Gauthier family receives brother's awards.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross posthumously to Corporal Brian J. Gauthier, United States Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following… “ For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Marine Rifle Squad Leader with Company “ A ”, First Battalion, Third Marines. Third Marine Division, ( Reinforced ) in the Republic of Vietnam during the early morning of July 11, 1965. While moving to an ambush position eight miles southwest of Danang ., Corporal Gauthier’s squad suffered heavy casualties from the detonation of an enemy mine and subsequent explosions. “ Shortly there after his unit came under Viet Cong fire from several directions. Although mortally wounded by the initial blast, he persistently refused medical aid until all of the casualties had been treated, meanwhile reorganizing his squad, establishing a defensive perimeter around the wounded, and directing fire against the enemy. “ During the time a helicopter attempted to evacuate the casualties but was driven off by intensive enemy machine gun fire. For a period of over two hours, he continued to shout encouragement and direction to his men until he succumbed to his wounds. " Corporal Brian James Gauthier gallant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service. He gallantry gave his life in the cause for freedom. " A camp was named in his honor in San Diego, California. A plaque describing the young Marine’s heroism in now prominently displayed in front of Camp Gauthier in San Diego. Ronald Scallan