Ronald L. Coker

Grenade blasts could not stop his rescue of the wounded man.

Ronald Leroy Coker was born in Alliance, Nebraska, on 9 August 1947. He attended local schools and automotive school in Denver. Drafted into the Marine Corps on 16 April 1968, he trained at San Diego and Camp Pendleton and was promoted to private first class that September. He reached Vietnam in November as a rifleman with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division.

On 24 March 1969, in northwestern Quang Tri Province, his patrol came under heavy fire. A Marine lay wounded near an enemy cave. Coker moved forward alone to recover him. Although enemy grenades repeatedly wounded him, he continued shielding and dragging the man toward safety. His determination enabled other Marines to reach them and bring the wounded man back.

Coker died from his wounds that day, aged 21, so there was no later career. His actions earned a posthumous Medal of Honor. The official Marine Corps record also lists his Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Official Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company M in action against enemy forces. While serving as point man for the 2d Platoon, Pfc. Coker was leading his patrol when he encountered five enemy soldiers on a narrow jungle trail. Pfc. Coker's squad aggressively pursued them to a cave. As the squad neared the cave, it came under intense hostile fire, seriously wounding one marine and forcing the others to take cover.

Observing the wounded man lying exposed to continuous enemy fire, Pfc. Coker disregarded his safety and moved across the fire-swept terrain toward his companion. Although wounded by enemy small-arms fire, he continued to crawl across the hazardous area and skillfully threw a hand grenade into the enemy positions, suppressing the hostile fire sufficiently to enable him to reach the wounded man. As he began to drag his injured comrade toward safety, a grenade landed on the wounded marine.

Unhesitatingly, Pfc. Coker grasped it with both hands and turned away from his wounded companion, but before he could dispose of the grenade it exploded. Severely wounded, but undaunted, he refused to abandon his comrade. As he moved toward friendly lines, two more enemy grenades exploded near him, inflicting still further injuries. Concerned only for the safety of his comrade, Pfc. Coker, with supreme effort, continued to crawl and pull the wounded marine with him.

His heroic deeds inspired his fellow marines to such aggressive action that the enemy fire was suppressed sufficiently to enable others to reach him and carry him to a relatively safe area where he succumbed to his extensive wounds. Pfc. Coker's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society transcription: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/ronald-l-coker