AWARD RECOMMENDATONS

File: 970327_dec96_decls22_0008.txt
Page: 0008
Total Pages: 27

Subject = AWARD RECOMMENDATONS                                            

Folder Title = AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS                                                                           

Parent Organization = 1 MEF       

Unit  = 2ND MARDIV  

Box ID = BX600094

File Cabinet = Week-51 

File Room = dec96_classified    




                                       UNCLASSIFIED



                                       PROPOSED CITATION

                 The President of the United States takes pleasure in
           presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

                                    CAPTAIN JOHN C. GAUTHIER


                                   UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

           for services set forth in the following
           CITATION:


                 "For    conspicuous    gallantry and      intrepidity     in action
           during OPERATION DESERT STORM while serving as the Commanding
           Officer, Company B, lat Battalion (Rein), 6th Marines, 2d Marine
           Division,     FMF in combat operations against enemy forces in the
           Emirate of Kuwait from 24-27 February 1991.            Under almost total
           darkness and heavy rainfall, Captain Gauthier led his mechanized
           company into the assault on a heavily defended enemy defensive
           barrier protected by two intricate mine obstacle belts. Positioning
           himself well forward AxnnAAd tn rhPm1nal anpnt-A @            --- ---
           mi       enemy direct and indirect fire, Captain Gauthier personally
           directed the breach of both obstacles. Upon entering the second
           minefield his own command vehicle was disabled from two mine
           blasts. Undaunted, dismounting his forces, he forged ahead through
           the rest of the minefield attacking and destroying two company
           strongpoints, ensuring the momentum of the attack. Continuing the
           attack the following day Captain Gauthier found himself in severely
           obstructed     visibility. Moving to        an exposed      position well
           forward, within range of enemy tank and machinegun fire, he
           personally directed numerous tank engagements with devastating
           effects    on the      enemy. His personal courage          served as an
           inspiration to his Marines, as his company destroyed in excess of
           2e armored vehicles, captured 600 enemy prisoners of war and
           contributed significantly to the battalion's success. By his daring
           actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of personal risk,
           Captain Gauthier upheld the highest traditions of the United States
           Naval Service."


                                               For the President,
















                                     UNCLASSIFIED

Document 27 f:/Week-51/BX600094/AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS/award recommendatons:03249710492223
Control Fields 17
File Room = dec96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-51
Box ID = BX600094
Unit = 2ND MARDIV
Parent Organization = 1 MEF
Folder Title = AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS
Folder Seq # = 240
Subject = AWARD RECOMMENDATONS
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 24-MAR-1997