Cpl. Stephen E. Austin, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment was posthumously awarded with the Navy Cross July 21 for his bravery during the Vietnam War in 1968.
Commandant of the Marine Corps General Robert B. Neller presented the award to Austin’s daughter Neily Esposito and brother Allen Austin during the 50th anniversary reunion for 1st Battalion 27th Marine Regiment. The Navy Cross is the second highest valor award after the Medal of Honor.
Neily, who was born shortly after Austin deployed, never had the chance to meet her father physically, but developed a bond with him through stories told by his family and fellow Marines.
“If I had a choice, I would’ve loved to have met him, but I think this experience has helped me grow closer to him. Just meeting people that knew him or knew of him is so overwhelming,” said Esposito. “I wish I had a dad but being around all these people fills that void.”
Austin was killed June 8, 1968 in Quang Nam Province, during Operation Allen Brook. He was pinned down with his squad by an enemy machine-gun bunker. Austin, realizing that regrouping to another position to wait for an airstrike would result in more casualties, exposed himself to enemy fire to get close enough to throw a grenade into the bunker.
Wounded repeatedly by enemy fire, Austin continued to advance on the bunker. With the last bit of life remaining in him, Austin was able to throw a grenade up into the bunker slit to silence the enemy and assure a safe withdrawal of his platoon. The combination of rifle fire and the explosion of his own grenade resulted in Austin’s death.
When his body was recovered, a letter written the day before his death was found in his pocket. The letter highlighted the struggles Marines faced during the Vietnam War.
“On my birthday things didn’t go too good,” read the letter to his family. “One of my best friends who I met in Hawaii was shot twice in the stomach and he died the following afternoon. His name was Art Sinksen. I am going to write his parents a letter as soon as I go in to Battalion area. I am so sick of fighting I’ve seen and helped to many boys my age or younger that was wounded or dead. I thank the Lord each morning I get up.”
Austin never made it to battalion area and was never able to write the letter to Sinksen’s family. Like Sinksen and many Marines before him, Austin made the ultimate sacrifice for his brothers at arms.
“I think he exemplified many of the other Marines. Vietnam, there was a lot of bravery and courage that the media never really covered over here in the United States. It was really all negative publicity,” Allen said. “They never heard about the bravery and courage these men under fire showed and gave their lives for and that’s what he did, he gave his life for his fellow Marines.”
Since 1992, Allen has operated a website, stephenaustin.org honoring his brother and his fellow 1/27 Marines. The website played a major role in Austin being nominated for the Silver Star, which was upgraded to a Navy Cross after the Office of the Secretary of the Navy learned of Austin’s bravery.
Though 50 years have passed since Austin’s brave act, Allen is excited to know that his brother’s bravery will never be forgotten.
“It’s overwhelming. I’m so proud of him,” Allen said. “he’s finally recognized for what he did that day.”
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Thank you so much for your Service and Sacrifice Cpl. Austin. Muddy
It is wonderful that these true warriors are not forgotten. They gave their lives, not for a just war but for their fellow Marines in order to help them live for another minute, hour, day, week and hopefully go home, scared but alive. These cockie kids in green paid their dues with loss of life and limb and sight and for what but their friends, their fellow Marines. Semper Fi, brothers.
Cpl. Muddy’s bravery is one of the reasons we have a free country. Semper FI. RIP brother.
Cpl. Stephan Austin should now be placed on the noble list for the Medal of Honor. Semper Fi My brother and every bodies hero!! . You will always be remembered and loved for your bravery.
Semiper Fi and so proud to call you “brother”. 2nd Battalion 26th Marines. 1968-1969. Vietnam 69.
Cpl.Austin did what every marine that ever wore the title of marine has done for his fellow marines. gave it all with disregard for his own safety & paid with his life to save another. there has to be a special place for him in heaven where he can be at ease. RIP BROTHER, YOU DESERVED IT
Semper Fi, and R.I.P. Cpl. Austin!! Allen Austin is right about the negative & Fake news from the press in 68. I was at home watching Mr. Cronkite & his cronies in june 68, and then Me and my brother both signed up for the U.S.M.C. We both served with the 1st. Mar. Div. in Viet-Nam in 69-70, and fortunately we both came home in one piece, But we never forgot , and never will ! Thank you Allen Austin for keeping the memory of your brother ALIVE. Marines die, but the CORPS Lives Forever!
Why the Hxxx, did it take 50 years for Cpl. Allen Austin to get his Navy Cross? Where were the Officers and senior NCOs in charge of this operation? Even his fellow Marines should have said something! I know that if I was there and this MARINE save my bacon. I would be telling someone about it. Thank God, they were able to recover this body. Semper Fi. RIP Cpl. Austin!!! I was in Nam 67-68 and was a radar tech, on Monkey Mountain and never fired my rifle at anyone. Thank God, I was good in Math and science classes. I served 7 years active and 13 years active reserves 10 years inactive reserves and retired a Master Sergeant. I wear a US Marine Corps hat and shirt every day. Semper Fi God Bless our Marine Corps and All Marines everywhere!
I agree with you James. I was over there 18 months and all I have to say is if he were an officer he would have had it with in 6 months. Tell me I am wrong. At least from what I saw.
Sometimes these things just slip through the cracks ,so to speak It depends how the after action reports and,citations are written and the eyewitness accounts are taken.I do agree that some officers will receive awards,some undeserved, one prominent former Secretary of State comes to mind. I just broke my own rule on politics Sorry! So yes I agree with you Sgt. Salute to the Family of Cpl. Austin .Semper Fi Harry
Harry where in Washington County did you say you lived???? If I am ever out that way I would like to meet you.
Marianna Pa.Small coal town south of the city of Washington.Just say the word and we’ll get together.We could meet somewhere around Washington.Harry
Harry we could meet in Bentleyville at the BOOMTOWN GRILL 704 Main St. That is Rt 917. That is about 1/2 between you and me. Right now I have some medical stuff going on. With any luck I should be good to go with in the next 2-4 weeks. I will keep my eye out for you on this web sight and get in touch when I am well. Sgt Bob Sisson
Msgt Alexander, I was with the 5th Marine Regiment in Viet Nam 67-68-69. During all that time I never knew anyone who fought naked. Whether in the air providing ground cover or in supply in Colorado it took all of us to get the job done ! When your boots rotted off you were issued a new pair; you were assigned weapons, ammunition , communication equipment , & others to get the assignments completed ! ( The most important person in a restaurant is the one who cleans the toilet when needed. ) I have had men die in my arms doing things for which other received credit . Having read the accounts it is my personal belief that Cpl Austin should have been awarded The Medal of Honor as he, along with countless others in all branches of the service , raised their right hand & took an oath , on which their is no expiration date – we are dedicated and committed to this country. It is truly unfortunate that it took so long for his sacrifice to be recognized.
I was on Allen Brooke when this happened, even the battalion comander walked away decorated. I had a buddie die who saved his buddies on a mine sweep detail later and he got no award. He was not liked by the leadership… a good Marine in the field and in trouble on liberty, the hallmark of a real Marine. Then we have the John Kerry’s who spend a short time in country and leave highly decorated. No wonder Americans have a distorted view of heroism.
SEMPER FI my brother. I know you are on duty at the golden gates! You and many of our brothers and sisters sacrificed for all us even those who protested us, thank you! Charles Bryson 2/4 67-68 Dong Ha and Dai Do. 5th Marines 1970 An Hoa.
God Rest His Soul, Semper Fi.
SEMPER FI ,BROTHER
As a veteran of the Korean War (Including Inchon,,Wonson and the Chosin I feel the real hero’s are those who did not come back CWFM
How is this NOT a MOH? He gave his life saving other Marines. His tenacity in getting to that bunker was incredible. You know that he knew he was going to die after he was hit and continued on to knock oot that bunker!!! Around the time of his bravery I was just arriving in country. I was a Plt Cmdr down on Go Noi Island on Allen Brook II mopping up what was left after Cpl Austin and other 27th Marines left behind …not much!! Where do such men come from? Semper Fi, Corporal Rest Peacefully
It is that simple statement we Marines all know… “We are Brothers, Family. We fight for the Brother to our left. Our right… In front of us and behind.” We do this not for recognition, but because of our love for our fellow Marine. Family. Rest Easy Brother, Semper Fi.
As a vietnam veteran and former Navy Corpsman, I salute this courageous Marine. This act of bravery was long overdue for recognition of one of the finest that ever fought for this country! Semper Fi Respectfuly, Irving A. Cohen LPN
Now it’s known, and will never be forgotten. Linger on this incredible act of bravery for a few moments. It was all Col. Steve Austin. The fear, the adrenalin, the absolutely knowing what must be done to save his brother Marines. And that was to BE a Marine. God Bless young men like these. Thank God for Marines like Col. Austin. Semper Fi’! Enjoy your permanent duty station in Heaven. You saw Hell on earth.
Its Marines like this past, present, and future that keep the Corps tradition as being the best fighting force in the world!
We never forget. And will always remember, once a Marine always a Marine. There life was are life to live. Never forgotten. 68-69. G 2/26 SemperFi….
Yes God Bless Cpl Austin and all our Brother Marines. Every Service man and woman past, present and future. Served from 1958-1962,reserves 62′-64. Cpl Waldo Searcy USMC….
RIP, Marine – well done. Semper Fi. Thank you, Austin family.
Semper Fi. RIP with the rest of our brothers.
R.I.P My brother Marine, I was also on Operation Allen Brook mopping up. I was with G/2/27 from 22Jun68 to 16Jul68. Cpl Austin a brave Marine protecting his men, a job well done.
Simper Fi my Brother, Semper Fi. As long as you keep him in your heart he will always be walking beside you.
Your actions and sacrifice brought tears to my eyes. Thanks.
Cpl. Austin and men like him are why we don’t lose. As a former Soldier and Marine Reservist, I met and was trained by many like him. My father was a member of the 5th Engineer Bn.,5th Marine Division and his company was attached to the 27th Marines during the battle for Iwo jima where he earned his Purple Heart, but saw many of his buddies die. He was modest about his contribution, but not theirs. I think of people like Cpl. Austin from the War for Independence to today and often give them a silent thanks for the life I’ve led. I will raise a glass to him soon.
Semper Fi Cpl Austin, from the article: “I think he exemplified many of the other Marines. Vietnam, there was a lot of bravery and courage that the media never really covered over here in the United States. It was really all negative publicity,” Allen said.” I think this line goes to show that fake news did not suddenly appear during the current Presidency. It’s existed for a long time. If anyone has watched Ken Burn’s Vietnam special you will notice that he has as many war protestors and draft dodgers in the series (perhaps more) as he has war veterans. Why? Because these are his heroes… If this offends someone because this appears political I don’t regret saying it. We need to start getting back that spine in this country where people didn’t have to walk around on eggshells for fear of ‘offending someone’. Semper Fi, over and out…..
Wow Shawn!You hit a homerun there.I watched the first episode of the “Leftest” Ken Burns doc that was enough for me! Harry
A shame it took 50 years. Changes need to be made. Fellow Marine, RVN 66-67.J
It’s shame for a Brave Marine to be recognized too late for his unselfish heroic actions to save his fellow Marines. God bless you. US Army Vietnam Veteran