David Bendorf

David Bendorf
Navy Cross
Born	20 August 1946
Died	20 May 1967 (aged 20)
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Rank	Lance Corporal
Unit	Ninth Regiment, 3rd Marine Division
Wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Navy Cross

David Bendorf was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

Biography

Bendorf was born on August 20, 1946. His official residence was listed as Livingston, Wisconsin.^[1] After leaving school, Bendorf joined the Marines.

He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on 20 May 1967 during the Vietnam War. His award citation reads:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal David Glen Bendorf (MCSN: 2247275), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Machine Gun Team Leader of the Second Platoon of Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 May 1967. The company was moving to bring a relief force to an embattled sister company when it engaged a strong blocking force. Lance Corporal Bendorf and his gunner had volunteered to provide point for the platoon. When the enemy opened up in the darkness, he led his gunner to a foremost position and directed accurate fire into the enemy positions to support the assault. After a vicious exchange of fire and grenades, during which many Marines were wounded, the platoon was forced to withdraw and regroup. Lance Corporal Bendorf knew that without the firepower of his gun the platoon would be unable to recover the casualties and carry them back to safety. Calmly accepting whatever consequences their bravery might cost, he and his gunner held their position under heavy automatic fire and a barrage of grenades, allowing the others to pull out of the trap. Both men were aware that death was inevitable and they chose to face the enemy alone in the infested area. As a direct result of their heroic sacrifice, a successful assault was launched which relieved the pressure on the other company and saved an untold number of lives, if not the entire unit. His outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

References

1. ^ http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=4355

Persondata
Name	Bendorf, David
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	1946
Place of birth
Date of death	1967
Place of death