HARTLEY-WILLIAM
WILLIAM LEE HARTLEY
CAPT
William L. Hartley Date of death: August 23, 1966
Home of record: Memphis Tennessee
Status: KIA
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
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 Captain William L. Hartley (MCSN: 0-87550), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Company A, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 August 1966. Engaged in a combined tank-infantry search and destroy operation, Captain Hartley had led the columns past the west side of the Con Thien Outpost when his unit entered hazardous terrain made up of rice paddies and surrounded by hedge rows. Outcroppings of trees and brambles in the area further restricted observation and made control of the tank-infantry unit extremely difficult. In order to lead and coordinate the attack on the final objective, Captain Hartley unhesitatingly placed himself in the lead element. After assuming the lead and the unit had crossed the line of departure, the enemy launched an attack with mortar and recoilless rifle fire at close range, immobilizing one of the lead tanks. The remainder of the tanks came to an immediate halt and upon realizing that the infantry had to keep moving, Captain Hartley fearlessly moved to an exposed position on top of the second tank where he could observe, direct and coordinate the unit's advance. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued to expose himself to the deadly enemy fire, skillfully reorganizing the units and courageously leading them forward until he fell, mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his dynamic leadership, daring aggressiveness and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave peril, Captain Hartley served as an inspiration to his men and 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: August 23, 1966
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 4th Marines
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret