Cornelius J. Cashman

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Cornelius J. Cashman (291-42-6576), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, Fleet Marine Forces, operating against hostile enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. At about 0400 on 12 August 1969, Lance Corporal Cashman’s unit was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force of North Vietnamese Army regular soldiers. The listening post was taken under fire and unable to withdraw to friendly lines. One squad was directed to bring them back to the defensive perimeter. Lance Corporal Cashman unhesitatingly grabbed his M60 machine gun and ammunition and proceeded to accompany the rifle squad forward providing protective fire and verbal reassurance to the listening post that relief was on the way. As the enemy small arms, mortar, and grenade fire intensified around the Marines he moved more to the front to provide covering fire. Following the successful link-up the Marines began to withdraw, again supported by the violent and effective fire of Lance Corporal Cashman. He remained forward, single-handedly holding off the advance of the enemy company, while his fellow Marines returned to friendly lines. He was last seen alive firing his machine gun from his hip, killing, wounding, and stopping the onrushing enemy attackers. Lance Corporal Cashman was killed by enemy small arms fire, while holding his position, valiantly giving his life to ensure the safety of his fellow Marines. By his daring, heroic actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal risk, Lance Corporal Cashman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.