SECOND LIEUTENANT LOUIS R. PIATT, United States Marine Corps Reserve. For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 February 1969, the Second Platoon of Company M was dispatched to the Bo Ban area of Hieu Duc District in Quang Nam Province to assist a squad from another platoon which had become heavily engaged with a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army battalion. Having reached their objective, the Marines commenced a reconnaissance in force across a rice paddy covered with heavy grass and, led by Second Lieutenant Piatt, immediately were engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat with hostile soldiers who had been concealed in the tall grass. As he led the Marines in a steady advance through the rice paddy, they killed twelve of the enemy. Mounting the second attack, the Marines sustained several casualties, and when a machine gunner was wounded, Second Lieutenant Piatt quickly seized the man’s weapon and delivered rapid suppressive fire until he exhausted the ammunition, then utilized the light antitank assault weapon of another injured man and continued firing until assured that all casualties had been evacuated. Early the following morning, he rallied his men again and initiated a final, well-planned attack against the formidable North Vietnamese Army stronghold. In a splendid display of dynamic leadership, he led his men across the fire-swept terrain and seized the objective. His heroic and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his platoon’s accounting for thirty-six hostile soldiers killed and vast quantities of enemy weapons and equipment captured. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant Piatt upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Piatt is a life member and resides in Southern California.