The Japanese went more in the direction of attachable “flotation parts” with the Ka-Mi and Ka-chi tanks, making them look like tiny little warships. These were instead used during Barbarossa.
The Germans also planned for tanks for Operation Sealion, but experimented with snorkels and driving along the bottom instead. Some beaches had good results, but for example Omaha beach was a disaster where most of them were lost. Many of them were also unloaded from their landing ships much too far out and sunk in the waves. The Sherman DD itself had some design problems, as it was designed for only 30cm high waves… which aren't exactly rare at sea. The idea was that the tanks would swim to the beach, then drive on to assault the German fortifications. The allies used quite a lot of the Duplex Drive Shermans during D-Day. Hospitalman Apprentice Fonseca’s actions reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions to the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.For heavier armor and firepower, amphibious tanks were developed. His timely and effective care undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous casualties. After briefing medical personnel on the status of his patients, Hospitalman Apprentice Fonseca returned North through the city to Company C’s lines and to his fellow Marines that had been wounded in his absence. Returning to the casualty evacuation amphibious assault vehicle, he accompanied his casualties South through the city to a Battalion Aid Station. Following a deadly artillery barrage, Hospitalman Apprentice Fonseca again exposed himself to enemy fire to treat Marines wounded along the perimeter. He personally carried one critically wounded Marine over open ground to another vehicle. Under a wall of enemy machine gun fire, he directed the movement of four casualties from the damaged vehicle by organizing litter teams from available Marines. He continued to treat and care for the wounded awaiting evacuation until his vehicle was rendered immobile by enemy direct and indirect fire.
He established a casualty collection point inside the unit’s medical evacuation amphibious assault vehicle, calmly and methodically stabilizing two casualties with lower limb amputations by applying tourniquets and administering morphine. Without concern for his own safety, Hospitalman Apprentice Fonseca braved small arms, machine gun, and intense rocket propelled grenade fire to evacuate the wounded Marines from the burning amphibious assault vehicle and tend to their wounds. During Company C’s assault and seizure of the Saddam Canal Bridge, an amphibious assault vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade inflicting five casualties.
Fonseca, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy while serving as Corpsman, Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, Company C, First Battalion, Second Marines, Regimental Combat Team TWO, Task Force Tarawa, First Marine Expeditionary Force, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 23 March 2003. The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Hospitalman Apprentice Luis E.
#Never lost amtrac reddit full#
You can read Petty Officer 1st Class Luis Fonseca’s full Navy Cross citation below: It’s a perspective that was hard-earned, and one likely shared by those who have seen violence and death up close, yet carried on in spite of the fear they undoubtedly felt: Yet even in light of all the accolades, it’s Fonseca’s humility, his formidable drive, courage, and above all, his undying devotion to his Marines that stands out most. In addition to the Navy Cross, the service confirmed that Fonseca received the following awards: 3 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals 2 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 2 Combat Action Ribbons, which are awarded to those who have actively participated in combat in a given theater (it stands to reason that Fonseca received his first CAR for the Battle of Nasiriyah, and his second in Afghanistan) the Presidential Unit Citation 2 Meritorious Unit Commendations 2 Navy “E” Ribbons 2 Good Conduct Medals a National Defense Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal 4 Sea Service Deployment Ribbons a Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon NATO Medal Rifle Marksmanship Medal (Expert) Pistol Marksmanship Medal (Expert) as well as campaign medals for both Afghanistan and Iraq.
Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luke Cunningham)Īfter nearly 22 years of service, Fonseca bid fairwell to the Navy during a joint retirement ceremony with his wife, Christina, who is also a petty officer first class and a Corpsman. Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Christina Fonseca and his wife, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Christina Fonseca retired together in a joint ceremony, and have a combined 46 years of Naval service.