Dennis Erwin Mickelson

Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps

Dennis Erwin Mickelson was born on 7 December 1949.

On 28 December 1968, Lance Corporal Dennis Erwin Mickelson was serving with A Company, 3rd Recon Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.

On that day, LCPL Mickelson was killed in action when he sustained multiple fragmentation wounds. His body was recovered.

Medals

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Silver Star Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Dennis Erwin Mickelson (MCSN: 2394453), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 5 December 1968, Lance Corporal Mickelson was a member of a reconnaissance team assigned to provide security for a vital radio relay site in Quang Tri Province, when the Marines were assaulted by an estimated forty North Vietnamese Army soldiers. During the ensuing engagement, Lance Corporal Mickelson, whose assignment was to defend a portion of the defensive perimeter, repulsed an attack by five hostile soldiers on his position, killing one of the enemy. Fearlessly exposing himself to the intense hostile fire, he maneuvered about the hazardous area, resupplying his companions with ammunition and skillfully adjusting mortar fire on observed targets. His aggressive fighting spirit and calm presence of mind under fire were instrumental in repelling the North Vietnamese force and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, resolute determination and unfaltering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Mickelson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Honors

The name Dennis E Mickelson is located on Panel 36W Line 085 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Lance Corporal Dennis Erwin Mickelson is buried at Rest-Haven Memorial Park in Eugene, OR.

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