Silver Star Citation
Frank James Montez
Date of birth: January 18, 1950
Date of death: September 20, 1969
Home of record: Salinas California
Status: KIA
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Frank James Montez (MCSN: 2375978), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. While Corporal Montez was conducting a reconnaissance patrol in Quang Nam Province on the evening of 20 September 1969, the point man detected signs of North Vietnamese Army soldiers in the area. Quickly establishing his men in defensive positions and requesting an aerial observer, Corporal Montez led three of his Marines in a search of the vicinity and encountered a bunker containing two hostile soldiers. The enemy immediately fired at the small Marine patrol. Instantly returning the fire, Corporal Montez killed one of the men then, throwing hand grenades, forced the other to retreat. With the arrival of the aerial observer, he skillfully withdrew the team to covered positions and directed fire on suspected North Vietnamese Army emplacements. While the aerial observer was making his firing runs, the Marines came under intense fire from hostile soldiers occupying another bunker and Corporal Montez fearlessly moved across the dangerous terrain to direct the fire of his men and silence the enemy fire. Directed by the aerial observer to proceed to a landing zone for extraction, Corporal Montez continually exposed himself to pursuing hostile fire as he assisted a companion who had been wounded during the brief engagement. After arriving at the landing zone, he ignored the North Vietnamese Army rounds impacting around him to examine the casualties and distribute ammunition to his men. When an extraction aircraft commenced an approach into the site, Corporal Montez boldly stood in full view of the enemy soldiers to guide the pilot with a strobe light, and, while thus dangerously exposed, he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. His heroic actions and determined efforts inspired all who observed him. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Montez upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Action Date: September 20, 1969
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Corporal
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
Sep 20, 2015 |
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JOHN O'DONNELL
MARINE VETERAN 65-68
HONORING A VERY YOUNG BRAVE MARINE HERO
THIS MAN HAS GIVEN OF HIMSELF EVERTHING HE COULD, SO THAT HIS BROTHER MARINES AND THE PEOPLE BACK HOME COULD LIVE A MORE PEACEFUL LIFE. THIS GIFT OF HIS LIFE SHOWS THE GREATNESS OF THIS HERO. HERO'S DON'T WEAR A CAPE OR MASK NO! THEY WEAR MARINE GREEN. HERO'S COME IN DIFFERENT SHAPE'S AND SIZE'S. AS EACH DAY PASSES,WE MUST TAKE THE TIME TO REMEMBER WHAT THIS HERO GAVE UP! SO THAT WE COULD LIVE IN A FREE SOCIETY. THANK YOU ! SEMPER FI! HERO YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. DOSEN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE A 2YR, 3YR, 4YR, ENLISTMENT OR A DRAFTEE OR RESERVIST, OFFICER OR ENLISTED. YOU HAVE EARNED THE TITTLE OF UNITED STATES MARINE! A NATION CRIES OUT FOR THE LOSS OF ONE OF ITS SON'S. I AM HONORED TO WRITE ON HIS MEMORIAL
Sep 22, 2014 |
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Kevin Kannengeiser
snap8@sbcglobal.net
friend
1275 Hermosa Ave Pacifica Ca 94044 USA
AN UNKNOWN FRIEND
SEVERAL YEARS AGO ON MEMORIAL DAY I FOUND YOUR HEADSTONE IN SAN BRUNO VA CEMETERY. WE WERE BORN SIX MONTHS APART. YOU WERE ONE OF THE MANY BRAVE AMERICANS WHO FOUGHT AND I HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR YOU DESPITE THE FACT I NEVER KNEW YOU. I VISIT YOUR GRAVE AND BRING A GIFT EVERY YEAR SINCE I FIRST 'MET' YOU. PEACE BE WITH YOU IN HEAVEN.
May 26, 2014 |
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Sandy Giron Hegwod
shegwood@yahoo.com
Cousin raised together by Gram Clar
P.O. Box 345 Dacono CO 80514
Frankie loved this country. He was always bound to be a Marine. That was his wish since childhood. We love you and miss you forty-two years later. Sandy
Jul 17, 2011 |
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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!!!
Jan 18, 2008 |
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Ray Harton
mc2316774@aol.com
Fellow Marine
http://www.father-capodanno.org
"He Which Have 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 Who Sheds His Blood With Me Shall Always Be My Brother." (W.Shakespeare) Rest In Peace Brave Marine, You Have Not Been Forgotten. Semper-Fi. Cpl.Harton USMC Ret. Vietnam 1967 5th Marines.
Wednesday, September 20, 2000 |
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Bill Korp
thekorps@juno.com
A close combat friend
930 Columbia Ave
Holland, MI 49423 USA
Frank I havent forgotten you.
Only 19 with the maturity of one much older, he was as brave and fearless as he could be in a situation in which we were all scared. I wish you didnt have to die. I'll never forget you "Doc Korp"
Friday, January 15, 1999 |
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Roger Fleming
sabre1@atmc.net
Friend,and fellowteam member
2951 Dave Ray St. S.W.
Supply, N.C. 28462 U.S.A.
Although it has been 37 years you my dear friend will never be forgotten
Friday, January 14, 2005 |
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Ted Godlove
same recon team
I was beside Frank when he was killed. He pulled me to the ground as the pickup helo arrived. The gun fire came from our own heloicopter. Frank was a very good friend and I think of him often. He upheld the highest standards of being a man and a friend.
Friday, July 06, 2001 |
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Bob Filice
refilice1209@hotmail.com
Friend from Salinas Ca.
"A HERO, AND FELLOW MARINE"
Frank, God bless you, and rest in peace. Bob Filice-USMC-Vietnam-5th Marines-6/67-7/68.
Sunday, July 23, 2000 |
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