Lt. John L. Fuller, Jr., USMC
Class of 1966
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
- Fuller was awarded the Navy Cross (posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in Vietnam 23 March 1967, while serving as Platoon Leader, Third Platoon, Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force.
- Fuller's Navy Cross citation reads in relevant part as follow:
"…Second Lieutenant Fuller's platoon was maneuvering toward the fortified village of Dai Khuong 1, Quang Nam Province, when they were undertaken by intense small arms, mortar and recoilless rifle fire from a well-entrenched enemy force. Moving with the lead squad, Second Lieutenant Fuller was wounded by the initial burst of fire. Unmindful of his wound, he stationed himself to direct fire on the advancing enemy and while positioning and encouraging his men, he was struck again by enemy fire. Although suffering from a severe loss of blood he courageously began maneuvering toward the radio position of the platoon, with the intention of directing artillery fire on the enemy, knowing it would save the lives of the other Marines. In his advance toward the radio, he received his fatal wound; however, his profound sense of duty and determination enabled him to reach the radio, but he lost consciousness and subsequently died of his wounds while attempting to call in the artillery fire. Inspired by his apparent calm, valiant fighting spirit and dynamic leadership, his Marines went on to defeat the Viet Cong in this fierce battle. Second Lieutenant Fuller's daring initiative and his undying devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."