Vietnam veteran honored for his service

Photo By Sgt. Melissa Martens | Maj. Bert J. Reinink (left), Inspector-Instructor of Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 25th Marine Regiment, presents the Navy Commendation Medal with a bronze “V” for valor to Daniel S. Baldwin, a Marine veteran who served in Vietnam, at the State Capitol building Sept. 2, 2016. Baldwin was honored for his combat heroism during the Vietnam War and for his brave actions that helped defeat enemy forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Melissa Martens/ Released)  

LANSING, MI, UNITED STATES

09.07.2016

Story by Lance Cpl. Melissa Martens 

Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES)

A Marine veteran who served in the Vietnam War was presented the Navy Commendation Medal with a bronze “V” for valor at the State Capitol Building in Lansing, Mich., Sept. 2, 2016.

Daniel S. Baldwin served in the Marine Corps from 1969-1971 and was honored for his heroic actions that took place on March 25, 1970.

The bronze “V”, also known as the Combat Distinguishing Device, is a symbol of combat heroism and recognizes individuals who have been exposed to personal hazard during participation in combat operations. Baldwin and his fellow Marines exemplified extreme bravery and fearlessness to overcome and defeat enemy forces, according to his award citation.

“We were flown into Vietnam by helicopter, dropped right on top of the enemy and the battle began,” said Baldwin. “We set up our machine gun and I was in charge of keeping the machine gun fed and spotting the opponent. We engaged quite a few of the enemy personnel.”

Throughout the years, Baldwin had seen many of his fellow Marines receive medals for their actions and he was honored to be recognized for all he did for the Marine Corps.

“I feel ecstatic and I feel like sometimes I don’t necessarily deserve it,” said Baldwin. He continued to express how proud he was and still feels he is a Marine through and through.

In attendance at the award ceremony were Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 25th Marine Regiment. They had the opportunity to hear firsthand from Baldwin what it really means to claim the title of United States Marine.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to come out and be part of a ceremony like this,” said Sgt. Stephen J. Weitz, Inspector-Instructor staff, Co. C. “It really reinstates the idea of ‘Once a Marine, Always a Marine,’ and it is really motivating to see someone get recognized for their heroic actions.”
Marines on I&I duty have the unique opportunity to be stationed in the heart of communities and take part in events that serve more than just the Marines to the left and right of them.

“Outside of the general drill weekend and supporting the Reserve Marines, we serve the community by taking part in ceremonies and funeral honors,” said Weitz. “A lot of what we do has to do with preserving the legacy of the Marine Corps.”

Part of preserving the legacy of the Corps is remembering its deep history and honoring the Marines who were part of that history. Baldwin was flattered that the Marines were there to reflect on the heroic actions of all those who served before them.

“I felt really grateful that they would come and honor me,” said Baldwin. “I am pretty humbled to be a part of this brotherhood.”

Baldwin says he continues to hold himself to the high standards of a United States Marine and never forgets the important lessons that being a Marine taught him.

For more media coverage, see http://wlns.com/2016/09/02/watch-haslett-veteran-awarded-medal-for-vietnam-service/.

• Date Taken: 09.07.2016
• Date Posted: 09.07.2016 15:14
• Story ID: 208986
• Location: LANSING, MI, US