Page 73 - Images: We were...We are

Richard Aloysius Carabba - NOTES FROM THE VIRTUAL WALL

The 2/4 Marines Command Chronology for September 1969 contains the following
entry for 27 September:
"Company G reported movement north of their position in the vicinity of XD978592
... A fire team ambush reported three figures moving across their front to the
north. M-79s were fired and artillery was called in with unknown results. Company
Golf received small arms fire and mortar fire from the vicinity of XD978590. Enemy
mortar fire was both 60mm and 81mm. Two Marines were killed and five were
wounded. Enemy casualties were unknown."
The two men killed were LCpl Richard A. Carabba and Pfc Allan T. Aslett of Twin
Falls, Idaho.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the BRONZE STAR
MEDAL posthumously to

LANCE CORPORAL RICHARD A CARABBA
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the
enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Rifleman with Company G,
Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division from 9 August to 27
September 1969. Throughout this period, Lance Corporal Carabba performed his
duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Participating in several
combat operations, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and
composure under fire as he continually moved to dangerously exposed vantage
points from which to inflict maximum casualties on the enemy. During the early
morning hours of 27 September 1969, while Company G was occupying a night
defensive position near Fire Support Base Elliot, the Marines came under intense
mortar fire and Lance Corporal Carabba, unhesitatingly leaving his position of
relative safety, maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to a fighting hole to
defend his position against possible ground attack. Boldly exposing himself to the
enemy fire he began pointing out hostile targets to the mortar crew and while thus
engaged was mortally wounded. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who
observed him and were instrumental in repelling the enemy. Lance Corporal
Carabba's professionalism, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States
Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

Section III 37