2LT JOHN ROBERT DAWSON

JOHN ROBERT DAWSON

Cpl Edward Burke, USMC (Ret)
alaskaburkes@yahoo.com
his radio opperator
559 Fallbrook Drive Venice FL 34292 USA

This is a post to remember Lt John Robert Dawson. I was his radio operator on our two-man artillery forward observer team out of Golf Battery 3/12 and assigned to Bravo 1/4, 3rd MARDIV. We were sweeping a hill on early on the morning of 10/27/67 during Operation Granite. We had been ambushed several times by a small group that morning in a hit and run pattern. As a consequence, Lt Dawson and I positioned ourselves between the lead platoon and the point man to better spot targets when we were ambushed on three sides by a unit of the NVA. We were unable to call in an artillery strike due to air activity near our location and, wanting to confer with the CO on next steps to counter the ambush, Lt. Dawson crawled back to the company line about 20 yards to our rear. I had been hit and was unable to move at the time. He was conferring with the Company Commander when the CO was hit. Lt Dawson covered him with his body and in doing so, took a round in the collarbone. The Captain would have received a fatal wound had it not been for Lt. Dawson’s sacrifice. Because we were pinned down and near the top of a high hill under heavy fire, a medevac was impossible. It would have taken (and did take in my case several hours later) more than an hour for stretcher bearers to bring the wounded down to a level LZ. The corpsman couldn't stop the bleeding and Lt Dawson died slowly from loss of blood. He was conscious and lucid almost the entire time. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his action that day. He had been in country less than six weeks almost all in the field.
Apr 4, 2012

Silver Star Citation
DAWSON, JOHN ROBERT (KIA) Synopsis: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John Robert Dawson (0-100987), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on October 27, 1967. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Second Lieutenant Dawson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Home Town: Adrian, Michigan Personal Awards: Navy Cross (Vietnam), Silver Star (Vietnam)
Oct 27, 2010

Navy Cross Citation
Navy Cross Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant John Robert Dawson (MCSN: 0-100987), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Forward Observer with Battery G, Third Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 October 1967. During Operation GRANITE, Second Lieutenant Dawson was attached to Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines during a search and destroy operation in Thua Thien Province. As the company was moving down a narrow jungle trail, it suddenly came under intense enemy fire from well-concealed North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces on three sides, sustaining immediate casualties, and was temporarily pinned down by the heavy volume of automatic weapons and small-arms fire and grenade attack. Although the enemy ambush continued with relentless intensity, Second Lieutenant Dawson completely disregarded his own safety as he dauntlessly moved from his position at the rear of the platoon to the side of the company commander in the foreground of the attack. After the two officers conferred to determine how artillery could best be deployed against the enemy, Second Lieutenant Dawson quickly called for and accurately adjusted supporting arms fire on the enemy positions. While he continued to direct artillery fire, the commanding officer was struck by an enemy round and fell to the ground, exposed to further injury or possible death on the open trail. Quickly obtaining a rifle, Second Lieutenant Dawson unhesitatingly positioned himself by the side of his wounded comrade, using his own body as a shield in an effort to protect him from the hostile fire. Exhibiting a sincere concern for the welfare of his companion and a determined fighting spirit, he courageously returned fire upon the enemy until he was mortally wounded. His heroic action at the risk of his own life was instrumental in saving the life of his fellow Marine and contributed significantly in repulsing the enemy force. By his intrepid fighting spirit, daring initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Dawson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals Action Date: 27-Oct-67 Service: Marine Corps Reserve Rank: Second Lieutenant Company: Battery G Battalion: 3d Battalion Regiment: 12th Marines Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Oct 27, 2010

matt dawson
John, I am of no relation to you besides middle and last name. I am a high school student and researching vietnam and the incredible American troops such as yourself. I Thank you very much for serving our country it is one of the most brave and honorable things i can imagine. For what its worth coming from me, you sound like and amazing person and were a respected and loved man. You have greatly made me appreciative for all the soldiers, and your tremendous duties. You are my inspiration for better things. Matthew Robert Dawson
Apr 20, 2010

Jack Cruikshank
Friend from Adrian
Jack, I think of you often, and on this Veterans Day wanted to express my thanks to you for being a friend.
Nov 11, 2009

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
Oct 27, 2007

Kathy Marshall-Beagley
thirdcliff@mediaone.net
high school friend
68, Collier Road, Scituate, MA., 02066, USA
Remembered with joy!
Dearest Jack. your wonderful smile, your drive to excell in all, you would attempt, whether on the playing field, or in the classroom, your sense of fairness, your excellant leadership qualities, will live forever, in our hearts. You have been a role model, in the lives of the children, of the people you touched, throughout your short life. God bless and keep you. Kathy Jo
Tuesday, November 16, 1999

Stanley Aldrich
butch1919@home.com
Knew his family, in Adrian and was stationed with him, in Vietnam
MI.
A Great Individual
The Lt., was, a great soldier and wonderful individual. He was liked by all, that served with him. It was terrible, that he lost his life, at such, an early age. A lot of wonderful, young men, lost their lives, that day. If I hadn't been injured, two, weeks earlier, I would have, been with them, on that mission. I'm still haunted, by it, today. Lt., Dawson was, the best officer, I had to serve with, in Vietnam. You will, never be forgotten, by your men. God Bless.
Monday, May 31, 1999

Arthur VanGundy
avangundy@cox.net
fraternity brother
428 Laws Drive
Norman, OK 73072 USA
The Best: Leader and Role Model
You're not forgotten, Jack. You were two years older and one of my most admired fraternity brothers at the time. TODAY, you are one of the most admired men I have ever known. I remember you standing up in the house in 1966 or 67 and saying that you want to join the best The Marines! You quit smoking and started working out and then you shipped out. I heard you volunteered to be the point man on a mission. Don't know if it's true, but that was just like you man. You gave the ultimate sacrifice so others could live. You will NEVER be forgotten. Andy Perge!
Friday, April 15, 2005