VIETNAM WAR

Squad Leader

LIMA COMPANY, moving along a ridgeline south of Con Thien, was attacked by a large NVA force and was taking casualties. The Marines dropped down and returned fire as the officers and NCOs tried to organize the fight. Suddenly the cry went up, “Grenade!” immediately followed by several explosions. Enemy troops had penetrated within a few feet of the front line in dense undergrowth and were throwing grenades at close range. Sergeant Marshall Jesperson, a squad leader in the 3rd Platoon, decided it was up to him to deal with this threat. On his order, the squad stood up and attacked into the thicket. There was a crescendo of small arms fire accompanied by shouts and the sounds of close-in fighting with bayonets and knives. The fight was swift and brutal as the Marines cleared out the threat to their lines.

The Lima Company commander later thought about the actions of his squad leader and the young Marines under him:

Marshall Jesperson. He realized what had to be done, and he did it. No one told him to lead the way into the thicket . . . He did what he did because it had to be done. More importantly, those eighteen- and nineteen-year-old Marines followed him. They could have stayed in their fighting holes. No one held a roll call. They followed Sergeant Jesperson into the thicket. That was the key.

Initiative is the hallmark of Marine officers and NCOs. The history, traditions, and training methods of the Corps are aimed at building this quality. The result is usually capable, forceful leaders. Ultimately, however, the troops who follow them bear the burden, pay the cost, and win the victory. Somehow young men and women of faith and courage have always stepped forward to shoulder the burden of defending our nation. Thankfully, it is no different today. May God bless and protect each one of them.