SP4 PATRICK M. MALONE
H Bty (SLT), 29th Field Artillery (RVN)
Awarded the Silver Star
May 13, 1968
His Citation Reads:
For gallantry in action in conjunction with military operations involving conflict
with an armed hostile force: Specialist Four Malone distinguished himself while
serving as chief of a searchlight crew at the compound at Rach Kien, when it came
under enemy mortar attack. Specialist Four Malone directed the placement of a light
beam on the mortar tube flashes, thereby marking targets for the M42A1 twin 40mm
weapon positioned nearby. At the same time, he adjusted indirect artillery fire on
the suspected mortar locations. When his searchlight malfunctioned, he led his crew
in resupplying the M42A1 with ammunition, making repeated trips from the ammunition
point to the weapon under incoming mortar barrages. In the relative quiet which
followed, Specialist Four Malone heard hysterical cries coming from a nearby bunker
and ran to investigate. He found a young Vietnamese girl who screamed that she had
seen Viet Cong advancing on the perimeter. Leaving the safety of the bunker, he
immediately placed accurate machine gun fire on the enemy locations. The crew of the
M42A1 had succeeded in repairing both their guns and, by following the path of his
tracers, had begun placing fire on the advancing enemy. Suddenly, an enemy mortar
round impacted extremely close to Specialist Four Malone's exposed position, and he
was severely wounded in the back, arm and legs. His actions were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his
unit, and the United States Army.
Note: SP4 Patrick M. Malone was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant !
