Floyd GORDON Book, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Floyd Gordon Book, Jr. (US-MC-2130395), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Book distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 7 September 1969, while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in the Republic of Vietnam. When his unit made heavy contact with a large enemy force, Specialist Fourth Class Book, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved forward to the point of most intense conflict and began assisting with return fire. When he noticed an enemy soldier about to throw a grenade into a concentration of friendly forces, he reacted quickly exposing himself to heavy fire in order to kill the enemy. On numerous occasions, Specialist Fourth Class Book assisted in knocking out enemy positions, using his knowledge of the enemy’s language to encourage their surrender. His display of personal bravery and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Navy Award) to Floyd Gordon Book, Jr. (US-MC-2130395), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Combined Action Platoon D-1, Sub-Unit ONE, Service Company, Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 June 1967. During a patrol in the Tra Khe (2) area, Lance Corporal Book observed the patrol’s radioman fall into a camouflaged punji pit and heard the fuse of a Viet Cong grenade activated by the Marine’s fall. Reacting instantly, he warned his companions of the danger and quickly moved to his comrade’s aid. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Book pulled the radioman from the pit and pushed him away s the grenade exploded harmlessly. His timely and courageous actions at great personal risk were an inspiration to all who observed him and undoubtedly saved his companion’s life. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Book upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.