HONORING A VETERAN

In the aftermath of Veterans Day, I want to honor the service of Gerard Michael Devlin (Major, Ret.), who served 20 years in the United States Army. He saw combat in Korea with the fabled 187th Airborne Regimental Command Team. He completed two tours in Vietnam with the Black Tiger 44th Ranger Battalion and, subsequently, was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame. 

Jerry spoke to our Dr. Harold C. Deutsch WWII History Round Table just last month as the author of three books on paratroop and glider warfare. A gentleman and a very good man, he was not one to talk about his own exploits and valor. 

The following is the citation of the Distinguished Service Cross presented to Captain (Infantry) Gerard Michael Devlin: 

During the period 13 - 14 October 1965, Captain Devlin served as Senior Advisor to the 44th Ranger Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, which was occupying a defensive position along a thickly wooded canal in the vicinity of Thoi Lai, Republic of Vietnam, in connection with Operation DAN CHI 171. As the Ranger Battalion began to deploy in a defensive perimeter, the Viet Cong launched a surprise three-pronged attack supported by intense small arms and automatic weapons fire and extremely accurate mortar and grenade barrages. Realizing the tactical superiority which the insurgents held in this specific area, the Ranger Battalion Commander began implementing a strategic withdrawal to regroup and consolidate his forces. During the course of this action, he was mortally wounded, leaving the hard-pressed Rangers without a leader. Although Captain Devlin had been seriously injured by the concussion effects of an exploding mortar round, he immediately perceived the threat of panic and confusion among the Rangers who were all but leaderless by this time. Disregarding his own personal injuries and safety, Captain Devlin personally directed, under intense hostile fire, the regrouping of the Ranger contingent and their occupation of a tactically defendable position. Despite intense pain from his injuries, Captain Devlin again directed a successful defense which ultimately contained the strong insurgent attack.

Steve Chicoine www.freedomhistory.com