William Hunter Kilburn

The database page for William Hunter Kilburn

28 May 2006 Hunter is my husband Howard's youngest brother. From his sister-in-law. pkilburn@aol.com The Secretary of the Navy takes pride in presenting the NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WILLIAM HUNTER KILBURN UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: "For meritorious service while serving as a Radio Operator with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division. Private First Class Kilburn repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and composure under fire. Particularly noteworthy were his actions on 15 May 1970: As he and his squad leader cautiously approached two Viet Cong who indicated they wished to surrender, the enemy soldiers threw hand grenades at them. Momentarily stunned, PFC Kilburn quickly recovered and assisted in killing the two men and was instrumental in preventing his companions from sustaining serious injury and in providing a secure landing site for a medical evacuation helicopter. By his initiative, superb professionalism, and loyal devotion to duty, Private First Class Kilburn earned the respect of all who served with him. The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized."

A Note from The Virtual Wall Pfc Kilburn was killed in action two weeks after the events described in the Citation to his Navy Commendation Medal. According to the 1/5 Marines Command Chronology for May 1970, on 31 May 1970 Alpha 1/5 conducted a sweep northwest of Alligator Lake. The Chronology reports that at 1112H - Inserted 3rd Plt Alpha into LZ (AT913502). They began to sweep southwest. While sweeping a Marine tripped a booby trap (2x60mm [mortar] rnds) killing the squad radio operator 15 meters behind him. Three Marines were medevaced (1 KIA, 2 WIA). The sweep continued after the medevac and resulted in five NVA troops killed and one captured.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is his sister-in-law. pkilburn@aol.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 May 2006
Last updated 05/29/2006