James Dale Cruse

Hospitalman, U.S. Navy

James Dale Cruse was born on 28 September 1945.

On 15 June 1968, Hospitalman James Dale Cruse was serving with M Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.

On that day, HN Cruse was killed in action when he sustained wounds from small arms fire while treating two wounded Marines under intense enemy fire. His body was recovered.

Medals and Badge

Navy Cross *
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

* CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism in action on 15 June 1968 while serving as a corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic Of Vietnam. Hospitalman Cruse's platoon was conducting a search and destroy operation near the Khe Sanh Combat base when the platoon suddenly came under intense automatic-weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army Force. During the initial moments of the fire fight, lead elements of the platoon were pinned down in an open area, and the two point men were seriously wounded. Disregarding his own safety, Hospitalman Cruse unhesitatingly advanced from his position of relative safety and maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to assist his injured comrades. Upon reaching the first casualty, he efficiently rendered medical aid and spoke words of comfort and encouragement before moving forward to the other Marine casualty who lay exposed to enemy fire. While treating and comforting the second wounded Marine, Hospitalman Cruse was himself mortally wounded. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Honors

The name James D Cruse is inscribed on Panel 57W Line 024 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Hospitalman Cruse is buried at Maplelawn Park Cemetery in Paducah, KY.

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