Prepared by Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
Houlton Pioneer Times
Arthur Graham of Houlton has received word that his son, Pfc. Orville L. Graham, has been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with the U.S. Marines in Vietnam and will now be authorized to wear the Combat “V.” The citation reads as follows:
“For heroic achievement while serving as a rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operation against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 February 1968. During the early morning hours, the Cam Lo District Headquarters came under heavy artillery, mortar and recoilless rifle fire followed by a well coordinated ground attack by a numerically superior enemy force.
“Reacting immediately, Private First Class Graham alerted the Marines around him and expeditiously moved through the hostile fire to his defensive position where he began delivering a heavy volume of accurate fire against the advancing enemy. Wounded during the initial moments of the fierce attack, he refused medical attention and evacuation for himself and steadfastly continued to bring effective fire to bear against the hostile force, undoubtedly preventing the enemy from penetrating his portion of the defensive perimeter.
“Only after the enemy broke contact and withdrew from the area did he allow himself to be medically treated and evacuated. His determined and selfless actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in repulsing the attackers, accounting for 144 enemy confirmed killed, 100 probable killed, the capture of thirty-eight soldiers and confiscation of numerous weapons and items of equipment.
“By his superior professionalism, determined fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Graham upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.”
