Wayne Maurice Caron – HC-3, United States Navy

Born at Middleboro, Massachusetts, on November 2, 1946, he earned the Medal of Honor while serving as Hospital Corpsman Third Class, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, at Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam,on July 28, 1968.

“For conspicious gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Platoon Corpsman with Company K, during combat operations against enemy forces. While on a sweep through an open rice field, his unit started receiving enemy small-arms fire.

“Upon seeing two Marine casualties fall, he immediately ran forward to render first aid, but found that both Marines were dead of their wounds. At this time the platoon was taken under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire, sustaining additional casualties. He was hit in the army by enemy fire at this time.

“Although knocked to the ground, he regained his feet and continued to the injured Marines. He rendered medical assistance to the first Marine he reached, who was greviously injured and undoubetedly was instrumental in saving the man’s life. He then ran forward toward the second Marine but was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg.

“Nonetheless, he crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid to this severely wounded comrade. He then started to make his way toward a third injured Marine,when he was again struck by enemy fire. Courageously, and with unbeleivable determination, he continued his attempt to reach the third Marine until he was killed by an enemy rocket round. His inspiring valor, steadfast determination and selfless dedication in the face of extreme danger sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

He was subsequently buried in Section of Arlington National Cemetery.

CARON, WAYNE MAURICE

Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, Headquarters and Service Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marie Force. Place and date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 28 July 1968. Enteredservice at: Boston, Massachusetts. Born: 2 November 1946, Middleboro, Massachusetts.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon corpsman with Company K, during combat operations against enemy forces. While on a sweep through an open rice field HC3c. Caron’s unit started receiving enemy small arms fire. Upon seeing 2 marine casualties fall, he immediately ran forward to render first aid, but found that they were dead. At this time, the platoon was taken under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire, sustaining additional casualties. As he moved to the aid of his wounded comrades, HC3c. Caron was hit in the arm by enemy fire. Although knocked to the ground, he regained his feet and continued to the injured marines. He rendered medical assistance to the first marine he reached, who was grievously wounded, and undoubtedly was instrumental in saving the man’s life. HC3c. Caron then ran toward the second wounded marine, but was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg. Nonetheless, he crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid for this severely wounded man. HC3c. Caron started to make his way to yet another injured comrade, when he was again struck by enemy small-arms fire. Courageously and with unbelievable determination, HC3c. Caron continued his attempt to reach the third marine until he was killed by an enemy rocket round. His inspiring valor, steadfast determination and selfless dedication in the face of extreme danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard