TFH 11/21: MN1 Cecil H. Martin, USN

On this day in 1968, 28 year-old Mineman First Class Cecil H. Martin commanded a two-boat riverine patrol in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. When the patrol came under intense enemy fire, he placed his boat between the enemy and a stricken craft, led the defense, and saved many to fight again another day. For his heroism and leadership, he received our Nation's second-highest recognition for valor: the Navy Cross.

From Military Times Hall Of Valor:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Mineman First Class Cecil H. Martin, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on the night of 21 November 1968 while serving with River Division 531, River Patrol Flotilla FIVE, Task Force 116 (TF-116), during riverine assault operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. As Senior Boat Captain of a two-boat patrol, Petty Officer Martin was transiting from Rach Soi to Rach Gia, in conjunction with a concentrated patrol program adopted for the Sea Lords interdiction campaign in the lower Delta, when his patrol came under heavy enemy attack on all sides. During the initial hail of fire, his cover boat received two direct rocket hits, wounding all personnel aboard and causing the craft to veer out of control and run aground directly in front of the enemy firing positions. Petty Officer Martin ordered his coxswain to reverse course and reenter the ambush area to rescue the cover boat's crew members. As his unit approached the stricken craft, Petty Officer Martin directed effective counterfire and, placing his boat between the beleaguered craft and the blazing enemy batteries, took command of the precarious rescue effort. While affording exemplary leadership and inspiration to the members of his surprised and battered patrol element, he directed the major fire-suppression efforts of his gunners, personally manning and firing a machine gun at crucial intervals. Additionally, Petty Officer Martin rendered first aid to casualties, extinguished a fire in the beached craft, advised his commanding officer in the Naval Operations Center of the seriousness of the situation, and coordinated the transfer of wounded personnel to his unit. Through his courageous and determined fighting spirit, he succeeded in safely extracting his men, undoubtedly saving numerous lives. His great personal valor in the face of heavy and sustained enemy fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

All told, Cecil Martin served for 21 years in our Navy, retiring in 1979 with the rank of Lieutenant. Our Nation is forever grateful for your service and courage, and that of all the gallant sailors who have served in our Navy!