Oliver North

«The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Oliver Laurence North (MCSN: 0-106162), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 May 1969, while Company K was participating in Operation Virginia Ridge near the Demilitarized Zone, the lead platoon came under a heavy volume of machine gun and automatic weapons fire supported by rocket-propelled grenades, directional mines, and mortars. In the initial burst of fire, the platoon commander and point squad leader were seriously wounded. Realizing the need for immediate action, Second Lieutenant North rapidly maneuvered his Second Platoon through the lines of the beleaguered unit and personally initiated an aggressive assault against the North Vietnamese Army emplacement, the momentum of which forced the stunned hostile soldiers to withdraw to another hill and enabled the treatment and evacuation of Marine casualties. After regrouping his forces, he fearlessly led an attack on the enemy’s new position, killing one soldier as his men closed with the enemy, and causing the North Vietnamese Army force to retreat to previously prepared entrenchments on the ridgeline. Again reorganizing his men, Second Lieutenant North, with complete disregard for his own safety, assumed the foremost assault position and seemingly oblivious to the intense machine gun fire impacting around him, led his men against the hostile position. As the tempo of the battle increased, casualties mounted, and his unit’s ammunition supply became short. Unwilling to unnecessarily risk the lives of his men, he halted the attack and, repeatedly exposing himself to the heavy volume of fire delivered by the determined enemy soldiers, boldly directed the resupply of his platoon and the evacuation of the injured Marines. After skillfully adjusting fixed wing air strikes upon the North Vietnamese Army unit, Second Lieutenant North dauntlessly initiated a fourth assault by his wearied men. Calmly braving the intense fire of the tenacious hostile soldiers, he moved from one Marine to another, directing their fire and exciting them to a last bold effort which, by his valorous perseverance, enabled his men to push the remainder of the North Vietnamese Army force from the ridgeline and to seize the objective. His heroic actions and vigorous efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy. By his courage, dynamic leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant North upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.»
— 25 maggio 1968^{[9][10][11][12]}

«For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company K. Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division. On 22 February 1969, Second Lieutenant North was aboard the lead rank directing his platoon's reconnaissance operations in the vicinity of Con Thien in Quang Tri Province when his patrol camic, under intense automatic weapons and machine gun fire and hand grenade attack from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force well entrenched in the densely-wooded area. Reacting instantly, the began delivering a heavy valume of return fire whille directing his men and the vehicles out of the hazardous area and rito open terrainy Ropidly assessing the situation when he observed the enemy attempting to envelope and isolate his patrol, Second Lieutenant North completely disregarded his own safety as he boldly remained in his dangerously exposed position on top of the tank to deploy bis men and establish a defensive perimeter. When struck by the vehicle's revolving turret and thrown to the ground, he resolutely refused medical attention and ignored his own parkful injuries as he skillfully directed the actions of the Marines, Realizing that radio communication was imperative, Second Lieutenant North fearlessly moved ocrass the fire-swept terrain, climbed aboard the tank, and remained oblivious to the North Vietnamese rounds impacting sround him as he retrieved the radio from atop The lank and directed his ratio operator to establish contact with supporting airesaft. Obtaining an M-79 grenade launcher, he delivered highly accurate fire and directed the fire of his men and the armored vehicles against the hostile positions with such effectiveness that seven enemy soldiers were killed and the hostile fire lenced After ensuring that all the casualties were cared ju and every man in his patrol accounted for, he then moved the Marines out of the dangerous area and returned to is base, Second Lieutenant North's courage, superb leadership and unwavering devotior to duty in the face of great personal danger inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.»
— [Data ignota]^[10][11][12]

«[Data ignota]^[10][11][12]»

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

— [Data ignota]^[12]

«For outstanding meritorius service as Manpower Policy analyst with the unit Deployment Program at Headquarters, Marine Corps from December 1974 through May 1978. During this period, Major (then Captain) North was tasked with the responsibility for developing the long range unit deployment implementation plan which commenced on October 1, 1977. Maintaining a rigorous and exhausting work schedule, he applied sound managerial technique to ensure that the Unit Deployment Plan was tactically sound and administratively supportable, Successful implementation of the plan was, in a large measure, due to Major North's perceptive analysisi and in-depth briefings for the Commandant, Headquarters Staff, and principal Fleet Marine Force Commanders. He effected essential liaison with the extra service agencies and was personally responsible for gaining Navy support that was imperative to execution. In addition, Captain North [...] a unique and lasting contibution to the operational effectivness of Marine Corps tactical units. By his exemplary achievements, personal ability, and selfness devotion to duty, Captain North reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.»
— [Data ignota]^[12]

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal con dispositivo "V" e due stelle d'oro

«For meritorious service while serving with the Third Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, from 28 November 1968 to 26 November 1969. Throughout this period, Captain North, then a First Lieutenant, performed his duties an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigrted as a Plation Commander with Company K. Third Battabon, Third Marines, he molded his man into an aggressive fighting unit and provided his company with consistentl outstanding combat support Participating in numerous major combat operations Including Operations Taylor Common, Maine Craig, and Idaho Canyon, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and professionalism under fire asthe led his platoon in pursuit of hostile forces! In addition, Captain North planned and supervised the execution of more than seventy day and night ambushes and devised tactical innovations, which resulted in heary enemy casualnes Subsequepuy reaisigned as Liaison Officer with the G-3 Operations Section, Captain North ably coordinated the preparation and movement of subordinate units in the final phases of the Division's redeployment from the Republic of Vietnam to Okinawa. As a result of his diligent and resourceful efforts, the operational effectiveness of his command was greatly enhanced. By his leadership, superb professionalisme and Steadfast devotion to duty. Captain North earned the respect arid admiration of all who served with him and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corns and of the United States Naval Service.»
— [Data ignota]^[12]

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal con stella d'oro

«For professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving with the Northern Trairing Area. Third Marine Division ar Okinawa, Japan, from 1 April to 20 June 1974. Assigned as Officer in Charge of the Division Schools, Captain North was tasked to develop a training program 10 hone the infantry skills of battalions returning from deployment Given but general guidance as to the types of skills desired and the duration of the intended program. he drew upon his knowledge of infantry Icchniques and almost singlehandedly developed and implemented a comprehensive program. Carefully surveying the terrain, he laid out land navigation and rappelling courses to make maximum use cf available space and special terrain features. After preparing detailed lesson plans. Captain North submitted the proposed training package, which was approved virtually without change Subsequently, his tireless efforts were rewarded when the tritial class, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, endorsed the program as outstanding in every respect. In this challenging assignment, Captain North materially enhanced the combat readiness and high training levels attained by the Division. Captain North's ou standing professional ability, untiring determinanon, and steadfast devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the Uruted States Naval Service.»
— [Data ignota]^[12]

Combat Action Ribbon

— [Data ignota]^[11][12]

Navy Unit Commendation

— [Data ignota]^[12]

Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation con stella di servizio di bronzo

— [Data ignota]^[12]

National Defense Service Medal

— [Data ignota]^[12]

Vietnam Service Medal con cinque stelle di campagna di bronzo

— [Data ignota]^[12]

Sea Service Deployment Ribbon con stella di servizio di bronzo

— [Data ignota]^[12]

Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon

Basic Parachutist Badge

— [Data ignota]^[12]

Marine Corps Expert Rifle Badge

— [Data ignota]^[12]

Marine Corps Expert Pistol Badge

— [Data ignota]^[12]

Presidential Service Badge

Croce al Valore del Vietnam con palma (Vietnam del Sud)

— [Data ignota]^[12]

Croce al Valore del Vietnam con telaio e palma (Vietnam del Sud)

— [Data ignota]^[12]

Medaglia della Campagna del Vietnam (Vietnam del Sud)

— [Data ignota]^[12]