Hospital Corpsman Third Class Felle, Raymond A. Navy Bronze Star Medal The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to HOSPITAL CORPSMAN THIRD CLASS RAYMOND A. FELLE UNITED STATES NAVY For heroic achievement as Platoon Corpsman, 1st Platoon, Company K, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (REIN), FMF, in operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 March 1968. During the early evening hours Company K came under heavy enemy fire. Petty Officer Felle, upon hearing the call for a corpsman, rushed through the continuing barrage of mortar fire to the side of the fallen Marine. Seeing that the Marine was his platoon commander and that he was gravely wounded he called out to the platoon sergeant. Immediately the platoon sergeant rushed to Petty Officer Felle and together they began to administer aid to the injured lieutenant who was bleeding profusely from severe neck and body wounds. Simultaneously, a second long barrage of enemy mortar fire commenced. He had removed the lieutenant’s flak jacket while attempting to control the bleeding, and as the enemy mortar rounds began to fall, he, with complete disregard for his personal safety, placed his body over the lieutenant until the barrage ceased. Assisted by the platoon sergeant, Petty Officer Felle then positioned the wounded lieutenant on a poncho and dragged him the evacuation helicopter’s landing spot. As the helicopter began its descent enemy mortar fire recommenced. The helicopter hovered several feet off the ground due to the uneven terrain and enemy fire forcing he and the platoon sergeant to lift the wounded lieutenant several times before they were finally successful in placing him in the helicopter. Petty Officer Felle then assisted lifting a seriously wounded Gunnery Sergeant into the helicopter as enemy fire continued. Petty Officer Felle’s courage in the face of continuous enemy fire, initiative, and complete dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.