Navy Cross Citation
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Harold Dale Meyerkord (NSN: 0-639933), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Naval Advisory Group, United States Military Assistance Command, Republic of Vietnam, and assigned as Naval Advisor to the River Force of the Vietnamese Navy. Directly involved in more than thirty combat operations against enemy aggressor forces, Lieutenant Meyerkord at all times served to inspire all who observed him by his superb leadership and cool courage while under enemy fire. On 30 November 1964, he was instrumental in turning defeat into victory when, under fire, he reconnoitered ahead of friendly forces and discovered that river craft could proceed no farther because of a Viet Cong canal block. He immediately proceeded to set up a shore command post, direct artillery fire, call for medical evacuation helicopters, and call for and direct air strikes. On 13 January 1965, he transferred from a command boat to a small boat, proceeded to a boat grounded in Viet Cong territory, administered first aid to the wounded, and returned to the command boat, all of which took place while he was exposed to constant enemy fire. On 24 January 1965, he assumed direction of a Vietnamese River Force flotilla when the Vietnamese Commander was wounded in an ambush. Later in the action, although wounded himself and facing heavy fire, he continued the fight for almost an hour, until victory was assured. In his final action, on 16 March 1965, Lieutenant Meyerkord lost his life while leading a river sortie into insurgent territory after he had again positioned himself in the leading boat in order to direct operations and set an example for the Vietnamese Naval personnel. Caught in a heavy ambush in which he was wounded by the first fusillade from the Viet Cong, he was reported to have returned their fire at pointblank range until he was again wounded, this time mortally. By his sustained leadership, initiative, and courage throughout these operations, Lieutenant Meyerkord contributed greatly to the United States effort in Vietnam and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Action Date: November 30, 1964, January 13, 24 & March 16, 1965
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Company: Advisor (Attached)
Battalion: Naval Advisory Group
Regiment: Vietnamese River Assault Group 23
Division: Military Assistance Command, Vietnam
Mar 16, 2014 |
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Edward Henry
Edwardnttx@gmail.com
Fellow Viet Nam Vet
You Are Not Forgotten
While I neither knew nor served with you, as a fellow Viet Nam Vet I honor your service and your sacrifice. I came home from the, I am truly sorry you did not. May you rest in peace.
Jan 3, 2014 |
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John Wells
je.wells6407@verizon.net
Served with 'Kords' in Japan
2660 Compass Drive Annapolis MD 21401 USA
Remembering 'Kords'
As squadron engineer officer of DESRON 9 homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, I served with Dale aboard the USS Duncan. I'm surprised that Dale didn't carry his nickname 'Kords' with him when he volunteered for duty in Vietnam. I recall that at the time he volunteered, his spirits were low because his wife Janie had contacted Japanese encephalitis virus and had to return to the United States. I remember them as an adventuresome couple, wonderfully in love with each other and life. Janie was just as gutsy as Kords was, and I'm not at all surprised that he served with such distinction on the riverboats. I recall reading about the post note of the National Geographic article by correspondent Dickie Chapelle, who was herself slain about the same time Kords was. Her article includes a glowing description of him, and is a fitting tribute to both. God Bless their spirits, heroes both.
May 31, 2013 |
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Tom Finn
tfn519@aol.com
Street named for Meyerkord in Newport
There is a street names for Lt. Meyerkord on the Newport Naval Base, that i use every week. I was drafted in 65' and sent to VN in 66'- 67'. Thanks,
Oct 20, 2011 |
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Rocky Streb
agstreb@lindenwood.edu
Riverview Gardens Graduate
3116 Old Baumgartner Est. Ct. St. Louis MO 63129 US
The Riverview Gardens Football Field
I remember being a kid at RGHS in the 1970's when the High School's Football Field was named in this Hero's honor. Now, many years later I've found the website and wanted to share with his family, friends, and fellow Vietnam Vets that the memories DO live on.
Mar 22, 2010 |
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John Burlew
Just realized he served on the Duncan, not the Frank Knox. That's what age will do!!
Jun 30, 2009 |
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John Burlew
burlew1@windstream.net
I was a contemporary on DesRon 9
4873 Candy Lane Manlius NY 13104 USA
Dale was a casual friend who served on the Frank Knox while I served on the DeHaven 1961-1963. I went yesterday to see the Moving Vietnam Wall in Munnsville, NY with another shipmate and looked up his name and got a rubbing of it. It was an electric moment to remember him. I bought myself and my friend, Don Frank, a T-Shirt so we could wear them and remember Dale and other friends we had lost in Vietnam. It was a beautiful day in the rolling hills of New York and the Memorial Wall was stunning in the bright sunlight.
My best to all of the Meyerkords.
Jun 30, 2009 |
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Lynne Meyerkord
lynnem@sbcglobal.net
Daughter
Thanks to all of you
My name is Lynne Meyerkord and I am Lt. Meyerkord's daghter. Thanks so much for your postings and thanks, also, to those who run this web page. I was three when Dad was killed, so I have depended on publications and information from those who knew him. It's very touching to read the postings from those familiar with him, from whatever context, and those who appreciate his sacrifice. Dad, I'm thinking of you on this Veterans' Day as well as all the others.
Nov 11, 2008 |
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william kline
klinerealty@verizon.net
ocs(class of 48) roommate for month
4524 winston road portsmouth va 23703 usa
A hero never to be forgotten
My brother is on the wall. I found Dale's name and learned he was the first Naval Officer killed in Viet Nam. My four months with him brought back many memories. We were both Political Science majors. He went to a ship. I did not. THe country was well served by his heroic actions. God bless Dale. May his actions never fade in the memories of those who knew him.
Oct 8, 2008 |
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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!!!
Mar 16, 2008 |
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