“In support of Operation HASTINGS, Company K was positioned in the middle of an enemy infested jungle to establish a blocking position at a major enemy trail network. Shortly after landing, the Company encountered a reinforced enemy platoon in a well-organized defensive position. In a portion of the perimeter adjacent to Lance Corporal Seath, a machine gunner was wounded and his weapon disabled by enemy fire. Recognizing the importance of stopping the enemy, Lance Corporal Seath moved quickly through withering automatic weapons fire to extract the inoperative machine gun. Working in pitch darkness with only the occasional flickering illumination from aircraft dropped flares above and suffering a leg and hand wound from mortar fire, Lance Corporal Seath expertly crafted an operational M-60 machine gun from the pieces of two disabled weapons. Immediately and with devastating effects, he directed deadly, accurate fire at the onrushing enemy. Heedless of his painful wounds, as his field of fire in the prone position became partially obscured by enemy casualties, Lance Corporal Seath stood up, fully exposed to the enemy’s assault. By his bold leadership, undaunted courage and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Seath reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. “
For extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer, Company 1,
Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 19 June to 8
July 1968. Captain Sexton was assigned to defend a ridgeline overlooking
National Route One approximately 2,000 meters southeast of the Khe Sanh
Combat Base. Despite sporadic mortar and artillery attacks, he established
a strong perimeter, developed a fire plan, and conducted offensive patrols
throughout the surrounding area. On the night of 30 June, when his position
came under attack by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force
supported by rocket, artillery, and mortar fire, Captain Sexton quickly
directed well coordinated supporting arms fire against the hostile positions
and consolidated his perimeter. When the enemy penetrated a sector of the
protective wire, he fearlessly moved to the point of heaviest contact,
rallied his men, and directed their fire against the enemy. Disregarding
his own safety, he skillfully adjusted highly accurate artillery fire around
the perimeter, forcing the hostile force to break contact and withdraw.
Throughout the night, Captain Sexton continued to direct supporting arms
fire against the retreating enemy and, on the following morning, dispatched
patrols to search out and destroy hidden hostile positions. During the day,
he adjusted air strikes by helicopter gunships and fixed-wing aircraft
against the enemy's withdrawal routes until assured that his vital Position
was secure. His sustained heroism in the face of a numerically superior,
determined North Vietnamese Army force inspired all who observed him and
contributed immeasurably to his unit accounting for 212 North Vietnamese
soldiers confirmed killed and 77 weapons seized. By his courage, intrepid
fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk,
Captain Sexton upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the
United States Naval Service.