RONALD J. DREZ
HOME OF RECORD:
New Orleans, LA
AWARD BY DATE OF ACTION:
December 8, 1968
BRONZE STAR
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING Vietnam War
Service: United States Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
Company: Hotel
Battalion: Second Battalion
Regiment: Fifth Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
BRONZE STAR MEDAL to
CAPTAIN RONALD J. DREZ
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
For service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
“For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam whole serving as the Commanding Officer of Company H, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division. On 8 December 1968, during Operation Meade River, Company H came under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from a large, well-entrenched enemy force. Disregarding his own safety, Captain Drez skillfully maneuvered his unit to an advantageous position and directed the fire of his men against the enemy. Throughout the night, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he moved from one position to another, coordinating supporting fires and encouraging his men. Early in the morning, Captain Drez organized a small reaction group and led an aggressive assault against a heavily fortified enemy bunker. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting nearby, he continued to advance until his men overran the hostile position and silenced the enemy fire. His resolute determination and bold fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. Captain Drez’ courage, superb leadership, and unfaltering devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.”
Captain Drez is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.
FOR THE PRESIDENT,
H. W. BUSE, JR.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC