- SURNAME
Joecken
- FORENAME
Richard Kenneth (Rick)
- UNIT
5 SF Group (MACV- SOG - CCC) (Hatchet Force)
- RANK
Specialist Fourth Class
- NUMBER
340405070
- DATE OF DEATH
28th August 1969
- AGE
22
- GRAVESITE
Lakewood Park Cemetery,Rocky River,Cuyahoga County,Ohio
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Columbus,Ohio
born 1.7.1947
son of Raymond Edward and Mabel Joecken
single
44 Infantry Platoon Scout Dog,25 Infantry Division
5 SF Group (Company C,SF Training Group)
MACV-SOG
award Silver Star
promoted Sergeant posthumously
KIA Laos
Vietnam Veterans Memorial,Washington,D.C. Panel 18W Line 2
DATE OF DEATH:
28-Aug-1969AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/joecken-richard-kenneth.44740/CITATION:
Silver Star : For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile Force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Joecken distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28th August 1969 while serving as a squad leader during an Allied search and clear operation deep in enemy controlled territory. The friendly force had established hilltop positions and was preparing to assault a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft site when their encampment came under enemy attack. The attackers were quickly beaten off and pursued into the jungle by the friendly unit. Hours later the Allied troops happened upon and engaged a North Vietnamese platoon entrenched atop a steep hill. Moving about under intense fire, Specialist Joecken deployed his squad members and directed their return fire. Tactical Air Support then arrived over the conflict area and the friendly unit began advancing on the hostile positions. Firing and reloading his weapon on the run, Specialist Joecken led his squad up the treacherous hillside against the full force of enemy firepower. Upon reaching the crest of the hill, he charged a hut from which the enemy was firing rocket-propelled grenades. He was mortally struck down by hostile fire before reaching his objective. Due to his bold leadership, however, the enemy positions were overrun and numerous pieces of strategic equipment were captured. Specialist Four Joecken 's gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Last edited by a moderator:
