AUSTIN, OSCAR P.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine
Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine
Division, (Rein), FMF

Place: West of Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam

Date 23 February 1969

Entered service at: Phoenix, Arizona

Born: 15 January 1948, Nacogdoches, Texas

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
as an assistant machine gunner with Company E, in
connection with operations against enemy forces.

During the early morning hours Pfc. Austin's observation post was subjected to a fierce ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force supported by a heavy volume of hand grenades, satchel charges, and small arms fire. Observing that 1 of his wounded companions had fallen unconscious in a position dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, Pfc. Austin unhesitatingly left the relative security of his fighting hole and, with complete disregard for his safety, raced across the fire-swept terrain to assist the marine to a covered location. As he neared the casualty, he observed an enemy grenade land nearby and, reacting instantly, leaped between the injured marine and the lethal object, absorbing the effects of its detonation. As he ignored his painful injuries and turned to examine the wounded man, he saw a North Vietnamese Army soldier aiming a weapon at his unconscious companion. With full knowledge of the probable consequences and thinking only to protect the marine, Pfc. Austin resolutely threw himself between the casualty and the hostile soldier, and, in doing, was mortally wounded. Pfc. Austin's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: AUSTIN

First name: OSCAR PALMER

Home of Record (official): PHOENIX

State (official): AZ

Date of Birth: Thursday, January 15, 1948

Sex: Male

Race: Negro

Marital Status: Single

--- Military ---

Branch: Marine Corps

Rank: PFC

Serial Number: 2472757

Component: Selective Service

Pay grade: E2

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 0341

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Tuesday, October 15, 1968

Date of Casualty: Sunday, February 23, 1969

Age at time of loss: 21

Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died

Reason: Multiple fragmentation wounds (Ground casualty)

Country: South VietNam

Province: Quang Nam

The Wall: Panel 32W - Row 088

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