PFC Oscar P. Austin, USMC -- Nacogdoches TX
N 31° 36.764 W 094° 39.170
15R E 343218 N 3498696
A memorial in honor of PFC Oscar P. Austin, USMC in front of the Nacogdoches city building public library along North Street
Waymark Code: WMXH0H
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/12/2018
Views: 0
This memorial for Nacogdoches native PFC Oscar P. Austin, USMC is located at City of Nacogdoches municipal services building and public library along North Street/US 59 Business north at Lewis Street.
The memorial reads as follows:
"The President of the United States in the name of the Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS OSCAR P. AUSTIN
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
For service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an assistant machine gunner with Company E, in connection with operations against enemy forces. During the early morning hours PFC Austin's observation post was subjected to a fierce ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force supported by a heavy volume of hand grenades, satchel charges, and small arms fire. Observing that 1 of his wounded companions had fallen unconscious in a position dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, PFC Austin unhesitatingly left the relative security of his fighting hole and, with complete disregard for his safety, raced across the fire-swept terrain to assist the marine to a covered location. As he neared the casualty, he observed an enemy grenade land nearby and, reacting instantly, leaped between the injured marine and the lethal object, absorbing the effects of its detonation. As he ignored his painful injuries and turned to examine the wounded man, he saw a North Vietnamese Army soldier aiming a weapon at his unconscious companion. With full knowledge of the probable consequences and thinking only to protect the Marine, PFC Austin resolutely threw himself between the casualty and the hostile soldier, and, in doing, was mortally wounded. PFC Austin's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
/s/RICHARD M NIXON
[Military ribbons earned by Pfc. Austin: Medal of Honor * Purple Heart * National Defense Service Medal * Vietnam Service Medal (two stars) * Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal]
Presented to the city of Nacogdoches on Memorial Day
May 29, 2017
Vietnam Veterans of America At Large
Michael Bishop and Michael Neely, Life members"
Website pertaining to the memorial: [Web Link]
List if there are any visiting hours:
24/7
Entrance fees (if it applies): 0
Type of memorial: Plaque
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