CARON, WAYNE MAURICE

Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF

Place: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 28 July 1968

Entered service at: Boston, Massachusetts

Born: 2 November 1946, Middleboro, Massachusetts

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 2 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. 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.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: CARON

First name: WAYNE MAURICE

Home of Record (official): MIDDLEBORO

State (official): MA

Date of Birth: Saturday, November 2, 1946

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Navy

Rank: HM3

Serial Number: B116083

Component: Regular

Pay grade: E4

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): HM3

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Wednesday, July 3, 1968

Date of Casualty: Sunday, July 28, 1968

Age at time of loss: 21

Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died

Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)

Country: South VietNam

Province: Quang Nam

The Wall: Panel 50W - Row 022

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