- SURNAME
Scanlon
- FORENAME
Michael John (Mike)
- UNIT
3 Recon Bn (3 Force Recon Company,attached) (3 MarDiv)
- RANK
Corporal
- NUMBER
2136902
- DATE OF DEATH
18th January 1967
- AGE
21
- GRAVESITE
Arlington National Cemetery,Virginia Section 37 Site 211
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Norwalk,Connecticut
born 12.11.1945 Norwalk,Connecticut
single
graduated Monson Academy,Monson,Massachusetts 1965
1 year service
boot camp,Parris Island (Platoon 235) 1965
Fort Gulick,Canal Zone March 1966
3 FRC
award Silver Star (posthumous)
KIA Khe Sanh,Quang Tri Province,South Vietnam
Vietnam Veterans Memorial,Washington,D.C. Panel 14E Line 50
DATE OF DEATH:
18-Jan-1967AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/scanlon-michael-john.50464/CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Michael J. Scanlon (MCSN: 2136902), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Detachment, Third Force Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, during operations against the enemy in Vietnam. On the night of 17 January 1967, Corporal Scanlon, as a member of a seven-man reconnaissance patrol, was flown by helicopter deep into enemy-controlled territory, with the mission of locating enemy infiltration routes. Throughout the night, the Marines heard sounds of enemy activity. At dawn on 18 January, the patrol moved to an observation point where a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army patrol of approximately forty men was sighted moving toward their position. Assigned the responsibility of providing security for the patrol's flank, Corporal Scanlon quickly moved to his defensive position where he was observed by the approaching enemy. Demonstrating exceptional presence of mind, he warned his companions and immediately opened fire at the lead man of the North Vietnamese unit. His continued to bring effective fire to bear on the advancing enemy although wounded twice as the North Vietnamese moved to within fifteen meters of his position. Exhibiting exemplary courage and aggressive fighting spirit despite his painful wounds and the intense enemy fire directed at him, Corporal Scanlon maintained his position and halted the enemy's attempts to dislodge the patrol's flank security. When an enemy hand grenade landed within the patrol's defensive perimeter Corporal Scanlon, with complete disregard for his own safety, valiantly attempted to recover the grenade but was mortally wounded. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Scanlon undoubtedly saved the lives of several Marines, inspired all those who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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