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{{Infobox Military Person
{{Infobox military person
|name= Larry Leonard Maxam
| name = Larry Leonard Maxam
|born= {{birth date|1948|1|9}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1948|1|9}}
|died= {{Death date and age|1968|2|2|1948|1|9}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1968|2|2|1948|1|9}}
|placeofbirth= [[Glendale, California]]
| birth_place = [[Glendale, California]], U.S.
|placeofdeath= [[Killed in action|KIA]] in Quang Tri Province, [[Vietnam]]
| death_place = [[Cam Lo District|Cam Lo]], [[Quảng Trị Province|Quảng Trị]], [[South Vietnam]]
|placeofburial= [[National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific]]<br/>[[Oahu, Hawaii]]
| placeofburial = [[National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific]]<br />[[Oahu]], [[Hawaii]], U.S.
|placeofburial_label= Place of burial
| placeofburial_label = Place of burial
| image = Maxam LL.jpg
|image= [[File:Maxam LL.jpg|180px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[File:Moh right.gif|90px|alt=A light blue neck ribbon with a gold star shaped medallion hanging from it. The ribbon is similar in shape to a bowtie with 13 white stars in the center of the ribbon.]]
|caption= Larry L. Maxam, posthumous Medal of Honor recipient
| caption =
|nickname=
| nickname =
|allegiance= {{flagicon|United States}} [[United States|United States of America]]
| allegiance = [[United States of America]]
| branch = {{Marines|United States}}
|branch= [[File:USMC logo.svg|25px]] [[United States Marine Corps]]
|serviceyears= 1965-1968
| serviceyears = 1965–1968
|rank= [[Corporal#United States|Corporal]]
| rank = [[File:USMC-E4.svg|25px]] [[Corporal#United States|Corporal]]
|commands=
| commands =
|unit= [[1st Battalion 4th Marines|1st Battalion, 4th Marines]]
| unit = Company D, [[1st Battalion 4th Marines]], [[3rd Marine Division]]
|battles= [[Vietnam War]]
| battles = [[Vietnam War]]
*[[Operation Kentucky]]{{KIA}}
|awards= [[Medal of Honor]]<br/>[[Purple Heart]]
| awards = [[Medal of Honor]]<br />[[Purple Heart]]<br />[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)]], Navy Presidential Unit Citation<br />[[National Defense Service Medal]]<br />[[Vietnam Service Medal]] w/ 2 [[service star]]s<br />[[Vietnam Military Merit Medal]]<br />[[Vietnam Gallantry Cross]] w/ palm<br />[[Vietnam Campaign Medal]]
|laterwork=
| laterwork =
}}
}}
Corporal '''Larry Leonard Maxam''' (January 9, 1948- February 2, 1968) was a [[United States Marine Corps|United States Marine]] who [[posthumous recognition|posthumous]]ly received the [[United States]]' highest military honor &mdash; the [[Medal of Honor]] &mdash; for heroism in Vietnam in February 1968,
'''Larry Leonard Maxam''' (January 9, 1948 February 2, 1968) was a [[United States Marine Corps|United States Marine]] who [[posthumous recognition|posthumous]]ly received the [[United States]]' highest military honor &mdash; the [[Medal of Honor]] &mdash; for heroism in the [[Vietnam War]] in February 1968,


==Biography==
==Biography==
Larry Maxam was born on January 9, 1948, in [[Glendale, California]]. He attended Emerson Primary School, and Burbank Junior and High Schools, in [[Burbank, California]], leaving the latter in 1964. Maxam was a member of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]].
Larry Maxam was born on January 9, 1948, in [[Glendale, California]]. He attended Emerson Primary School, John Muir Junior High and Burbank High School, in [[Burbank, California]], leaving the latter in 1964. Maxam was a member of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]].


He enlisted in the [[United States Marine Corps]] in Los Angeles on March 8, 1965. Completing [[recruit training]] with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, [[Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego]], California in June 1965, he served briefly with the Casual Section, Headquarters Company, 2nd Infantry Training Regiment, [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]], California. He then completed individual combat training with Company A, 2nd Infantry Training Regiment, at Camp Pendleton, in July 1965.
He enlisted in the [[United States Marine Corps]] in Los Angeles on March 8, 1965. After completing [[United States Marine Corps Recruit Training|recruit training]] with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at [[Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego]] in June 1965, he served briefly with the Casual Section of the 2nd Infantry Training Regiment at [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]], California. He then completed individual combat training with Company A, at Camp Pendleton, in July 1965. From August 1965 until February 1966, he served with the Marine Aviation Detachment, [[Naval Air Station Jacksonville|Naval Air Technical Training Center Jacksonville]].


Transferred to the [[2nd Battalion 8th Marines]], [[2nd Marine Division (United States)|2nd Marine Division]], at [[Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune]], he served as a [[rifleman]] with Company H. In November 1966, he joined the rolls of Company E, but served on temporary additional duty as a [[Firefighter|fireman]] with Headquarters and Service Company, [[Officer Candidates School (United States Marine Corps)|Officer Candidates School]] at [[Marine Corps Base Quantico]], and as a rifleman attached to Camp Garcia, Force Troops, [[Vieques, Puerto Rico]]. He was promoted to [[private first class]] on April 1, 1966, and to [[Lance Corporal#United States|Lance Corporal]] on January 1, 1967.
From August 1965 until February 1966, he served with the Marine Aviation Detachment, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Jacksonville, Florida.


As a lance corporal, Maxam next served as a rifleman with Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2/8, in the Caribbean, until May 1967. In July 1967, he arrived in the [[South Vietnam|Republic of Vietnam]], and served as a rifleman, [[radioman]], and squad leader with Company D, [[1st Battalion 4th Marines]], [[3rd Marine Division (United States)|3rd Marine Division]]. He was promoted to [[Corporal#United States|Corporal]] on October 1, 1967. While participating in [[Operation Kentucky]] on February 2, 1968, he was [[killed in action]] at [[Cam Lộ District]] Headquarters in [[Quảng Trị Province]], Vietnam.
Transferred to the [[2nd Battalion 8th Marines|2nd Battalion, 8th Marines]] (2/8), [[2nd Marine Division (United States)|2nd Marine Division]], at [[Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune|Camp Lejeune]], North Carolina, he served as a [[rifleman]] with Company H. In November 1966, he joined the rolls of Company E, 2nd Battalion, but served on temporary additional duty as a [[fireman]] with Headquarters and Service Company, Officer Candidates’ School, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia, and as a rifleman attached to Camp Garcia, Force Troops, [[Vieques, Puerto Rico]]. He was promoted to [[private first class]] on April 1, 1966, and to [[Lance Corporal#United States|Lance Corporal]] on January 1, 1967.


Maxam is buried in the [[National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific]], Oahu, Hawaii.<ref>[http://www.cem.va.gov/nchp/nmcp.htm#np Notable persons buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific]. Retrieved 2006-06-23. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614181901/http://www.cem.va.gov/nchp/nmcp.htm#np |date=June 14, 2006 }}</ref>
Lance Corporal Maxam next served as a rifleman with Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2/8, in the Caribbean, until May 1967.


==Awards and honors==
In July 1967, he arrived in the [[South Vietnam|Republic of Vietnam]], and served as a rifleman, [[radioman]], and squad leader with Company D, [[1st Battalion 4th Marines|1st Battalion, 4th Marines]], [[3rd Marine Division (United States)|3rd Marine Division]]. He was promoted to [[Corporal#United States|Corporal]] on October 1, 1967. While participating in Operation Kentucky on February 2, 1968, he was [[killed in action]] at Cam Lo District Headquarters, [[Quang Tri Province]], Vietnam.
Maxam's medals and decorations include:
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Medal of Honor ribbon.svg|width=106|alt=A light blue ribbon with five white five pointed stars}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Purple Heart ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=2|type=service-star|ribbon=Vietnam Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Vietnam Military Merit Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, with palm.svg|width=106}}
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg|width=106}}
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
|-
|[[Medal of Honor]]
|[[Purple Heart]]
|[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Navy Presidential Unit Citation]]
|[[National Defense Service Medal]]
|-
|[[Vietnam Service Medal]] w/ 2 [[service star]]s
|[[Vietnam Military Merit Medal]]
|[[Vietnam Gallantry Cross]] w/ palm
|[[Vietnam Campaign Medal]]
|-
|}


Cpl Maxam was buried in the [[National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific]], Oahu, Hawaii.<ref> [http://www.cem.va.gov/nchp/nmcp.htm#np Notable persons buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific]. Retrieved 2006-06-23.</ref>
The name Larry L. Maxam is inscribed on the [[Vietnam Veterans Memorial]] ("The Wall") on Panel 36E, Row 078.<ref name=mishalov>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mishalov.com/Maxam.html |title=Larry Leonard Maxam|publisher=mishalov.com|accessdate=2006-07-04}}</ref>


===Medal of Honor citation===
==Awards and decorations==
A complete list of his medals and decorations include:

*[[File:Ribbon-MOH.jpg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Medal of Honor]]

*[[File:Purple Heart BAR.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Purple Heart]]

*[[File:NavyPres.gif|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]]

*[[File:National defense ribbon.gif|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[National Defense Service Medal]]

*[[File:Vietnam Service Ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Vietnam Service Medal]] (with two bronze stars)

*[[File:GallantryCrossRibbon.jpg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Vietnam Gallantry Cross]] (with Palm)

*<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:MMMr.jpg|60px]] -->&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Military Merit Medal]]

*[[File:Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon.png|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Vietnam Campaign Medal|Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal]]

==Medal of Honor citation==
The [[President of the United States]] in the name of [[United States Congress|The Congress]] takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
The [[President of the United States]] in the name of [[United States Congress|The Congress]] takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
{{center|'''CORPORAL LARRY L. MAXAM'''<br />UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS}}
<center>
'''CORPORAL LARRY L. MAXAM'''<br/>
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
</center>
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, [[1st Battalion 4th Marines|First Battalion]], [[4th Marine Regiment (United States)|Fourth Marines]], [[3rd Marine Division (United States)|Third Marine Division]] in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 February 1968, the Cam Lo District Headquarters came under extremely heavy [[Missile|rocket]], [[artillery]], [[mortar (weapon)|mortar]], and [[recoilless rifle]] fire from a numerically superior enemy force, destroying a portion of the defensive perimeter. Corporal Maxam, observed the enemy massing for an assault into the compound across the remaining defensive wire, instructed his Assistant Fire Team Leader to take charge of the fire team, and unhesitatingly proceeded to the weakened section of the perimeter. Completely exposed to the concentrated enemy fire, he sustained multiple fragmentation wounds from exploding [[grenades]] as he ran to an abandoned [[machine gun]] and commenced to deliver effective fire on the advancing enemy. As the enemy directed maximum fire power against the determined Marine, Corporal Maxam's position received a direct hit from a [[rocket propelled grenade]], knocking him backwards and inflicting severe fragmentation wounds to his face and right eye. Although momentarily stunned and in intense pain, Corporal Maxam courageously resumed his firing position and subsequently was struck again by [[small arms]] fire. With resolute determination, he gallantly continued to deliver intense machine gun fire, causing the enemy to retreat through the defensive wire to positions of cover. In a desperate attempt to silence his weapon, the North Vietnamese threw [[hand grenades]] and directed recoilless rifle fire against him inflicting two additional wounds. Too weak to reload his machine gun, Corporal Maxam fell to a prone position and valiantly continued to deliver effective fire with his rifle. After one and a half hours, during which he was hit repeatedly by fragments from exploding grenades and concentrated small arms fire, he succumbed to his wounds, having successfully defended nearly one half of the perimeter single-handedly. Corporal Maxam's aggressive fighting spirit, inspiring valor and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the [[United States Department of the Navy|United States Naval Service]]. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, [[1st Battalion 4th Marines|First Battalion]], [[4th Marine Regiment (United States)|Fourth Marines]], [[3rd Marine Division (United States)|Third Marine Division]] in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 February 1968, the Cam Lo District Headquarters came under extremely heavy [[missile|rocket]], [[artillery]], [[mortar (weapon)|mortar]], and [[recoilless rifle]] fire from a numerically superior enemy force, destroying a portion of the defensive perimeter. Corporal Maxam, observed the enemy massing for an assault into the compound across the remaining defensive wire, instructed his Assistant Fire Team Leader to take charge of the fire team, and unhesitatingly proceeded to the weakened section of the perimeter. Completely exposed to the concentrated enemy fire, he sustained multiple fragmentation wounds from exploding [[grenades]] as he ran to an abandoned [[machine gun]] and commenced to deliver effective fire on the advancing enemy. As the enemy directed maximum fire power against the determined Marine, Corporal Maxam's position received a direct hit from a [[rocket-propelled grenade|rocket propelled grenade]], knocking him backwards and inflicting severe fragmentation wounds to his face and right eye. Although momentarily stunned and in intense pain, Corporal Maxam courageously resumed his firing position and subsequently was struck again by [[small arms]] fire. With resolute determination, he gallantly continued to deliver intense machine gun fire, causing the enemy to retreat through the defensive wire to positions of cover. In a desperate attempt to silence his weapon, the North Vietnamese threw [[hand grenades]] and directed recoilless rifle fire against him inflicting two additional wounds. Too weak to reload his machine gun, Corporal Maxam fell to a prone position and valiantly continued to deliver effective fire with his rifle. After one and a half hours, during which he was hit repeatedly by fragments from exploding grenades and concentrated small arms fire, he succumbed to his wounds, having successfully defended nearly one half of the perimeter single-handedly. Corporal Maxam's aggressive fighting spirit, inspiring valor and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the [[United States Department of the Navy|United States Naval Service]]. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
/S/ [[Richard Nixon|RICHARD M. NIXON]]
/S/ [[Richard Nixon|RICHARD M. NIXON]]

==In memory==
The name Larry L. Maxam is inscribed on the [[Vietnam Veterans Memorial]] ("The Wall") on Panel 36E, Row 078.<ref name=mishalov>{{cite web|url=http://www.mishalov.com/Maxam.html |title=Larry Leonard Maxam|publisher=mishalov.com|accessdate=2006-07-04}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Biography}}
{{USMCportallink}}
*[[List of Medal of Honor recipients]]
*[[List of Medal of Honor recipients]]
*[[List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War#M|List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War]]
*[[List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War#M|List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War]]


==References==
==References==
{{Marine Corps}}
;Inline
;Inline
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


;General
;General
*{{Cite web |accessdate=September 29, 2010 |url=http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/HD/Whos_Who/Maxam_LL.htm |title=Corporal Larry Leonard Maxam, USMC, ''Who's Who in Marine Corps History'', History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2009-08-19}}
:{{Marine Corps}}
*{{Cite web|accessdate=September 29, 2010 |url=http://www.usmc.mil/moh.nsf/000003c919889c0385255f980058f5b6/0000033ba9f47a7385255fa4004ed693?OpenDocument |title=Cpl Larry L. Maxam, Medal of Honor, 1968, 1/4/3, Vietnam, Medal of Honor citation. Retrieved 2006-06-23 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714041013/http://www.usmc.mil/moh.nsf/000003c919889c0385255f980058f5b6/0000033ba9f47a7385255fa4004ed693?OpenDocument |archivedate=July 14, 2007 }}
*[http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/HD/Historical/Whos_Who/Maxam_LL.htm Corporal Larry Leonard Maxam, USMC], ''Who's Who in Marine Corps History'', History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2006-06-23.
*{{Cite journal |url=http://www.dailynews.com/lifestyle/20150521/larry-maxam-the-real-meaning-of-memorial-day |title=Larry Maxam: the real meaning of Memorial Day. |accessdate=May 24, 2015 |author=Dennis McCarthy |journal=The LA Daily News |date=2015-05-21}}
*[http://www.usmc.mil/moh.nsf/000003c919889c0385255f980058f5b6/0000033ba9f47a7385255fa4004ed693?OpenDocument Cpl Larry L. Maxam, Medal of Honor, 1968, 1/4/3, Vietnam], Medal of Honor citation. Retrieved 2006-06-23.


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*Santelli, James S. [http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/usmchist/4thMarchtxtA Brief History of the 4th Marines], Historical Division, United States Marine Corps, 1970. Retrieved 2006-06-23.
*Santelli, James S. [http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/usmchist/4thMarchtxtA Brief History of the 4th Marines]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, Historical Division, United States Marine Corps, 1970. Retrieved 2006-06-23.


{{Persondata
|NAME= Maxam, Larry L.
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
|SHORT DESCRIPTION= [[United States Marine Corps]] [[Medal of Honor]] recipient
|DATE OF BIRTH= January 9, 1948
|PLACE OF BIRTH= [[Glendale, California]]
|DATE OF DEATH= February 2, 1968
|PLACE OF DEATH= [[Killed in action|KIA]] in Quang Tri Province, [[Vietnam]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Maxam, Larry L.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Maxam, Larry L.}}
[[Category:1948 births]]
[[Category:1948 births]]
[[Category:1968 deaths]]
[[Category:1968 deaths]]
[[Category:Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipients]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipients]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Purple Heart medal]]
[[Category:American recipients of the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps non-commissioned officers]]
[[Category:United States Marines]]
[[Category:Latter Day Saints from California]]
[[Category:American military personnel killed in the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:People from Glendale, California]]
[[Category:Vietnam War recipients of the Medal of Honor]]
[[Category:Burials in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps personnel killed in the Vietnam War]]

Latest revision as of 02:40, 2 November 2024

Larry Leonard Maxam
Born(1948-01-09)January 9, 1948
Glendale, California, U.S.
DiedFebruary 2, 1968(1968-02-02) (aged 20)
Cam Lo, Quảng Trị, South Vietnam
Place of burial
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service1965–1968
Rank Corporal
UnitCompany D, 1st Battalion 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Battles / warsVietnam War
AwardsMedal of Honor
Purple Heart
Presidential Unit Citation (United States), Navy Presidential Unit Citation
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal w/ 2 service stars
Vietnam Military Merit Medal
Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ palm
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Larry Leonard Maxam (January 9, 1948 – February 2, 1968) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the United States' highest military honor — the Medal of Honor — for heroism in the Vietnam War in February 1968,

Biography

[edit]

Larry Maxam was born on January 9, 1948, in Glendale, California. He attended Emerson Primary School, John Muir Junior High and Burbank High School, in Burbank, California, leaving the latter in 1964. Maxam was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Los Angeles on March 8, 1965. After completing recruit training with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in June 1965, he served briefly with the Casual Section of the 2nd Infantry Training Regiment at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. He then completed individual combat training with Company A, at Camp Pendleton, in July 1965. From August 1965 until February 1966, he served with the Marine Aviation Detachment, Naval Air Technical Training Center Jacksonville.

Transferred to the 2nd Battalion 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, he served as a rifleman with Company H. In November 1966, he joined the rolls of Company E, but served on temporary additional duty as a fireman with Headquarters and Service Company, Officer Candidates School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, and as a rifleman attached to Camp Garcia, Force Troops, Vieques, Puerto Rico. He was promoted to private first class on April 1, 1966, and to Lance Corporal on January 1, 1967.

As a lance corporal, Maxam next served as a rifleman with Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2/8, in the Caribbean, until May 1967. In July 1967, he arrived in the Republic of Vietnam, and served as a rifleman, radioman, and squad leader with Company D, 1st Battalion 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He was promoted to Corporal on October 1, 1967. While participating in Operation Kentucky on February 2, 1968, he was killed in action at Cam Lộ District Headquarters in Quảng Trị Province, Vietnam.

Maxam is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Oahu, Hawaii.[1]

Awards and honors

[edit]

Maxam's medals and decorations include:

A light blue ribbon with five white five pointed stars
Bronze star
Bronze star
Medal of Honor Purple Heart Navy Presidential Unit Citation National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal w/ 2 service stars Vietnam Military Merit Medal Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ palm Vietnam Campaign Medal

The name Larry L. Maxam is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ("The Wall") on Panel 36E, Row 078.[2]

Medal of Honor citation

[edit]

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

CORPORAL LARRY L. MAXAM
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 February 1968, the Cam Lo District Headquarters came under extremely heavy rocket, artillery, mortar, and recoilless rifle fire from a numerically superior enemy force, destroying a portion of the defensive perimeter. Corporal Maxam, observed the enemy massing for an assault into the compound across the remaining defensive wire, instructed his Assistant Fire Team Leader to take charge of the fire team, and unhesitatingly proceeded to the weakened section of the perimeter. Completely exposed to the concentrated enemy fire, he sustained multiple fragmentation wounds from exploding grenades as he ran to an abandoned machine gun and commenced to deliver effective fire on the advancing enemy. As the enemy directed maximum fire power against the determined Marine, Corporal Maxam's position received a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade, knocking him backwards and inflicting severe fragmentation wounds to his face and right eye. Although momentarily stunned and in intense pain, Corporal Maxam courageously resumed his firing position and subsequently was struck again by small arms fire. With resolute determination, he gallantly continued to deliver intense machine gun fire, causing the enemy to retreat through the defensive wire to positions of cover. In a desperate attempt to silence his weapon, the North Vietnamese threw hand grenades and directed recoilless rifle fire against him inflicting two additional wounds. Too weak to reload his machine gun, Corporal Maxam fell to a prone position and valiantly continued to deliver effective fire with his rifle. After one and a half hours, during which he was hit repeatedly by fragments from exploding grenades and concentrated small arms fire, he succumbed to his wounds, having successfully defended nearly one half of the perimeter single-handedly. Corporal Maxam's aggressive fighting spirit, inspiring valor and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

/S/ RICHARD M. NIXON

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.

Inline
  1. ^ Notable persons buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Retrieved 2006-06-23. Archived June 14, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ "Larry Leonard Maxam". mishalov.com. Retrieved 2006-07-04.
General

Further reading

[edit]