TFH 1/3: Gunnery Sergeant Joseph F. Covella, USMC

Joseph Francis Covella hailed from Brooklyn, NY. He served with the United States Marine Corps in Korea with the 2nd Battalion/5th Marines and was decorated with the Silver Star medal for gallantry in action on September 20, 1951.

The entrance of the United States into the Vietnam War saw then Gunnery Sergeant Covella serving as an advisor to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Infantry Division of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this day in 1966, he stayed with our allies who remained behind to cover the withdrawal of forces facing a numerically superior enemy. For his courage, he was awarded our Nation's second-highest honor: the Navy Cross.

From Military Times' Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Francis Covella (MCSN: 1001220), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Light Weapons Infantry Advisor, Third Battalion, First Regiment, First Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, on 3 January 1966. Sergeant Covella was accompanying the First Company of his Battalion when that unit came under scorching fire from their front, pinning them in a ditch while the numerically superior enemy force continued to rain murderous fire upon them. When the order to withdraw was given, one platoon was instructed to remain in position to provide covering fire, and Sergeant Covella, with no regard for his personal safety, volunteered to remain with the platoon. The remainder of the company made an orderly withdrawal and the platoon was told to evacuate. As soon as the order was implemented, three Vietnamese soldiers and one American advisor were wounded. Realizing that without covering fire his platoon would be destroyed, Sergeant Covella stayed with the wounded to aid them and cover the retreat in the face of a merciless enemy advance. He was able to halt the enemy long enough for his platoon to escape from the trap. His battalion found him later with the men he had tried to protect. By his personal bravery, consummate courage and willing self-sacrifice for his comrades, Sergeant Covella reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Gunnery Sergeant Covella was also awarded the Bronze Star with Combat "V" for his Vietnam service. His courageous sacrifice reflects the heritage of his Korean War unit; 2/5 Marines' motto is "Retreat, Hell!" It comes from the battalion's combat service in World War I. On June 1, 1918 the battalion arrived at the front lines and was immediately advised to retreat by a French officer. He was answered by Marine Captain Lloyd W. Williams: "Retreat? Hell, we just got here!"