Lucian LaRoe Vestal

1st Lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 291 (April 15, 1952)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Lucian L. Vestal (MCSN: 0-50091), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 28 May 1951. Assigned the mission of assaulting a strongly fortified enemy hill position which necessitated a frontal attack across open ground, First Lieutenant Vestal bravely led his platoon in a fierce bayonet charge in the face of hostile machine-gun, small-arms and grenade fire. Although seriously wounded in the stomach when intense enemy fire inflicted numerous casualties among his men as they reached a position within a few yards of the objective, he skillfully redeployed his platoon and personally directed the removal of the wounded and a screen of protective fire to cover the evacuation. Ordered evacuation for medical attention, he cheerfully joked with his men despite the pain from his wound and, by his gallant fighting spirit and aggressive leadership, served to inspire his platoon in carrying out a second assault which completely routed the enemy. His outstanding courage, fortitude and unswerving devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Vestal and the United States Naval Service.