Robert Allen McAllister

The database page for Robert Allen McAllister

12 May 2006 REMEMBERED by his sister, Dot McAllister Bayless dbayless@comcast.net The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR posthumously to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ROBERT A. MCALLISTER UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Mortar Battery, First Battalion, Thirteenth Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 August 1968, Private First Class MCALLISTER was attached to a provisional artillery battery which was occupying a defensive position northwest of Phu Loc in Thua Thien Province. During the early morning hours, the Marines came under a heavy volume of mortar and antitank rocket fire supporting a ground assault by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force utilizing automatic weapons, hand grenades and explosive devices. Although mortally wounded when two satchel charges exploded inside his bunker as the advancing enemy penetrated the defensive perimeter, Private First Class MCALLISTER crawled over one hundred meters in all attempt to reach the battery aid station. Alertly observing two hostile soldiers attack a bunker containing several Marines, he selflessly exerted his remaining strength to deliver accurate fire, killing or wounding the North Vietnamese soldiers before they could hurl an explosive charge into the bunker. As a result of his heroic and timely actions, several Marines were saved from possible death or serious injury. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class MCALLISTER inspired all who observed hint and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly game his life in the service of his country." FOR THE PRESIDENT, H. W. BUSE. JR. LIEUTENANT DENERAL U.S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC

Notes from The Virtual Wall From the 1/13 Marines Command Chronology for Aug 1968: "At 180155H August 1968, an enemy force of unknown strength attacked the Mortar Battery position in vicinity of Cao Dei peninsula. The attack was initiated with approximately 80-100 82mm mortar rounds, followed immediately by sapper attacks on defensive position, communications facilities, and command and control facilities. A reaction force engaged the enemy force as they were departing the position. Seven personnel of Mortar Battery and 2 OPCON personnel from 1st Field Artillery Group were killed in this action and one 155mm How (TD) was severely damaged. Seven (7) enemy KIA were located within the position area after the action was complete. Intelligence received subsequent to the attack indicated the enemy suffered an additional 5 KIA and 8 WIA during this action, however, enemy casualties for the month do not reflect this as this information could not be confirmed." The nine men were HQ Btry, 1st Bn, 11th Marines: Pfc Kenneth M. Baldwin, Grafton, IA HQ Btry, 1st Fld Arty Grp, 11th Marines: Pfc Norman L. Eversgerd, Germantown, IL Mortar Btry, 1st Bn, 13th Marines: Sgt Robert Arnold, Tampa, FL LCpl Daniel Cardenas, Fullerton, CA LCpl Sherman L. Walters, Philadelphia, PA Pfc Charles T. Belasco, New York, NY Pfc John C. Bieneman, Wheeling, IL Pfc Robert A. McAllister, Tinley Park, IL (Silver Star) Pfc Lewis W. Page, Carmi, IL Pfc Norman Eversgerd's brother, SP4 Marlin C. Eversgerd, US Army, had been killed in action on 19 March 1967 during the battle at Fire Support Base Gold (also known as the Battle of Suoi Tre).

The point-of-contact for this memorial is his sister, Dot McAllister Bayless dbayless@comcast.net

Top of Page www.VirtualWall.org Back to To alpha index M IL State Index . Panel 48W 13TH MARINES Index Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 12 May 2006
Last updated 05/20/2006