This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Tommy Burgdorf (Birddog), FC2
to remember
Casey, Robert Michael, HM3.
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Casualty Info
Home Town Guttenberg, NJ
Last Address Guttenberg, NJ
Casualty Date May 16, 1968
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Gun, Small Arms Fire
Location Quang Nam (Vietnam)
Conflict Vietnam War
Location of Interment Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum - North Arlington, New Jersey
The 16 May fight for the fortified hamlet at Phu Dong was the first major engagement in Operation Allen Brook, aimed at clearing VC and NVA forces from Go Noi Island, formed by the confluence of the Ky Lam, Ba Ren, and Chiem Son Rivers.
At Phu Dong, three companies of Marines assaulted dug-in North Vietnamese Army regulars from the newly-arrived 36th Regiment, 308th NVA Division. By days' end the NVA had been forced from Phu Dong, leaving more than 130 dead behind. In addition to 38 wounded, the Marines lost 25 men killed in action:
The branch Medical Clinic at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan,
is dedicated to HM3 Robert M. Casey.
Comments/Citation:
Name of Award
Navy Cross
Year Awarded
1968
Details behind Award:
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Third Class Robert Michael Casey (NSN: B-111377), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 16 May 1968 while serving as a Corpsman with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation ALLEN BROOK, Company G was moving through a fortified village in Quang Nam Province to engage an estimated 200 North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Suddenly, the point elements came under heavy enemy fire, sustaining numerous casualties. Petty Officer Casey unhesitatingly moved forward under the intense hostile fire and administered medical aid to one of the wounded Marines. Although wounded himself, he disregarded his own injury as he proceeded to another casualty to render medical treatment. Wounded again while assisting his comrade, Petty Officer Casey steadfastly continued his efforts and moved to the aid of still another casualty, receiving two additional wounds while treating the Marine. When other Marines moved forward to evacuate Petty Officer Casey, he adamantly refused to leave the battle area, stating that he wanted to continue to treat the wounded. After being evacuated to the rear by his companions, he encouraged the casualties around him and provided instructions to others in applying battle dressings. Upon hearing a wounded Marine call for aid, Petty Officer Casey dauntlessly crawled to the man and, while treating his injuries, was mortally wounded. By his unflagging courage, selfless concern for the welfare of his comrades, and unfaltering devotion to duty, Petty Officer Casey upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Action Date: 16-May-68
Service: Navy
Rank: Hospitalman Third Class
Company: Corpsman (Attached), Company G
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Regiment: 7th Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase IV Campaign (68)/Operation Allen Brook
From Month/Year
May / 1968
To Month/Year
June / 1968
Description May 4 – Aug 24; 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Battalions, 27th Marines and 2nd Battalion, 13th Marines operation in the southern Quảng Nam Province.
The Viet Cong liked to fortify ambush sites and wait for the Americans to discover them. During Operation Allen Brook, three battalions of Marines swept through No Goi Island and found lots of Viet Cong ready to fight from bunkers near the village of Le Bac. During several days of bloody assaults, the Marines suffered 138 killed and 686 wounded (576 seriously) before the surviving Viet Cong fled. The extreme heat resulted in another 283 Marines evacuated due to heat stroke. Having suffered 50% causalities, Allen Brook was halted until fresh Marine units arrived.
