COLONEL KENNETH L. CHRISTY, JR., (then Second Lieutenant), United States Marine Corps. For extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Commander, 3d Platoon, Company L, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 January 1968. In the morning while conducting a search and destroy operation northeast of Con Thein, Quang Tri Province near the Demilitarized Zone, the Company came under a heavy volume of fire from a reinforced and well concealed North Vietnamese Army force. As a result of devastating enemy fire, the point platoon received heavy casualties and was in imminent danger of being surrounded and destroyed. Although wounded, Second Lieutenant Christy skillfully maneuvered his men forward through the fire-swept area to support the beleaguered platoon. Directed to recover the platoonÃs casualties, he unhesitatingly led a squad forward across more than 100 meters of an exposed terrain. Finding four seriously wounded Marines lying in an exposed position, Second Lieutenant Christy shielded one of the wounded Marines with his own body while rendering first aid and directing their evacuation. Assuming command after the company commander had been severely wounded, he directed the medical evacuation of the most seriously wounded and reorganized the Company position defending it until reinforced by another company. By his outstanding leadership, unlimited courage, and utmost devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Christy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
COL Christy is a life member and resides in North Carolina.