MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Retired Marine Col. Joseph B. O’Brien received the Navy Cross, the Navy’s second highest award, during a ceremony at Camp Pendleton’s 1st Marine Division Headquarters today.
O’Brien received the award for actions serving as operations officer, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 9th Amphibious Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam from Sept. 17 to 23, 1967.
Three of O’Brien’s amphibious tractors were hit by enemy artillery fire. O’Brien, then a captain, exposed himself to a hail of enemy fire as he made repeated trips to move his wounded men to a position of relative safety. Although O’Brien sustained multiple burns to his hands and face, he refused to be evacuated.
On Sept. 23, 1967, while leading an assault with a reinforced rifle company and the Alpha Command Post mounted in amphibious assault vehicles, O’Brien noticed enemy soldiers dragging away the bodies of Marines. He lead a group of Marines forward, killing numerous enemy soldiers and retrieving the fallen Marines.
Although he was wounded by an enemy hand grenade, he refused medical treatment and urged his Marines on with their relentless actions against the enemy. O’Brien then led an advance on a concealed automatic weapon position using hand grenades on the hidden enemy soldiers. After eliminating the enemy, he collapsed from his wounds.
The Navy Cross is one of many of O’Brien’s awards. Throughout his career he received the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with a Gold Star in lieu of a second award, a Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguished Device and Gold Stars in lieu of award, Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Purple Heart in lieu of fourth award.
O’Brien accepted the award saying it was the most humbling day of his life.
O’Brien received the award from a grateful Maj. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commanding general of 1st Marine Division.
“We as a nation, as a Corps and a division are so indebted to heroes on the battlefield,” said Natonski.
O’Brien concluded the ceremony by speaking to the Marines that attended his ceremony and thanking them for all they do.