GALE-ALVIN

 

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Alvin Richard Gale (MCSN: 2393859), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Radio Operator with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, III Marine Amphibious Force, in the Republic of South Vietnam on 28 January 1969. During Operation LINN RIVER, the Second Platoon of Company G was patrolling along a stream in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of fire from hostile soldiers occupying well-concealed emplacements and, after sustaining several casualties, deployed to the marginal shelter of a bomb crater. Observing that the platoon leader was among the casualties, Private First Class Gale volunteered to accompany his platoon commander and a fire team and fearlessly went to the aid of the beleaguered unit. Noting that the casualties were lying in an unprotected area near the hostile emplacements and would have to be evacuated prior to the utilization of supporting artillery fire, he unhesitatingly accompanied his companions across the fire-swept terrain and effected the rescue of three of the injured men. As he, with his platoon commander, again boldly entered the enemy kill zone and approached to within five meters of the hostile soldiers to evacuate the remaining helpless Marine, the two men came under intense fire which fatally wounded the platoon commander. Determined to save his injured comrade and, if possible, retrieve the officer, Private First Class Gale immediately delivered suppressive fire on the North Vietnamese position and was attempting to gain fire supremacy, when he was mortally wounded. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Gale upheld the finest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: 28-Jan-69

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company G

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 26th Marines, 9th Amphibious Brigade

Division: III Marine Amphibious Force

Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret