While Operation Scotland II continued, it was decided that the hills surrounding Khe Sahn would be abandoned along with Khe Sahn itself. Delta Company had moved to Hill 689 in June 1968 and suffered it's heaviest losses before leaving in July.
6/28/68 Cpl Charles Crockett mortor fire.
7/1/68 LCpl John Lecompte rifle fire MIA until 7/13/68
7/1/68 LCpl James Williams
7/1/68 Cpl Nicolas Buffin rifle fire while in a night defensive position.
7/2/68 Cpl John Hansard died of wounds 7/15/68 Yokohama Gen. Hosp.
7/2/68 LCpl Marlin Callies died of wounds 7/7/68 USS Sanctuary.
7/3/68 LCpl John Carter rpg.
7/5/68 LCpl Raymond Bunch grenade on line patrol.
7/5/68 LCpl Arthur Dilworth grenade on line patrol. Recovered on 7/12/68
7/5/68 LCpl Timothy Gilkey fragments on line patrol.
7/5/68 PFC Joseph Jones rifle fire on line patrol.
7/5/68 Sgt David Langley rifle fire on line patrol.
7/5/68 2nd Lt Henry Ledford rifle fire on line patrol.
7/5/68 LCpl William Reyes fragments on line patrol. Recovered on 7/12/68
7/5/68 LCpl Gerard Sanders rifle fire on line patrol.
7/5/68 LCpl Louis Thompson rifle fire on line patrol. Recovered on 7/12/68
7/5/68 LCpl Robert Williams fragments on line patrol. Recovered on 7/11/68
7/5/68 PFC Jon Woodard rifle fire on line patrol.
7/5/68 LCpl Jerry Dewberry MIA not recovered while on line patrol.
7/7/68 PFC Ronald Coleman grenade on recovery patrol.
7/7/68 PFC Joseph Thomas mortor fire on recovery patrol.
7/7/68 PFC Michael Singer rifle fire.
This may or may not be a complete list and we are attempting to put together an accurate narrative of events.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Michael Ernest Singer (MCSN: 2367488), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer with Company D, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 July 1968, Private First Class Singer was manning an observation post at the Company D defensive position on Hill 689 in the vicinity of Khe Sanh when a patrol moved forward of the perimeter. Advancing approximately 100 meters, the patrol suddenly came under intense automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Singer unhesitatingly left his covered position and ran across the fire-swept area where he began assisting the wounded to the relative safety of the perimeter. Undaunted by the accurate hostile fire impacting around him, he repeatedly moved forward and assisted in evacuating his wounded comrades to covered positions. Although wounded twice, he refused to be medically evacuated in order to remain with his besieged company. On the night of 7 July, the enemy launched an intensive barrage of automatic weapons and mortar fire on his company's position. Concerned only for the welfare of his comrades, Private First Class Singer fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire as he carried wounded Marines to positions of relative safety. While assisting a casualty to a more covered area, Private First Class Singer was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. His heroic actions and sincere concern for the safety of his comrades inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of several Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Singer upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: July 5 & 7, 1968