GREEN BERETS Link, John Francis

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Link
  • FORENAME
John Francis
  • UNIT
5 SF Group (Det B-52) (Project Delta)
  • RANK
Specialist Fourth Class
  • NUMBER
17731124​
  • DATE OF DEATH
30th March 1968
  • AGE
23
  • GRAVESITE
Calvary Cemetery,Ottumwa,Wapello County,Iowa Lot 67 Block 4 add 3rd
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Ottumwa,Iowa
born 26.11.1944 Ottumwa,Iowa
son of John Bernard and Anne O. (nee Tray) Link,133 South Lillian Street,Ottumwa,Iowa
father (1920-74) served as T/Sgt US Army WW2
single
attended St Patrick's Grade School,Ottumwa
graduated Walsh High School 1962
attended Northeast Missouri State College,Kirksville
entered service August 1965 (Corps of Engineers)
US Army Training Center Engineer,Fort Leonard Wood 1965
Airborne School,Fort Benning 1965
USAJFKSWCS,Fort Bragg 1966-67
completed SF training 19.10.1966 in one source
5 SF Group 1967-68
engineer advisor to 91st ARVN Ranger Bn
award D.S.C.,Army Commendation Medal
promoted Sgt posthumously
WIA 29.3.1968 18k NE of A Luoi,Khanh Hoa Province,South Vietnam (Op.Samurai IV)
DOW
Vietnam Veterans Memorial,Washington,D.C. Panel 47E Line 13
 

DATE OF DEATH:

30-Mar-1968

AWARD:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/link-john-francis.46872/

CITATION:

Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant John Francis Link (ASN: RA-17731124), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment B-52, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Specialist Four Link distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 March 1968 as Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese platoon conducting a combat operation in enemy territory. The unit had just completed a helicopter assault into an exposed landing zone when it was subjected to intense automatic weapons, rocket, grenade and mortar fire from an enemy force occupying positions on three sides of the landing zone. Braving a withering hail of hostile fire, Specialist Link raced across the open clearing and removed equipment from two helicopters which had been shot down by the savage fusillade. He placed fierce fire on the enemy and assisted three wounded comrades to the relative safety of a rise of ground at the edge of the landing zone. Continuing to expose himself to the barrage, Specialist Link fearlessly left his unit's hasty defensive perimeter numerous time throughout the raging battle to treat casualties and pull them to cover. He was thrown to the ground and wounded by rocket and mortar fire, but got up and courageously resumed his lifesaving efforts. While shielding the body of a fallen soldier from the ravaging enemy fire, Specialist Link was mortally wounded. Specialist Four Link's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Last edited by a moderator:
John Francis Link

John Francis Link was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for "extraordinary heroism" and his story has been told by Vietnam veteran Maj. Jim Morris in his best selling book "War Story."

You always had to be the best, Johnny, and on March 29, 1968, you went way beyond that. Sleep well, my brother. We love you.
 
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