Oversights during the Vietnam “Fog of War” occurred from time to time but after some passage of time, and extensive research, U.S. Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance warriors are not forgotten. The following details have recently come to light that will help counter the “Forgotten Warriors” cliché regarding one of our elite Force Reconnaissance units.

During the course of the past year, due diligence to details and dedicated staff at the 2nd Marine Division G-1, Awards Branch, Camp Lejeune, NC, conducted an in-depth research project into some of the notable combat actions involving members of the 1st, 5th, and 3rd Platoons, Forward Detachment, 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, 3rd Marine Division. They are now prepared to share this preliminary information with the Force Reconnaissance community regarding the Detachment's honorable and heroic tour of duty in the Republic of South Vietnam from 1966 to 1967.

During this momentous research effort, it became apparent that 3 rd Force Recon Detachment lost its Unit Identification Code soon after arriving in Vietnam ; and, it remained lost for the past 40 years.  Thus, their crucially significant and decisive combat actions, in some instances, were never appropriately documented. Every effort has been made to locate members of the detachment and interview them about their experiences in Vietnam .  Several interviews were conducted with sworn witness statements being provided that resulted in a new page being added to the proud history of the U.S. Marine Corps and Force Reconnaissance operations in Vietnam .

The result of this project determined that an oversight in Vietnam Command Chronologies needed updating. This research project also resulted in overwhelming recommendations to belatedly recognize approximately 35 members of the 3 rd Force Recon Detachment with awards for their brave actions against the enemy in Vietnam .

The additional awards range from The Navy Commendation Medal to The Navy Cross Medal and include a nomination for Major James Capers (USMC Ret.) for the Congressional Medal of Honor.  Some awards are updates of earlier personal awards.

As most of you already know, the awards process could take several years to completely come to fruition now that credible nominations have been made. But, for the time being, the researchers wanted to let you know that the process has been initiated and the awards have been signed and approved by Colonel Bill Floyd (USMC Ret.) and Colonel Gary Wilder (USMC Ret.) and endorsed by the Honorable Walter Jones, Congressman from North Carolina, Major General James L. Williams, 4th Marine Division Commander, and Lt. General Keith Stalder, 2d MEF Commander.

At this juncture, all involved 3 rd Force Recon Detachment members anxiously await the decisions of Headquarters Marine Corps and the U.S. Congress. Further updates will be forthcoming. Semper Fidelis!