Service number 2332783
Tour start date 09/26/1967

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 Lance Corporal Herbert Don Hammons, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 February 1968, during Operation HUE CITY, Lance Corporal Hammons' company was assaulting the arch tower on the Hue City Wall, which was occupied by a numerically superior enemy force in fortified, mutually supporting positions. As his unit neared the tower, enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire became so intense that movement was extremely dangerous. Realizing the necessity of maintaining the momentum of the assault, Launce Corporal Hammons, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, bravely ran out in front of his company firing his weapon at the enemy and shouting encouragement to his fellow Marines. Despite the heavy volume of hostile fire, he courageously charged up the only entrance ramp to the tower, placing suppressive fire on the enemy positions and directing the maneuver of his companions until he was struck by automatic weapons fire and fell mortally wounded. Inspired by his selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, his companions aggressively continued their assault and quickly destroyed the remainder of the enemy force. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Hammons 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: February 15, 1968
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lance Corporal
Company: Company D
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 5th Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Hammons, Herbert Don, LCpl