In Memroiam" HN3 Franklin P. Willeford, USN, Navy Cross

homeofheroes.com ^ | 2008.05.26 | B-Chan

[B-Chan]

In Memoriam

Franklin Patric Willeford

HN3 USN

NAVY CROSS

March 17, 1943 (Lawton OK) — December 14, 1968 (Quang Nam, Republic of Vietnam)

Vietnam Memorial
Panel 36W, Row 021

Citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Franklin Patric Willeford (3537852), Hospitalman, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 14 December 1968 while serving as a Platoon Corpsman in Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam. As Hospitalman Willeford's platoon was participating in a company-sized sweep through an area, the lead element came under intensive automatic-weapons fire which wounded and trapped one Marine in very close proximity to one of the enemy bunkers. Seeing his comrade fall and subsequently receive another hit from a grenade, Hospitalman Willeford unhesitatingly left his position of relative security and moved forward to the side of the mortally-wounded Marine. Hidden from the enemy positions by the tall grass in the area, he found the Marine bleeding severely and in no condition to be moved. Hospitalman Willeford raised himself up and into the grazing zone of hostile fire in order to administer a heart massage and mouth- to-mouth resuscitation, continuing his desperate attempts to save the Marine until all hope of life had expired. Only then did he begin the slow return through the fire-swept zone to the trench line, bringing with him the body of his comrade. As his platoon again started through the area, the enemy opened up with intensive small-arms and automatic-weapons fire, wounding and trapping the three lead Marines. When two Marines started to move out of the trench line to retrieve the casualties, one was mortally wounded and the other critically wounded. Disregarding the intense danger, Hospitalman Willeford again moved forward to aid his fellowman. Finding the first Marine mortally wounded, and realizing the impossibility of trying to move him back to a secure area, Hospitalman Willeford stayed with the Marine, rendering what aid and comfort he could, until the Marine succumbed to his injuries. After he had informed the remainder of the platoon that the Marine had died, he proceeded deeper into the fire zone toward the second Marine, and drew fire from an enemy bunker a short distance from the wounded man. With full knowledge that the enemy was now concentrating their fire upon him, Hospitalman Willeford forged his way through the tall grass to the wounded Marines' side and began administering aid. While treating the fallen Marine, Hospitalman Willeford was also struck and mortally wounded. His courageous actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

[B-Chan]

My best friend's dad: a Christian, a pacifist, a combat medic, and a hero. He gave his life for the values he held dear.

May his deeds of valor never be forgotten, and may Light eternal shine upon him.

[SayNoToDems]

This is the kind of pacifist I can respect....and admire.Unlike so many phony pacifists of the era...who were just garden-variety cowards (or Communists)....Hospitalman Willeford served his country bravely without being required to kill.

IMO,his kids...and the rest of his loved ones...have reason to be damn proud of him.

[B-Chan]

I agree. A true pacifist would never proclaim his objection to violence while hiding behind the guns of fighting men.

I believe pacifism is a flawed philosophy; nevertheless, it takes real courage to march onto the field of battle unarmed in service of one’s country. I am confident that God honors the sacrifice of my friend’s father just as He honors the sacrifices made by men at arms.

[JHL]

Memorial Day bump. God bless the memory of HN Willeford. Bravo Zulu, Corpsman!

[ViLaLuz]

If he was a Hospitalman, wouldn’t he have been an HN rather than an HN3, or was there a different rate structure back then?