CAPTAIN FRED R. CROWLEY, USMC, then a lieutenant, the first Marine to receive a DSC in Vietnam was granted the decoration for his extraordinary heroism on 18 September 1968 while serving as advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam in a battle with North Vietnamese forces near Da Nang. While radioing for a helicopter to evacuate three Vietnamese soldiers who had been badly wounded, Lieutenant Crowley was shot by an enemy sniper. Wishing to remain as alert as possible, he refused morphine which was offered to relieve the pain of his serious wounds and continued to pass vital information on the radio while being carried to the landing zone. As the ambulance helicopter came in, it was struck by hostile fire, overturned and crashed in flames within ten meters of the waiting casualties. Intense small arms and mortar fire sprayed the area, which was lit up by the burning ship. With complete disregard for his own welfare, Lieutenant Crowley organized the rescue of the wounded Vietnamese and helped direct the seven injured crew members and passengers to safety. Though aggravating his wounds, he then picked up his radio and crawled to the command post. After requesting another ambulance ship, he assisted the injured pilots, holding canteens while those with hands drank. When the second helicopter arrived, Lieutenant Crowley again directed the movement of the wounded to the bullet-swept landing zone. Almost unconscious from loss of blood, he reached the craft with the assistance of a comrade and was safely evacuated. First Lieutenant Crowley’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps.

Capt. Crowley joined the L.O.V. in 1970.