Vietnam Wall Panel coords 29W 046

Service # 55948425

Start of Tour 10/19/1968

Distinguished Service Cross
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Donnie Joe Martin (US55948425), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division. Specialist Four Martin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 March 1969 during a combat sweep operation near the village of Bich Chieu, in Quang Ngai Province. As his company was struggling through thick underbrush, hedgerows and bamboo, it suddenly came under heavy fire from a well-concealed bunker. Specialist Martin spotted the stronghold and led two comrades on an assault, killing four North Vietnamese soldiers in the position and capturing their weapons. His company continued its advance and made contact with another concealed enemy force. Seeing that one of his men had been seriously wounded and lay trapped under the hostile fusillade, Specialist Martin rushed into the bullet-swept area and carried the man to safety. A short time later, while his unit was again moving through open terrain, the communists sprang an ambush, firing automatic weapons and throwing grenades from three sides. After locating the enemy bunker which was the greatest threat to his element, Specialist Martin jumped a hedgerow and single-handedly assaulted it. During an intense exchange of fire between him and the North Vietnamese soldiers in the fortification, he was mortally wounded. Specialist Four Martin's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1832 (May 21, 1969) Home Town: Frankfort, Indiana.