House Engrossed

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-second Legislature Second Regular Session 2016

HOUSE RESOLUTION 2003

 

A RESOLUTION

 

on the death of Private First Class Oscar Palmer Austin.

 

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Private First Class Oscar Palmer Austin was killed in the line of duty on February 23, 1969.

Born on January 15, 1948, in Nacogdoches, Texas, Oscar Austin moved to Phoenix, Arizona at an early age where he attended Booker T. Washington Elementary School and Phoenix Union High School.

Dedicated to his country, Oscar Austin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on April 22, 1968.  After completing recruit training with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California in July of 1968, individual combat training with Company T, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Training Regiment at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Pendleton, California in August of 1968 and basic infantry training with Weapons Company, Basic Infantry Training Battalion, 2nd Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Pendleton in September of 1968, Oscar Austin was promoted to Private First Class on October 1, 1968.  Later that month, he was transferred to the Republic of Vietnam where he served as ammunitions man with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

On the morning of February 23, 1969, approximately six and one-half miles west of Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, Oscar Austin's observation post was subjected to a fierce ground attack by a powerful North Vietnamese Army force.  Noting that one of his wounded companions had fallen unconscious, Austin immediately left the relative safety of his fighting hole and raced across the fire-swept terrain to the marine's rescue.  As he neared, he observed an enemy grenade land nearby and, without hesitation, leaped between the injured marine and the grenade, absorbing the painful effects of its detonation.  Ignoring his injuries, he turned to examine the wounded man, and as he did so, he saw a North Vietnamese Army soldier aiming a weapon at his unconscious companion.  With full knowledge of the probable consequences and thinking only to protect the marine, Private First Class Oscar Austin threw himself between the marine and the hostile soldier and, in doing so, was mortally wounded.

Private First Class Oscar Austin was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his tremendous heroism and sacrifice.  His medals and decorations also include the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Private First Class Oscar Austin gallantly gave his life for his country, and his resolute courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives sincerely regret the passing of Private First Class Oscar Palmer Austin and extend posthumous recognition and honor to this exceptional American for his selfless service and ultimate sacrifice to his country.