Linwood Dwight Martin, Jr.
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army

Linwood Dwight Martin, Jr. was born on 18 September 1937, the son of Linwood Dwight and Alene Adren Martin.

On 22 March 1968, Sergeant First Class Linwood Dwight Martin was serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in South Vietnam.

On that day, SFC Martin was team leader of a small Special Forces long range reconnaissance team operating in enemy-controlled territory. On 21 March his patrol discovered a freshly-dug enemy bunker and tunnel complex. SFC Martin reconnoitered the area and then moved his men to a night defensive perimeter. During the night, an unknown-size Viet Cong force closed on 3 sides of the friendly position and, at daybreak, raked the team with heavy automatic weapons fire. SFC Martin led his troops through the enemy's flank without a casualty and established a hasty defensive perimeter on a ridgeline to await helicopter extraction. The Viet Cong pursued the team, completely surrounded it and unleashed an attack to annihilate the trapped soldiers. Directing his men to hold their positions, SFC Martin charged down the ridge and sprayed the advancing insurgent ranks with rifle fire, killing many of the Viet Cong. Before his team members could come to his aid, SFC Martin was overpowered by the enemy force and mortally wounded. His courageous efforts enabled the rest of the patrol to hold off the enemy until helicopters arrived and extracted them to safety. SFC Martin's extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards. Badges & Tabs

Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal with 3 Bronze Knots
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Master Parachutist Badge
Special Forces Tab

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Linwood Dwight Martin (ASN: RA-13525139), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Martin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 March 1968 as team leader of a small Special Forces long range reconnaissance team operating in enemy-controlled territory. On 21 March his patrol discovered a freshly-dug enemy bunker and tunnel complex. Sergeant Martin thoroughly reconnoitered the area and then moved his men to a night defensive perimeter. During the night, an unknown size Viet Cong force closed on three sides of the friendly position and, at daybreak, raked the team with heavy automatic weapons fire. Braving the withering fusillade, Sergeant Martin fearlessly led his troops through the enemy's flank without a casualty and quickly established a hasty defensive perimeter on a ridgeline to await helicopter extraction. The Viet Cong pursued the team, completely surrounded it and unleashed a savage attack, determined to annihilate the trapped soldiers. Directing his men to hold their positions, Sergeant Martin gallantly charged down the ridge and sprayed the advancing insurgent ranks with fierce rifle fire, killing many of the Viet Cong. Before his team members could come to his aid, Sergeant Martin was overpowered by the enemy force and mortally wounded. His dauntless and courageous efforts enabled the rest of the patrol to hold off the enemy until helicopters arrived and extracted them to safety. Sergeant First Class Martin's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1842 (April 20, 1968)

Honors

The name Linwood D Martin is located on Panel 45E Line 59 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Sergeant First Class Linwood Dwight Martin, Jr. is buried at Sherwood Burial Park in Salem. Salem City, VA.

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