WEBVTT 00:00.861 --> 00:03.528 (intense music) 00:16.640 --> 00:20.470 - [James] On April 30, 1968, with the war in Vietnam raging, 00:20.470 --> 00:23.070 North Vietnamese troops moved to attack US Forces 00:23.070 --> 00:24.927 operating at the Dong Ha Combat Base 00:24.927 --> 00:28.120 in Quang Tri Province of South Vietnam. 00:28.120 --> 00:30.391 Throughout the fierce fighting, US Marines stationed there 00:30.391 --> 00:32.830 were able to repel the assault and counter-attack 00:32.830 --> 00:34.430 the North Vietnamese troops 00:34.430 --> 00:36.720 at the fortified village of Dai Do. 00:36.720 --> 00:39.750 During the battle, Captain Jay R. Vargas, 00:39.750 --> 00:41.600 the commanding officer of Company G, 00:41.600 --> 00:43.088 Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, 00:43.088 --> 00:46.080 Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, Third Marine Division 00:46.080 --> 00:49.510 was wounded by enemy fire while relocating his unit. 00:49.510 --> 00:51.740 Captain Vargas fought through the intense pain, 00:51.740 --> 00:54.610 continued to display excellent leadership by combining 00:54.610 --> 00:56.266 his company with available reserve elements 00:56.266 --> 00:58.000 to prepare an assault. 00:58.000 --> 01:00.533 He then led his combined force towards the enemy, 01:00.533 --> 01:04.710 700 meters of open rice fields while under intense fire. 01:04.710 --> 01:06.100 Throughout the three day battle, 01:06.100 --> 01:08.420 Captain Vargas continued to lead his men 01:08.420 --> 01:10.220 and attacking enemy positions, 01:10.220 --> 01:11.860 repelling counter attacks, 01:11.860 --> 01:14.250 and rendering aid to fellow marines. 01:14.250 --> 01:16.413 When his battalion commander was seriously injured, 01:16.413 --> 01:19.532 Captain Vargas, at the great risk to himself, 01:19.532 --> 01:22.150 carried his commanding officer to safety. 01:22.150 --> 01:23.660 Suffering more wounds, 01:23.660 --> 01:25.860 Captain Vargas deferred medical treatment 01:25.860 --> 01:27.760 and continued to fight. 01:27.760 --> 01:29.390 The Battle of Dai Do was a victory 01:29.390 --> 01:31.020 for the United States Marine Corps, 01:31.020 --> 01:32.462 and resulted in complete withdrawal 01:32.462 --> 01:35.780 of the North Vietnamese Army Forces from the area. 01:35.780 --> 01:38.740 For his gallant actions, and exceptional leadership, 01:38.740 --> 01:41.943 Captain Jay R. Vargas was awarded the Medal of Honor.