Medal of Honor: Wayne Maurice Caron – Vietnam War, July 28, 1968

"The Price of Brotherhood"
Wayne Maurice Caron
Rank: Hospital Corpsman Third Class
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF
Date of Action: July 28, 1968
Location: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action:
On July 28, 1968, the rice paddies of Quang Nam turned crimson as Marines from Company K walked into a deadly crossfire. Caught in the open, with bullets slashing through the air, men began falling. And then—into that inferno—ran a Navy corpsman with no weapon in hand, only a medical bag and a heart full of courage.

That man was Hospital Corpsman Third Class Wayne Caron. When two Marines dropped ahead of him, he rushed through the field, heedless of the firestorm erupting around him. He reached the fallen—only to find them already gone. As the firefight escalated and more Marines were wounded, Caron didn't hesitate. He sprinted toward the next casualty—and was hit. An enemy bullet tore through his arm, knocking him to the ground. But he got back up.

Bleeding, exposed, and under continuous fire, he reached the wounded Marine and stabilized him, saving his life. Then Caron pressed on, running toward a second wounded Marine. Again he was hit—this time in the leg. He dropped, then crawled the rest of the way, dragging his broken body forward through the mud. He reached his comrade and rendered aid, again buying time that would prove the difference between life and death.

Still not finished, Caron turned to reach a third Marine. As he began moving again, a final, fatal shot struck him down—an enemy rocket, exploding near his position. His body gave out, but not his will.

Wayne Caron died where he stood—between the wounded and the enemy.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon corpsman with Company K, during combat operations against enemy forces. While on a sweep through an open rice field HC3c. Caron’s unit started receiving enemy small arms fire. Upon seeing 2 marine casualties fall, he immediately ran forward to render first aid, but found that they were dead. At this time, the platoon was taken under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire, sustaining additional casualties. As he moved to the aid of his wounded comrades, HC3c. Caron was hit in the arm by enemy fire. Although knocked to the ground, he regained his feet and continued to the injured marines. He rendered medical assistance to the first marine he reached, who was grievously wounded, and undoubtedly was instrumental in saving the man’s life. HC3c. Caron then ran toward the second wounded marine, but was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg. Nonetheless, he crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid for this severely wounded man. HC3c. Caron started to make his way to yet another injured comrade, when he was again struck by enemy small-arms fire. Courageously and with unbelievable determination, HC3c. Caron continued his attempt to reach the third marine until he was killed by an enemy rocket round. His inspiring valor, steadfast determination and selfless dedication in the face of extreme danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.