The plaque reads:
Lance Corporal Gary Townsend
June 8, 1947 - Sept. 30, 1968
In memory of our departed brother
He loved his fellow man, as we
loved him. He served his country,
and he obeyed his God. May his
memory serve to be an abiding
influence to help us be stronger
brothers and stronger men.
May he rest in peace.
Presented by the Men of
Delta Tau Delta
Fraternity
=============
Gary Ray Townsend
Lance Corporal
PERSONAL DATA
Home of Record: Orchard Park, NY
Date of birth: 06/08/1947
MILITARY DATA
Service: United States Marine Corps
Grade at loss: E3
Rank: Lance Corporal
ID No: 2424290
MOS: 0311: RIFLEMAN
Length Service: 00
Unit: F CO, 2ND BN, 5TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV, III MAF
CASUALTY DATA
Start Tour: 07/28/1968
Incident Date: 09/30/1968
Casualty Date: 09/30/1968
Age at Loss: 21
Location: Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam
Remains: Body recovered
Casualty Type: Hostile, died outright
Casualty Reason: Ground casualty
Casualty Detail: Gun or small arms fire
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Silver Star (posthumously)
TOWNSEND, GARY R. (KIA) - Silver Star
Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Gary Ray Townsend (MCSN: 2424290), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with as a Fire Team Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 September 1968, during Operation MAMELUKE THRUST, elements of Company F were advancing through a densely wooded tree line near An Hoa in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified emplacements. Alertly detecting a reinforced bunker that was the primary source of the enemy fire, Lance Corporal Townsend rapidly pinpointed the firing positions and, with complete disregard for his own safety, unhesitatingly moved through the fire-swept area until he was only ten meters in front of the position's aperture. Fearlessly exposing himself to the devastating hostile fire, he began delivering automatic weapons fire directly into the bunker, enabling the other members of his squad to move forward and attack the hostile enemy emplacement. Continuing his determined efforts, he was assisting his comrades in destroying the bunker with hand grenades when he was mortally wounded. His timely and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit's subsequent seizure of the enemy position. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Townsend upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Action Date: 30-Sep-68
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lance Corporal
Company: Company F
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Regiment: 5th Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
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