PO3 WAYNE MAURICE CARON PO3 WAYNE MAURICE CARON PO3 WAYNE MAURICE CARON

 

13 Dec 2000 Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Wayne M. Caron served with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. The actions which led to his death are outlined in the Citation for his Medal of Honor. HM3 Caron's dedication to his duty is worthy of our admiration and respect. The Navy honored Petty Officer Caron by naming a destroyer for him. The Marines honored him by naming a Camp Lejeune clinic after him. We can honor him simply by remembering him. The President of the United States in the name of the Congress of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to WAYNE MAURICE CARON Hospitalman 3rd Class United States Navy for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon Corpsman with Company K, during combat operations against enemy forces. While on a sweep through an open rice field HM3 Caron's unit started receiving enemy small arms fire. Upon seeing two Marine casualties fall, he immediately ran forward to render first aid, but found that they were dead. At this time, the platoon was taken under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire, sustaining additional casualties. As he moved to the aid of his wounded comrades, HM3 Caron was hit in the arm by enemy fire. Although knocked to the ground, he regained his feet and continued to the injured Marines. He rendered medical assistance to the first Marine he reached, who was grievously wounded, and undoubtedly was instrumental in saving the man's life. HM3 Caron then ran toward the second wounded Marine, but was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg. Nonetheless, he crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid for this severely wounded man. HM3 Caron started to make his way to yet another injured comrade, when he was again struck by enemy small-arms fire. Courageously and with unbelievable determination, HM3 Caron continued his attempt to reach the third Marine until he was killed by an enemy rocket round. His inspiring valor, steadfast determination, and selfless dedication in the face of extreme danger sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall Kilo Company, 3/7 Marines, lost 19 men on 28 July 1968 when they were engaged by an enemy force while on a sweep through an open rice paddy. The ferocity of the ensuing fight is evidenced by the Medal of Honor and two Silver Stars awarded to men who died: 2ndLt William S. Smoyer, Princeton, NJ SSgt David L. Brooks, Limona, FL HM3 Wayne M. Caron, Middleboro, MA (Medal of Honor) Cpl Edward J. Downs, Washington, DC (Silver Star) Cpl Philip L. Gosselin, Topeka, KS Cpl Daniel E. Lloyd, Astoria, OR Cpl Anthony C. Pino, Elmsford, NY Cpl John R. Serrano, New York, NY (Silver Star) LCpl George S. Johnson, West Covina, CA LCpl Douglas M. Kelly, Dickinson, ND LCpl Robert C. Lee, Shreveport, LA LCpl James C. Markel, Coatesville, PA LCpl Carl R. Miller, Elk City, OK LCpl Raphael J. Rendon, Washburn, IA LCpl Richard E. Urban, Stratford, CT Pfc John M. Lancaster, Louisville, KY Pvt John E. Rice, Fort Smith, AR Pvt John J. Till, Pasco, WA As noted above, the Navy named a destroyer after Petty Officer Caron. The USS CARON (DD 970) was commissioned on 01 Oct 1977 and served until she was decommissioned 24 years later, on 15 Oct 2001. In 1994, the clinic at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina was named for HM3 Caron. "You guys are the Marine's doctors - There's none better in the business than a Navy Corpsman ..." -- Lieutenant General "Chesty" Puller -- Visit John Dennison's Medics on the Wall memorial which honors the Army Medics and Navy Corpsmen who died in Vietnam.

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