*Kuzma,
Marc J.
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps
Co. A, 1st Bn., 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Date of Action: April 26,
1968
Citation:
The Navy Cross is awarded to Private First Class Marc J. Kuzma, United States
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Rifleman with
Company A, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division in
connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26
April 1968, Private Kuzma's squad was assigned to reconnoiter a suspected
enemy bunker complex located west of Con Thien. As the Marines approached the
designated area, they suddenly came under a heavy volume of hostile fire, and
during the ensuing engagement, the squad's radio was severely damaged and
rendered inoperable. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private Kuzma
unhesitatingly exposed himself to the hostile fire in order to return to the
platoon patrol base and guide reinforcements to the location of his besieged
squad. Quickly leading the Marines to a location near the ambush site, he
accurately pointed out friendly and enemy positions to his platoon commander.
Disregarding his own safety, he then commenced moving toward his squad's
position and, as he ran across a dangerously exposed area, came under fire
from a hostile bunker. Reacting instantly, he threw a grenade into the
emplacement, killing the enemy soldier defending the position. Continuing his
movement, he simultaneously delivered a heavy volume of rifle fire which
killed two additional North Vietnamese soldiers. Arriving at his unit's
location, he was informed that several wounded Marines were lying forward of
the squad's perimeter. Unhesitatingly moving toward his wounded comrades, he
came under fire from another well fortified bunker. Maneuvering close to the
emplacement, he threw a grenade into the position, killing another enemy
soldier. Continuing toward his fallen comrades, he was again fired upon and
rapidly returned accurate fire which killed the hostile soldier. Almost
immediately, he received fire from his flank, and as he turned to direct fire
upon the enemy he was mortally wounded. His heroic and timely actions inspired
all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of numerous
Marines. By his courage, intrepid fighting spirit and selfless devotion to
duty, Private Kuzma upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of
the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
