SGT RICHARD C. SCANIO
C Bty, 6th Bn, 29th Field Artillery (RVN)
Awarded the Silver Star
March 26, 1968
His Citation Reads:
For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Richard C. Scanio distinguished himself
while serving as a section chief with Battery C, 6th Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 4th Infantry Division.
On 26 March 1968, a predawn attack was launched on SGT Scanio's battery position by 2
battalions pf enemy infantry supported by mortars and rockets. During initial contact
a mortar round ignited an ammunition bunker in the howitzer section. Disregarding his
own personal safety, SGT Scanio led several members of his section through a heavy barrage
to extinguish the fire. SGT Scanio then devoted his efforts to evacuating several critically
wounded men from his howitzer position to safety. He then directed his section to turn
it's howitzer toward the advancing enemy, who had breached the perimeter and were now
inside. For 2 hours, SGT Scanio's howitzer fired directly into the enemy forces with
such devastating intensity that the enemy attack was soon broken. His brave actions
prevented the enemy from over running the entire battery, thus contributing immensely
to the fire base defense.
