This Veterans Day Sunday we will be blessed to hear from William Robert Hutton, a Silver Star recipient who received this honor due his brave actions during the Vietnam War.
Bill Hutton enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965-1969 and was assigned to the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division during his tour of duty in Vietnam (1966). While serving in Vietnam, he was wounded three times with the last occurring on September 28, 1966 while leading his company up Hill 400, which was well fortified with North Vietnamese machine gun bunkers and had held off the Marine Company for two days. For his actions, Bill was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart medal with second star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
After returning to the states, Bill was assigned to the Military Police in Santa Ana, California. While serving in that capacity, he was sent on temporary orders to attend the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy for an intense 16 week course in law enforcement procedures. After graduation, Bill returned to the Marine Air Facility in Santa Ana and was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Bill was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant (E-6) in 1969.
In April, 1969, Bill joined the ranks of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department where he served in every major division including narcotics for over thirty five years. In 1993, Bill was awarded the Medal for Bravery and the Distinguished Service Award for saving the life of a fellow deputy whose weapon had been taken in a struggle with a “Hell’s Angel” motorcycle club member who was under the influence of heroin.
Bill has been a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart since 1997 and has held every leadership position in the Order up to and now including, National Senior Vice Commander. Bill is most proud of his work as a Department Service Officer and his close relationship with the hard working National Service Officers who provide services to our veterans and their families through the National Service Program of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Bill’s agenda for this year is to support the efforts of his National Commander while the Order navigates a year providing more services to veterans with less financial support due to the economical times. Further, he is committed to continuing his support of veteran’s events throughout the nation as well as assisting departments and chapters with these endeavors.
To learn more about the Military Order of the Purple Heart and its programs, visit the Web site at www.purpleheart.org.
Below is the citation Bill received for his actions:
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William Robert Hutton (MCSN: 2141953), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 September 1966. During Operation PRAIRIE in Quang Tri Province, Corporal Hutton was with the point element during the fifth and final assault on well fortified North Vietnamese bunkers located on Hill 400. As the company size force approached the hill, it suddenly came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire, killing the point man. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Hutton braved the heavy fire in an attempt to recover the body of his fellow Marine but was ordered back to a covered position. Realizing that four previous point men had been killed on the narrow jungle trail, he selflessly volunteered to lead the Company in its advance toward the enemy positions, which had prevented his Battalion from taking the hill for two days. Fearlessly, he crawled up the trail to within fifteen meters of the enemy fortifications and courageously exposed himself to machine gun fire to provide covering rifle fire for his fellow Marines, who destroyed the position with grenades. When he observed an incoming grenade fall near his Platoon Commander, he quickly knocked his Platoon Commander to the ground, saving him from serious injury. Despite painful wounds to his face and arms from the exploding grenade, Corporal Hutton continued to deliver accurate rifle fire that was instrumental in repelling an enemy counterattack. In the fierce two hour fire fight that followed, his brave and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and greatly contributed to the successful completion of his unit’s mission. By his initiative, relentless fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Corporal Hutton upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: September 28, 1966
