The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant William C. Haskell (MCSN: 0-106577), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 9 March 1969, a squad from Second Lieutenant Haskell's platoon had established an ambush east of Mai Loc in Quang Tri Province when the Marines became heavily engaged with a North Vietnamese Army company. Realizing the need for immediate action, Second Lieutenant Haskell quickly lead the remainder of his platoon through enemy controlled territory to the beleaguered unit. Arriving at the ambush position, he skillfully maneuvered his platoon across the fire-swept terrain, boldly shouting words of encouragement to the men and directing their accurate suppressive fire upon the hostile unit. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting nearby, he fearlessly adjusted supporting arms fire upon the North Vietnamese emplacements and coordinated the movement of tanks and infantry units until the enemy was forced to flee in panic and confusion. Determined to exploit the hostile contact to the maximum extent, he adjusted artillery fire upon the retreating hostile soldiers, which completely disorganized and decimated the North Vietnamese company. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Haskell was instrumental in the Marines' accounting for over twenty enemy soldiers killed and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: 9-Mar-69
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Company: Company K
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Regiment: 3d Marines
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
