Medal of Honor Posthumously Awarded to Wayne M. Caron

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Wayne M. Caron, United States Navy
............................. MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION...................
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 28 July 1968 while serving as Platoon Corpsman with Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division during combat operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a sweep through an open rice field in Quang Nam Province, Petty Officer Caron's unit started receiving enemy small-arms fire. Upon seeing two Marine casualties fall, he immediately ran forward to render first aid, but found that they were dead. At this time, the platoon was taken under intense small-arms and automatic-weapons fire, sustaining additional casualties. As he moved to the aid of his wounded comrades, Petty Officer Caron was hit in the arm by enemy fire. Although knocked to the ground, he regained his feet and continued to the injured Marines. He rendered medical assistance to the first Marine he reached, who was grievously wounded, and undoubtedly was instrumental in saving the man's life. Petty Officer Caron then ran toward the second wounded Marine, but was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg. Nonetheless, he crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid for this severely wounded man. Petty Officer Caron started to make his way to yet another injured comrade, when he was again struck by enemy small-arms fire. Courageously and with unbelievable determination, Petty Officer Caron continued his attempt to reach the third Marine until he himself was killed by an enemy rocket round. His inspiring valor, steadfast determination, and selfless dedication in the face of extreme danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Wayne Maurice Caron, 22, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Aime Caron of 48 East Main Street, Middleboro, MA. He was the husband of Teresa Caron and father of Scott Wayne Caron. He was born November 2, 1946 and graduated from Middleboro High School with the Class of 1966. He enlisted in the Navy on July 12, 1966 and was killed on July 28,1968.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Wayne Maurice Caron also was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Military Merit Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm.
A United States Navy destroyer the USS Caron (DD970) was named after Wayne Maurice Caron. It was the eighth Spruance class destroyer commissioned. The USS Caron was built at the Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Pascagoula, Miss. and commissioned on October 1, 1977. She served the country for over 20 years saw action in Grenada, the Gulf of Sidra, the Black Sea and the Gulf War. She was decommissioned on October 10, 2001.
Before the USS Caron was stripped of her equipment after decommisioning, the ship's bell, builder's plate and ribbon board were obtained on loan for public display. Middleboro resident Bob Lessard was instrumental in obtaining those items.
The ship was last used as a practice target and and was sunk during explosive tests December 4, 2002.
On September 17,1997 grade five students from the Rogers Middle School in Rockland planted a black locust as a living memorial to honor HM3 Caron in the Shea Field Memorial Grove at the former US Naval Air station in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. Thirty-two Medal of Honor recipients from Plymouth and Norfolk counties are remembered at the grove. The Association of Naval Aviation, Patriot Squadron, maintain the grounds, which also has an A-4 Skyhawk aircraft on permanent display.
A blue spruce is dedicated as a living memorial to Wayne Caron in the Middleboro Veterans Memorial Park. In addition, his name is engraved on the main stone in the Vietnam War casualty list in the Park. Also, the auditorium at Middleboro High School is dedicated to his memory.
..................( Posted by Bob Lessard Historian 2014)