A Note from The Virtual Wall
Three Marines died on 01 March 1969 as Charlie 1/4 assaulted Hill 484 north of the Rockpile, just south of the Demilitarized Zone:
- Cpl George V. Jmaeff, Osoyoos, BC, Canada (Navy Cross)
- LCpl Raymond R. Delgado, Watsonville, CA
- Pfc Robert P. Menninger, Gladstone, MO
The Citation for Corporal Jmaeff's Navy Cross describes the circumstances:
The President of the United States
takes pride in presenting the
NAVY CROSS
posthumously to
GEORGE VICTOR JMAEFF
Corporal
United States Marine Corps
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam on 1 March 1969. While Company C was attempting to seize Hill 484 north of the Rockpile, the lead platoon was pinned down by sniper fire and grenades from North Vietnamese Army soldiers who were acting as mortar forward observers and occupying well-fortified bunkers. Corporal Jmaeff, realizing that a frontal attack would produce excessive Marine casualties, directed three men to provide covering fire and, fully aware of the possible consequences of his daring action, initiated a lone assault on the hostile emplacements. Although seriously wounded by fragments of a hand grenade, he ignored his painful injuries and, resolutely obtaining his objective, destroyed the first enemy position. With the arrival of a reaction platoon, Corporal Jmaeff steadfastly refused medical treatment and continued to direct his men until ordered to receive medical aid. While his wounds were being tended, he observed several Marines injured during a new barrage of mortar fire and, tearing the intravenous fluid tube from his arm, unhesitatingly left his relatively secure location to aid his companions. As he dauntlessly struggled forward in a splendid display of valor, he was mortally wounded by the detonation of a mortar round. His heroic efforts and selfless concern for his fellowmen inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his unit's securing the objective. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Jmaeff upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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