Mike & H&S Companies 

Third Battalion, Fifth Marines

Veterans of the Vietnam War

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

CORPORAL GEORGE E. BRICK

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

          For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Forward Air Controller with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 August 1968, during Operation Mameluke Thrust, Company M was conducting a search and destroy operation in the village of Phu Loc in Quang Nam Province when the Marines became heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force. Alertly observing that the lead element was pinned down by intense mortar, antitank rocket and automatic weapons fire. Corporal BRICK unhesitatingly left his position of relative safety and ran across 100 meters of fire-swept terrain toward the point position, despite sustaining fragmentation wounds in his leg. Ignoring his painful injuries, he boldly maneuvered to a vantage point from which he skillfully commenced adjusting air strikes on the hostile emplacements. Continuing his determined efforts until the hostile force was completely disorganized, he enabled his company to initiate an assault on the enemy position. Observing three Marines fall wounded during the initial moments of the attack, Corporal BRICK completely disregarded his own safety and exposed himself to the heavy volume of hostile fire as he aided in moving the casualties to a landing zone for medical evacuation. Undaunted by constant enemy mortar fire, he steadfastly refused to seek cover while directing helicopters into the zone and assisting in embarking the wounded men. Although wounded in the arm and shoulder by enemy mortar fire impacting nearby, he resolutely remained and continued performing his life-saving duties until the seriousness of his wounds forced his evacuation on the following day. By his courage, determined efforts and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal BRICK undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

H. W. BUSE, JR.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC