RICARDO C. BINNS, then Corporal, United States Marine Corps. For extraordinary heroism as a Scout Team Leader, Company C, First Reconnaisance Battalion, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in Vietnam on the night of 15-16 June 1966. Corporal Binns’ platoon established an observation post deep within communist controlled territory to observe enemy movement. At 0100 a massive assault was launched against the Marine position by a determined and well trained North Vietnamese battalion. the murderous enemy fire was so intense that five of the eighteen-man platoon were killed and the remainder wounded. On two seperate occasions, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Corporal Binns braved the withering enemy fire to forcibly pull to the ground severely wounded Marines who had unconsciously exposed themselves to almost certain death. Realizing that his Platoon Leader was wounded and unable to move, and preoccupied with the direction of close support aircraft, Corporal Binns took it upon himself to direct the fire of the remaining seven Marines, redistribute the ammunition of those who could not use it, and care for the wounded. Although painfully wounded in both legs, Corporal Binns displayed magnificent courage throughout the night and long into the following morning. His selfless devotion to duty, superb professional skill, deep concern for his fellow Marines, and extraordinary heroism inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service

Mr. Binns resides in California.