Ronald L. Coker,
Medal of Honor Recipient

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company M in action against enemy forces. While serving as point man for the 2d Platoon, Pfc. Coker was leading his patrol when he encountered five enemy soldiers on a narrow jungle trail. Pfc. Coker's squad aggressively pursued them to a cave.

As the squad neared the cave, it came under intense hostile fire, seriously wounding one marine and forcing the others to take cover. Observing the wounded man lying exposed to continuous enemy fire, Pfc. Coker disregarded his safety and moved across the fire-swept terrain toward his companion. Although wounded by enemy small-arms fire, he continued to crawl across the hazardous area and skillfully threw a hand grenade into the enemy positions, suppressing the hostile fire sufficiently to enable him to reach the wounded man. As he began to drag his injured comrade toward safety, a grenade landed on the wounded marine.

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Quick Facts

  • Service BranchMarine Corps
  • HometownAlliance
  • Home CountyBox Butte County
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Unhesitatingly, Pfc. Coker grasped it with both hands and turned away from his wounded companion, but before he could dispose of the grenade it exploded. Severely wounded, but undaunted, he refused to abandon his comrade. As he moved toward friendly lines, two more enemy grenades exploded near him, inflicting still further injuries. Concerned only for the safety of his comrade, Pfc. Coker, with supreme effort, continued to crawl and pull the wounded marine with him. His heroic deeds inspired his fellow marines to such aggressive action that the enemy fire was suppressed sufficiently to enable others to reach him and carry him to a relatively safe area where he succumbed to his extensive wounds.

Pfc. Coker's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Details

  • RankPrivate First Class
  • Conflict/EraVietnam War
  • Unit/Command2nd Platoon, Company M, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division (REIN) FMF
  • Military Service BranchUnited States Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action DateMarch 24, 1969
  • Medal of Honor Action PlaceNorthwest Quang Tri Province, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam
  • Accredited ToDenver, Denver County, Colorado
  • Awarded PosthumouslyYes
  • BornAugust 9, 1947, Alliance, Box Butte County, Nebraska, United States
  • DiedMarch 24, 1969, Republic of Vietnam
  • BuriedFairview Cemetery (MH), Alliance, Nebraska, United States
  • Presentation Date & DetailsApril 20, 1970, The White House, Presented by Vice President, Spiro T. Agnew to His Family
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Details

  • RankPrivate First Class
  • Conflict/EraVietnam War
  • Unit/Command2nd Platoon, Company M, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division (REIN) FMF
  • Military Service BranchUnited States Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action DateMarch 24, 1969
  • Medal of Honor Action PlaceNorthwest Quang Tri Province, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam
  • Accredited ToDenver, Denver County, Colorado
  • Awarded PosthumouslyYes
  • BornAugust 9, 1947, Alliance, Box Butte County, Nebraska, United States
  • DiedMarch 24, 1969, Republic of Vietnam
  • BuriedFairview Cemetery (MH), Alliance, Nebraska, United States
  • Presentation Date & DetailsApril 20, 1970, The White House, Presented by Vice President, Spiro T. Agnew to His Family

Details

Rank: Private First Class

Conflict/Era: Vietnam War

Unit/Command: 2nd Platoon, Company M, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division (REIN) FMF

Military Service Branch: United States Marine Corps

Medal of Honor Action Date: March 24, 1969

Medal of Honor Action Place: Northwest Quang Tri Province, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam

Accredited To: Denver, Denver County, Colorado

Awarded Posthumously: Yes

Born: August 9, 1947, Alliance, Box Butte County, Nebraska, United States

Died: March 24, 1969, Republic of Vietnam

Buried: Fairview Cemetery (MH), Alliance, Nebraska, United States

Presentation Date & Details: April 20, 1970, The White House, Presented by Vice President, Spiro T. Agnew to His Family

 

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