Marine Corps Vietnam Tankers Historical Foundation©

Marine Corps Vietnam-era Tankers and Ontosmen Have Made History. 

Your Historical Foundation is Making it Known.

Staff Sergeant William C. Marsh, US MARINE CORPS
For service as set forth in the following:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant William C. Marsh, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Ontos Section Leader with Company A, First Antitank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 February 1968, Staff Sergeant (then Sergeant) Marsh's section was supporting the Fourth Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps, which was pinned down by intense enemy fire while assaulting an enemy force occupying the southeast wall of the Citadel in the city of Hue. Quickly conducting a reconnaissance of the area, he directed one vehicle to remain in reserve and skillfully maneuvered his Ontos into firing position. Rapidly adjusting his fire on the hostile emplacement, he suppressed the enemy fire and, moving his vehicle closer to the target, continued to fire at the enemy until his ammunition was expended. Briefing the other crew on the situation, he moved to a position from which to observe the target and used his radio to direct the fire of the second vehicle. Sergeant Marsh then maneuvered his Ontos toward the emplacement and fired six well aimed rounds, silencing the position. Later in the day, while supporting the First Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps, he maneuvered his vehicle along a fire-swept street, delivering effective fire at the enemy and enabling the friendly unit to seize the objective. The following morning, he again assisted a Vietnamese unit that was pinned down by hostile fire. Maneuvering his vehicle into position, he delivered accurate fire at the enemy bunker, silencing the position. A few minutes later, the friendly unit was again pinned down by intense fire. Reacting instantly, he directed a heavy volume of fire on the enemy position, destroying the emplacements. As the Vietnamese Marines assaulted the enemy force, Sergeant Marsh moved forward on foot to assess the damage on the bunker and, as he approached the position, was mortally wounded. By his courage, superb leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Marsh inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.