 094500


was a graduate of the

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS

in the Class of 1966


who chose to serve in the

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

and was later attached to


DELTA COMPANY

1st BATTALION

9th MARINES

3rd MARINE DIVISION

FLEET MARINE FORCE PACIFIC


and was a posthumous recipient of the


SILVER STAR

PURPLE HEART

NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL

VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN SERVICE MEDAL





~~~~ SEMPER FIDELIS ~~~~





THE PROUD YOUNG VALOR THAT ROSE ABOVE THE MORTAL
AND THEN, AT LAST, WAS MORTAL AFTER ALL






YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE





2 OCTOBER 2000