EN3 Kevin Gillotte

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Engineman Third Class Kevin Gillotte, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 11 January 1969 while serving with United States forces engaged in riverine assault operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with River Assault Division 92, River Assault Squadron NINE, River Assault Flotilla ONE, Task Force 117 (TF-117). With Petty Officer Gillotte embarked as Engineer, Assault Support Patrol Boat (ASPB) 92-8 was assigned as a participating unit of Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT. The craft had moored in a night defensive position alongside an Army LCM-8 Mobile Fire Support Base on a shallow, narrow canal when ASPB 92-8 came under sudden mortar attack, finding itself in the center of the impact area. Although wounded in the leg, Petty Officer Gillotte responded immediately to the seriousness of the situation by assisting the boat captain in rousing the crew to man their stations, and then made his way forward to throw off the entangled mooring line. Standing exposed to incoming mortar rounds on the forecastle of the boat, Petty Officer Gillotte was again wounded by shrapnel, but eventually succeeded in freeing the fouled line. Upon hearing the cries of the machine gunner, he climbed on top of the gun mount, removed his seriously wounded shipmate, rendered immediate medical aid, and threw his own body over the incapacitated victim to shield him from further injury. After ASPB 92-8 cleared the kill zone, Petty Officer Gillotte risked harmful burns when he entered the engine compartment to work on an engine damaged by shrapnel that caused extreme overheating. He remained at his station tending the damaged engine until the boat secured alongside a landing ship on the main river; only then allowing himself to be relieved in order to seek medical attention. His inspiring courage and selfless dedication were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Action Date: 11-Jan-69
Service: Navy
Rank: Engineman Third Class
Company: Assault Support Patrol Boat 92-8 (ASPB-92-8)
Battalion: River Assault Division 92
Regiment: River Assault Squadron 9, River Assault Flotilla 1
Division: Task Force 117 (TF-117)