MEYER, Ronald William

MEYER, Ronald William. (Dubuque, IA, Nov. 8, 1942--Tam Ky, Vietnam, June 16, 1966). Recipient, Silver Star.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Ronald William Meyer (MCSN: 0-91945), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 June 1966.

When his platoon was pinned down during a reserve operation in the vicinity of Tam Ky, Second Lieutenant Meyer single-handedly and without regard for his own safety attacked a series of enemy automatic weapon positions with hand grenades. Though continuously exposed to intense and accurate enemy fire, he successfully destroyed one of the enemy positions.

Again exposing himself to the enemy, he attempted to maneuver to a location from which to direct supporting arms fire on the other enemy positions. While attempting to direct fire on a fleeing enemy, he exposed himself to an enemy sniper and was mortally wounded.

Second Lieutenant Meyer's supreme sacrifice so inspired the rest of his men that they regained the momentum of the attack, successfully eliminated the enemy resistance, and accomplished the rescue mission saving the lives of thirteen other Marines. By his bold and courageous actions he upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.

In addition to the Silver Star, Lieutenant Meyer received the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon bar. (1)

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Source:

1. "Posthumous Silver Star for Lt. Ronald Meyer," Telegraph-Herald, May 7, 1967, p. 2