Mike & H&S Companies 

Third Battalion, Fifth Marines

Veterans of the Vietnam War

Sergeant Richard W. Gresko

For extraordinary heroism while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam.  On the night of 11 March 1970, Sergeant (then Lance Corporal) Gresko was in one element of an ambush set up to protect a village from enemy attack.   Around midnight, his element ambushed a Viet Cong unit which was attempting to enter the village.  During the ensuing fight, Sergeant Gresko observed an enemy hand grenade land near his position.  With complete disregard for his own personal safety and fully aware of the dangers involved, he unhesitatingly threw himself on top of the grenade, absorbing most of the blast fragments with his own body in order to protect his men from certain injury and possible death.  Although painfully wounded, he continued to direct his men's actions until the squad made their sweep.  By his bold and heroic action on behalf of his fellow Marines, Sergeant Gresko reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.