b. 02/11/1946 Middleboro, Massachusetts. d. 28/07/1968 Quang Nam, Vietnam.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 28/07/1968 Quang Nam, Vietnam.
Wayne M Caron MOH
Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the War in Vietnam in the United States Navy as a Hospital Medic Third Class in the Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, on July 28, 1968. His citation reads “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon corpsman with Company K, during combat operations against enemy forces. While on a sweep through an open rice field HM3 Caron’s unit started receiving enemy small arms fire. Upon seeing two Marine casualties fall, he immediately ran forward to render first aid, but found that they were dead. At this time, the platoon was taken under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire, sustaining additional casualties. As he moved to the aid of his wounded comrades, HM3 Caron was hit in the arm by enemy fire. Although knocked to the ground, he regained his feet and continued to the injured Marines. He rendered medical assistance to the first Marine he reached, who was grievously wounded, and undoubtedly was instrumental in saving the man’s life. HM3 Caron then ran toward the second wounded Marine, but was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg. Nonetheless, he crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid for this severely wounded man. HM3 Caron started to make his way to yet another injured comrade, when he was again struck by enemy small-arms fire. Courageously and with unbelievable determination, HM3 Caron continued his attempt to reach the third Marine until he was killed by an enemy rocket round. His inspiring valor, steadfast determination, and selfless dedication in the face of extreme danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.” He had been in Vietnam for only 25 days before he was killed in action. His Medal was posthumously awarded to his family at the White House by Vice-President Spiro T. Agnew on April 20, 1970. A United States Navy destroyer, the “USS Caron” (DD-970) is named in honor of him.
MOH CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon corpsman with Company K, during combat operations against enemy forces. While on a sweep through an open rice field HC3c Caron’s unit started receiving enemy small arms fire. Upon seeing two Marine casualties fall, he immediately ran forward to render first aid, but found that they were dead. At this time, the platoon was taken under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire, sustaining additional casualties. As he moved to the aid of his wounded comrades, HC3c Caron was hit in the arm by enemy fire. Although knocked to the ground, he regained his feet and continued to the injured Marines. He rendered medical assistance to the first Marine he reached, who was grievously wounded, and undoubtedly was instrumental in saving the man’s life. HC3c Caron then ran toward the second wounded Marine, but was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg. Nonetheless, he crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid for this severely wounded man. HC3c Caron started to make his way to yet another injured comrade, when he was again struck by enemy small-arms fire. Courageously and with unbelievable determination, HC3c Caron continued his attempt to reach the third Marine until he was killed by an enemy rocket round.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 51, GRAVE 2600
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
