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

Name: Wayne Maurice Caron
Rank: Hospital Corpsman Third Class
Branch: U.S. Navy
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force
Attached to: Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines
Date of Action: July 28, 1968
Location: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 28 July 1968, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Wayne Maurice Caron was serving as a platoon corpsman attached to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines during combat operations in Quang Nam Province.

While conducting a sweep across an exposed rice field, the Marine unit suddenly came under enemy small-arms fire.

Seeing two Marines fall, Caron immediately rushed forward to render aid, despite the danger. Upon reaching them, he discovered that both men had already been killed.

At that moment, the platoon came under intense automatic-weapons and small-arms fire, causing additional casualties among the Marines.

Without hesitation, Caron moved toward the newly wounded men.

As he advanced, enemy fire struck him in the arm and knocked him to the ground.

Despite his wound, he rose and continued forward.

Reaching the first wounded Marine, who had suffered severe injuries, Caron administered emergency medical treatment under fire. His actions were later credited with saving the Marine's life.

He then left the relative safety of that position and moved toward a second wounded Marine.

Before reaching him, enemy fire struck him again, this time in the leg.

Unable to stand, Caron crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid to the severely wounded Marine.

Still refusing to stop, he began moving toward yet another injured Marine lying in the open.

While making this final attempt, he was struck again by enemy fire.

Displaying extraordinary determination and devotion to his fellow Marines, Caron continued trying to reach the casualty despite his wounds.

Before he could reach the wounded Marine, an enemy rocket exploded nearby, killing him.

His courage, selflessness, and refusal to abandon the wounded inspired all who witnessed his actions and reflected the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

CARON, WAYNE MAURICE

Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force.

Place and date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 28 July 1968.

Entered service at: Boston, Massachusetts.

Born: 2 November 1946, Middleboro, Massachusetts.

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, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Caron's unit started receiving enemy small-arms fire. Upon seeing two 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, Hospital Corpsman Third Class 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.

Hospital Corpsman Third Class 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.

Hospital Corpsman Third Class 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, Hospital Corpsman Third Class 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 United States Naval Service.