Ronald Dunham Smillie, Jr.

Branch of Service or Wartime Activity: U.S. Navy
Enlisted
Service dates: 1951 to 1980
Highest Rank: HMCS / Senior Chief Hospital Corps
Unit, Division, Battalion, Group, Ship, etc. 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Div/ FMF PAC
War, operation, or conflict served in: Republic of Vietnam
Locations of service: Phubi near Hue City, South Vietnam
Battles/Campaigns: Operations Hastings, 1966
Medals or special awards: Vietnamese service medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Company Action Ribbon
Special duties / highlights / achievements: Coordinate the evacuation of the wounded and treat the wounded
Was the veteran a prisoner of war? No
Did the veteran sustain combat or service-related injuries? No
Addional Bio Info: I was Co-Chief/ USN with Co-Chief/USN Zemblica of 3rd Batt/4th Marines which attacked in NVA in northern South Vietnam. It was a multi battalion operation; five battalions altogether. My battalion landed right in the middle of the NVA counter effort of our battalion had to fight out way out like bubble rising to the top. We lost two helicopters on the landing. We suffered about 43% casualties but won the battle. The 3rd batt/4th Marines received “Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm” for the action in this operation.
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Copyright 2008 by Veterans History Project First Coast