THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Medal of Honor citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. May you rest in eternal peace.

I never knew you but I've heard a lot about you from your cousin Mike Blue my grandfather

Dear PFC Ronald Coker,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. You received the Medal of Honor - wow. December is here, along with all the preparations. Yesterday was Christmas. It is so 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 strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Ronald Leroy Coker
Date of birth: August 9, 1947
Date of death: March 24, 1969
Burial location: Alliance, Nebraska
Place of Birth: Nebraska, Alliance
Home of record: Denver Colorado
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Ronald Leroy Coker (MCSN: 2452732), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 24 March 1969, while serving as a rifleman with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy forces in northwest Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. While serving as point man for the Second Platoon, Private First Class Coker was leading his patrol when he encountered five enemy soldiers on a narrow jungle trail. Private First Class Coker's squad aggressively pursued them to a cave. As the squad neared the cave, it came under intense hostile fire, seriously wounding one Marine and forcing the others to take cover. Observing the wounded man lying exposed to continuous enemy fire, Private First Class Coker disregarded his safety and moved across the fire-swept terrain toward his companion. Although wounded by enemy small-arms fire, he continued to crawl across the hazardous area and skillfully threw a hand grenade into the enemy positions, suppressing the hostile fire sufficiently to enable him to reach the wounded man. As he began to drag his injured comrade toward safety, a grenade landed on the wounded Marine. Unhesitatingly, Private First Class Coker grasped it with both hands and turned away from his wounded companion, but before he could dispose of the grenade it exploded. Severely wounded, but undaunted, he refused to abandon his comrade. As he moved toward friendly lines, two more enemy grenades exploded near him, inflicting still further injuries. Concerned only for the safety of his comrade, Private First Class Coker, with supreme effort continued to crawl and pull the wounded Marine with him. His heroic deeds inspired his fellow Marines to such aggressive action that the enemy fire was suppressed sufficiently to enable others to reach him and carry him to a relatively safe area where he succumbed to his extensive wounds. Private First Class Coker's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: 24-Mar-69

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company M

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 3d Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Ron.