TFH 1/18: Second Lieutenant Kenneth L. Christy, Jr., USMC

On January 18, 1968, the United States Marine Corps' 3rd Marine Division was locked in combat in Vietnam near the demilitarized zone that separated North and South Vietnam. On that day, a young platoon leader with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment led his men forward to relieve a fellow platoon under heavy attack and when the company commander was struck down, took command of the entire company and led the defense until they could be relieved.

That Marine officer was Kenneth L. Christy, Jr., and for his courage, he received 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 Second Lieutenant Kenneth Christy (MCSN: 0-99991), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Commander, 3d Platoon, Company L, Third Battalion Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 January 1968. In the morning while conducting a search and destroy operation near the Demilitarized Zone, the Company came under a heavy volume of fire from a reinforced and well concealed North Vietnamese Army force. As a result of devastating enemy fire, the point platoon received heavy casualties and was in imminent danger of being surrounded and destroyed. Although wounded, Second Lieutenant Christy skillfully maneuvered his men forward through the fire-swept area to support the beleaguered platoon. Directed to recover the platoon's casualties, he unhesitatingly lead a squad forward across more than 100 meters of exposed terrain. Finding four seriously wounded Marines lying in an exposed position, Second Lieutenant Christy shielded one of the wounded Marines with his own body while rendering first aid and directing their evacuation. Assuming command after the company commander had been severely wounded he directed the medical evacuation of the most seriously wounded and reorganized the Company position defending it until reinforced by another company. By his outstanding leadership, unlimited courage, and utmost devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Christy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United Stated Naval Service.

Christy later served as an officer selection officer and eventually retired from the Marine Corps as a Colonel. I believe he is still living today; he will celebrate his 69th birthday next month.

3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, the "Thundering Third", is currently attached to the 7th Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division. Their home station is the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California.