VICTOR OHANESIAN
LTC - O5 - Marine Corps - Regular
Length of service 20 years
Casualty was on Mar 1, 1967
In QUANG TRI, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
OTHER EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
Body was recovered
He can be found on The Wall at Panel 15E - Line 129 Silver Star Medal Citation
Remembered by
Joe Whittington
Joe Whittington
Date
Aug 29, 1966
Comments:
In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General, Fleet marine Force, Pacific take pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to:
LtCol Victor Ohanesian US Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following
Proposed Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Bn, 3rd Marines in connection with operations against
hard-core insurgent communist (Viet-Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation Allegheny, a reconnaissance in force engagement, extending
from 19 Aug through 29 Aug 1966, Lt Col Ohanesian let his battalion against stubborn and tenacious resistance from well disciplined, firmly entrenched
enemy forces deployed in the dense jungle growth in the high reaches of the Dong Lam Mountains. With unusual professional competence and under exceptionally
difficult circumstances of rugged terrain, severe weather and a determined enemy, he succeeded in integrating all of the available forces so as to achieve
their optimum performance. Throughout the operation, Lt Col Ohanesian, time and time again, with complete automatic weapons fire in order to gain first hand
information about the example of bravery, he instilled confidence and fighting spirit in his battalion, by its aggressive performance in combat, had
inflicted crippling losses upon an estimated numerically superior enemy force, driving him from an area he had previously considered an invulnerable
sanctuary. By his professional competence, stirring example in the face of personal risk his relentless fighting spirit, and his inspiring dedication to
duty throughout, Lt Col Ohanesian upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
For the President
V.H. Krulak
Lt Gen, Us Marine Corps
Commanding
Date
Oct 22, 1966
Comments:
In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to
Lt Col Victor Ohanesian US Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following
Proposed Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 22 Oct 1966, against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces, while serving as Battalion Commander,
2nd Bn, 3rd Marines, during Operation Kern, in the Republic of Vietnam. At about 1300, the 2nd Bn, 3rd Marines Command Group, reinforced with the 2nd Platoon
of Co G, was traveling through hostile territory to effect link-up operations with the remainder of Co G when it had secured the village of AP BA (4). At
this time, the 2 assault platoons of Co G were crossing an open rice paddy, when they came under heavy concentrations of enemy small arms, automatic weapons
and machine gun fire from their objective. The situation became critical as superior enemy firepower restricted the movement of the assault force and
prevented its disengagement. Heavy torrential rains precluded the use of air support, while creating extremely hazardous conditions which prevented movement
of a relief force to assist Co G. Disposition of the assault force and their proximity to the enemy also prohibited the use of artillery. The only possible
reinforcement for the assault platoons was the Command Group. Acting aggressively and without hesitation, Lt Col Ohanesian, without regard for his personal
safety, distinguished himself by leading his relief force across 100 meters of the exposed rice paddy under intense enemy fire. His actions were an
inspiration to his men who unhesitatingly followed him across the open field to reinforce and provide a base of fire so that Co G could successfully
disengage. By his daring action and loyal devotion to duty in the face of great personal risk, Lt Col Ohanesian upheld the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service."
For the President,
May 8, 1967
Comments:
In the name of the President of the United States, the Secretary of the Navy takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit posthumously to Lt Col Victor
Ohanesian United States Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following
Proposed Citation:
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commanding Officer, 2nd Bn, 3rd Marines, in the Republic of Vietnam from
2 Aug 1966 to 1 March 1967. Displaying outstanding leadership and tactical skill, Lt Col Ohanesian let his battalion on four highly successful operations
against the insurgent communist forces and in leading his units continually exposed himself to enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire, sniper fire,
mortars and booby traps. His extreme aggressiveness and skillful application of sound tactical principals notably contributed to the overwhelming success of
operations Allegheny, Kern, Prairie, and Prairie II. He ingeniously utilized available material and personnel to coordinate and direct the efforts of
controlling the Battalion's Tactical Area of Responsibility and Area of Operation. While controlling his Tactical Area of Responsibility in Danang and his
Area of Operation in Quang Tri Province he exhibited exceptional initiative, resourcefulness and professional knowledge in executing search and destroy
operations. In addition, he equally well applied his skill to the Civic Action Program. His dedicated professionalism and sincere compassion for the
Vietnamese people earned him their complete trust and confidence, materially contributing to the success of Marine Corps goals in Vietnam. He was able,
because of his superb capabilities, to maintain efficiency in all administrative and logistic functions of the battalion. Drawing from his extensive combat
experience, Lt Col Ohanesian provided inspiring leadership and professional guidance for the officers and men of the battalion. By his dynamic leadership,
sound judgement, extraordinary devotion to duty, and unfailing loyalty, Lt Col Ohanesian upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval service and
gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."
Lt Col Ohanesian is authorized the Combat "V".
For the President
Secretary of the Navy