The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
SILVER STAR MEDAL to
CAPTAIN KENNETH DOYLE JORDAN
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
“The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Kenneth Doyle Jordan, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Patrol Leader with Third Force Reconnaissance Company, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, from 13 January to 16 January 1967, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. At dusk on 13 January, a specially selected eleven-man reconnaissance patrol, led by Captain Jordan, was inserted by helicopter into a remote jungle area more than twenty miles into enemy-controlled territory. The patrol was to conduct Operation DOUBLETALK, an assignment to locate a Viet Cong prisoner of war camp, reportedly containing four captive American military personnel. Accompanied by a Viet Cong Rallier, who reportedly knew the location of the enemy camp, and a United States Marine interpreter, the patrol began its search in territory completely controlled by enemy forces, well beyond the range of supporting artillery fire. In addition, extremely adverse weather conditions precluded the use of air support. Due to the nature of the patrol's mission, contact with Viet Cong elements was to be avoided. Operating within ten meters of the enemy on several occasions, walking undetected fifteen meters behind an enemy column in one instance, and making numerous sightings of armed Viet Cong throughout the patrol, Captain Jordan exhibited the highest degree of professional competence and superior leadership in directing his patrol's efforts. Realizing the dangers involved, he successfully led his men over heavily traveled trails, in streams and through almost impassable jungle terrain, constantly subjected to the threat of being detected or ambushed by the enemy. Remaining in jungle harbor sites during the night and moving cautiously during the day, Captain Jordan's patrol successfully avoided contact with Viet Cong elements. On the third day, the patrol reached the suspected enemy prisoner of war camp, only to find that it had been abandoned. While members of the patrol prepared to photograph the camp site, an undetermined number of Viet Cong attempted to penetrate the unit's perimeter security force. Reacting instantly and aggressively, the enemy was taken under fire and killed as they approached to within ten meters of the security elements. Quickly organizing his unit for a rapid withdrawal from the camp site, Captain Jordan prepared fake trails, waded in streams and utilized other ruses in an attempt to mislead and confuse any enemy forces that might have been alerted to their presence by the rifle and small arms fire. On one occasion, demonstrating exceptional discipline and courage, his patrol remained undetected when a force of approximately twenty Viet Cong passed within a few feet of the patrol's position. Subsequently, the patrol was safely extracted from the area by helicopter, although receiving sporadic enemy small arms fire. Operating in an area never before traveled by American forces and completely infested by enemy troops, the patrol, under Captain Jordan's inspiring leadership, successfully accomplished their seventy-two hour reconnaissance mission and obtained extremely vital intelligence information. By his daring and resourceful leadership, courageous performance of duty under the most hazardous conditions, and exceptional dedication, Captain Jordan upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.”
