Colonel Stephen Lampo • Marines • 1941 – 1991 • Vietnam • Colonel Stephen Lampo, United States Marine Corps
Silver Star Recipient
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Stephen F. Lampo (MCSN: 0-101221), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Liaison Officer with the First Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 31 January 1968, the Hue Headquarters of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam came under intense hostile rocket and mortar fire supporting an aggressive ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force. When his unit sustained several casualties, First Lieutenant Lampo assisted in moving the wounded to a helicopter landing zone and, undaunted by the hostile fire impacting around him, quickly embarked the casualties aboard the medical evacuation helicopter. Later in the day, a convoy of reinforcements was ambushed near his unit’s position. Upon being informed of the situation he rapidly organized a reaction force and led the men to the ambush site. Arriving at the location he ignored the hostile fire and embarked several casualties aboard a vehicle which delivered them to a medical facility. Continuing his determined efforts, he unhesitatingly returned to the hazardous area and transported the remainder of the wounded men to the aid station. On numerous occasions during the period 31 January to 7 February 1968, First Lieutenant Lampo fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire in order to supervise the evacuation of casualties and the movement of critically needed supplies from the helicopter landing zone to his unit’s position. On one occasion, he skillfully led a six man patrol to retrieve a vast amount of weapons and ammunition which had been abandoned in a building 300 meters from his unit. Arriving at the site, the men came under a heavy volume of hostile fire. Reacting instantly, he directed the delivery of suppressive fire upon the hostile emplacements forcing the enemy to flee. By his courage, superb leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Lampo inspired all who served with him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue
