#MemorialDay #USMC #VietnamWar I want to tell you about my great-uncle, 1st Sgt David Mitchell Kaufman. He arrived in Vietnam on 5 December 1968, and was assigned as the rear company 1st Sgt for Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

#MemorialDay #USMC Uncle Dave was due to rotate back to the states after his tour of duty. He went out to the bush to say good-by to some friends in Echo Company. He was killed during the early morning hours when 3rd Platoon was in a defensive night position from incoming mortar.

#MemorialDay #USMC My MaMaw kept a picture of her brother in his dress uniform on her mantlepiece. "He died trying to save his men" was all she usually said. Many years later, I learned that for his actions on 15 June 1969, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

#MemorialDay #USMC
"The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Sergeant David Mitchell Kaufman (MCSN: 1016850), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as First Sergeant of Company E,

#MemorialDay #USMC "Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 June 1969. While Company E was participating in a search and destroy operation in Cam Lo Valley, the Marines came under a heavy volume of

#MemorialDay #USMC "North Vietnamese Army mortar, small arms, and rocket-propelled grenade fire and sustained numerous casualties. Completely disregarding his own safety, First Sergeant Kaufman unhesitatingly left his position of relative security to assist the Corpsman in

#MemorialDay #USMC "treating the wounded men and, on several occasions, fearlessly crossed the fire-swept terrain to aid casualties to covered places. During the ensuing fierce engagement, First Sergeant Kaufman, seemingly oblivious to the hostile rounds impacting about him,

#MemorialDay #USMC "boldly moved to vantage points and, in full view of enemy soldiers, encouraged his men and ensured that every possible avenue of approach was effectively covered with fire power.

#MemorialDay #USMC "Then, as he dauntlessly moved from one fighting position to another along the company's defensive perimeter, exhorting his Marines to greater combat efforts, he was mortally wounded by North Vietnamese Army fire.

#MemorialDay #USMC "By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen and unwavering devotion to duty, First Sergeant Kaufman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

On behalf of my family, especially my MaMaw who long ago joined Uncle Dave, THANK YOU for reading this. By remembering 1st Sgt David Mitchell Kaufman, you honor his sacrifice. I also thank @stevewightman1 and his friends for honoring those who have fallen. https://twitter.com/stevewightman1/status/742916229950640129?s=20