This web site and our work to help veterans is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Lawrence Gross’s uncle, Leo Vernon Beaulieu (born Sept. 2, 1944), who was killed in Quang Tin province, Vietnam on May 16, 1966.  For his service, he was posthumously presented the Navy Cross and Purple Heart as per the following citation:

"For extraordinary heroism as a machine gunner serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 May 1966. Private Beaulieu’s squad was engaged in search and destroy operations against Communist insurgent forces when it was ambushed by a Viet Cong force of sixty men. Heavy machine gun and automatic rifle fire from three sides pinned down the squad in an area offering little or no protection. Private Beaulieu was hit in the first volley of fire and knocked away from his machine gun. Although critically wounded in the chest, he crawled back to his gun and put it into action, delivering heavy, accurate fire on the enemy. He refused to take advantage of the limited cover available in order to bring punishing fire on the ambushing force, and as a result he was hit a second time as the machine gun malfunctioned. Still disregarding his own personal safety, he worked desperately to clear the weapon, and while doing so he received a third wound, which was fatal. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, he kept the enemy at a distance until reinforcements arrived, and enabled most of the members of his squad to be rescued. Private Beaulieu’s calm and courageous actions under hostile fire upheld the highest traditions of the United State Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom."

Leo Vernon Beaulieu