Eugene Scott Hancock

The database page for Eugene Scott Hancock

28 Nov 2005 An heroic Corpsman. There are some men out there who are very grateful for your sacrifices. Semper Fi Jim Smith P O Box 913, Gouldsboro, Pa 18424 lachau2@aol.com

29 May 2006 My name is Carol H. Long. I am a Marine veteran of Viet Nam - 3rd MarDiv - Phu Bai and north to the DMZ. Scott was my first cousin. I live because I was a lucky one. Scott actually joined the Navy to stay away from the combat. His brother, Robert, was a Marine - we survived - Scott did not. Robert and I both are haunted by that ... this is certain - my cousin is more Marine than he will ever know ... he is in Heaven guarding the gates just like any other Marine will be doing. I look forward to seeing him!! Semper Fi!! Carol H. Long Jr. Sergeant, 1st Radio Bn Subunit, 3rd MarDiv, Republic of Vietnam E-Mail will be forwarded by the Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

21 Jan 2007 My name is Janice Kessler. Scott was my brother. I love and miss him very much. Scott's mother and father are both dead, however his brother Robert and myself survive him. I would like to hear from anyone who knew Scott, served with him or was with him when he died. Scott was only in Vietnam 11 (eleven) days when he was killed. Although he was only there a short period of time, he surely made friends. He did not believe in the killing but he did believe in saving lives. He was killed in action performing his duty while he tried to save his fellow Marines' lives. I have his medals and they are a reminder of just how wonderful and special he was. We fly the flag we were given at his burial each and every Memorial Day and we fly it proudly. From his sister, Janice Hancock Kessler michael_e_kessler@yahoo.com

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to EUGENE SCOTT HANCOCK Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class United States Navy for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism on 24 February 1969 while serving as Corpsman in Company "I", Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam. With a squad from Company "I" conducting asearch and destroy operation east of Highway 5 near La Chau (2) in Quang Nam Province, when the unit came under a heavy volume of small-arms, automatic-weapons, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a concealed and well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army company and sustained several casualties, Petty Officer Hancock immediately proceeded to the assistance of three casualties, treated their wounds and, aided by his comrades, removed all three men to a position of relative safety. Upon observing a critically wounded Marine who was lying in an area dangerously exposed to the intense enemy fire, Petty Officer Hancock maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain and methodically applied tourniquets to the Marine's legs to stop the profuse bleeding. Assured of the casualty's immediate evacuation to friendly lines, Petty Officer Hancock then valiantly ran through the intense hostile fire to yet another seriously wounded comrade, but was himself mortally wounded by automatic-weapons fire before he could reach the Marine. By his heroic and inspiring efforts, Petty Officer Hancock was directly instrumental in saving the lives of four Marines. His courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of heavy enemy fire were in keeping the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. A Note from The Virtual Wall The following entry is taken from the 3/7 Marines' Command Chronology for February 1969: "At the same time that Co L and Co M were in contact with NVA forces, Co I and Co K were engaging a substantial NVA unit in vicinity of La Chau (2). This action commenced at 1945 on 23 February 1965 when a squad ambush from Co I, 3/7 became heavily engaged with a large enemy force in vicinity AT945625. This squad regrouped with the remainder of the platoon and through the use of supporting arms held their position through the night. "On 24 February 1969, Co I, 3/7 Comand Group joined the platoon in contact and pushed toward the enemy position. Once again they became heavily engaged at close range. A reaction force from Co K, 3/7 was launched to reinforce Co I. Extensive artillery and air strikes were called on the enemy's position. "On 25 February Co K, 3/7 conducted a sweep of the area of contact receiving no resistance. The sweep resulted in 15 NVA KIA, 01 NVA POW, 4 individual weapons, 01 light machine gun, and 45 Chi Com grenades." Ten Marines and two Navy Corpsmen were killed in the action at La Chou (2): I Co, 3rd Bn, 7th Marines, 1st Mardiv, 3rd MAF HM2 Eugene S. Hancock, Gainesville, FL (H&S w/ I/3/7) (Navy Cross) Cpl Samuel A. Eklofe, Keota, IA LCpl Thomas J. Burgeson, Greenville, IA LCpl Edward J. Wolfendale, Lawrence, MA (Silver Star) Pfc Edwin T. Keen, San Diego, CA Pfc Thomas G. Price, Torrance, CA Pvt Roosevelt Johnson, Washington, DC K Co, 3rd Bn, 7th Marines, 1st Mardiv, 3rd MAF LCpl Timothy L. Gilson, Mooseheart, IL HN Larry A. Hartigan, Maywood, IL (H&S w/ K/3/7) LCpl William R. Hodge, Jacksonville, FL LCpl Jesse M. Nunez, Yoakum, TX Pfc Robert A. Horcajo, Milpitas, CA (Silver Star) "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.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is his sister, Janice Hancock Kessler michael_e_kessler@yahoo.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 28 Nov 2005
Last updated 06/06/2007