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2017 SESSION
17103696DWHEREAS, on April 21, 1967, Private First Class Gary W. Martini, USMC, made the ultimate sacrifice in the Binh Son district of Vietnam, posthumously earning the Medal of Honor for his heroism and courageous efforts to save the lives of wounded fellow Marines; and
WHEREAS, a native of Lexington, Gary Martini was possessed of a desire to serve his country and joined the United States Marine Corps on March 3, 1966; he deployed to Vietnam in December 1966 and joined Company F, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division; and
WHEREAS, while on patrol in support of Operation Union in the Binh Son district, Private First Class Martini’s unit encountered an entrenched enemy position and came under heavy fire while crossing an open rice paddy; and
WHEREAS, the ambush killed 14 Marines and wounded 18 others, forcing the rest of the unit into cover behind a low dike; Private First Class Martini left the safety of the dike, crawled to within 15 meters of the enemy positions, and hurled hand grenades to suppress the enemy; and
WHEREAS, with full knowledge that one Marine had already been killed attempting to rescue the wounded men laying in the paddy, Private First Class Martini then raced through the open and dragged one Marine back to safety; and
WHEREAS, without hesitation and, in spite of a serious wound he had received, Private First Class Martini attempted to rescue a second Marine in an exposed position only 20 meters from the enemy; and
WHEREAS, while rescuing the second man, Private First Class Martini received a mortal wound, but instructed the rest of the platoon to remain in cover and summoned the strength to continue dragging the man to safety, before succumbing to his wounds; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Martini’s conspicuous gallantry under enemy fire helped to ensure the safety of the remaining platoon members and saved the lives of two fellow Marines; and
WHEREAS, Martini Hall at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, and Martini Hall at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton are both named in honor of Private First Class Martini, ensuring that future generations of Marines learn from his courage, fighting spirit, and selfless dedication to duty; and
WHEREAS, Gary Martini is fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous family members, friends, and fellow Marines; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the life and legacy of Private First Class Gary W. Martini, USMC, hereby be commemorated on the 50th anniversary of his death; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Private First Class Gary W. Martini, USMC, as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s admiration for his service and respect for his memory.