He served two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. army; among his decorations are the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star with "V," and two Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry.

For leading it, Marcinko was awarded the first of his four Bronze Stars, as well as a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star.

He was also awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Vietnamese Medal of Honor (First Class).

The unit earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Vietnamese Crosses for Gallantry with Palm, and the Vietnamese Civic Action Medal, First Class while in Vietnam.

After the intervention of the Spanish and Vietnamese Red Crosses, Minh Canh was finally freed and Thuy Duong given an exit visa just before my arrival.

The Battalion twice earned the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm for its outstanding military service and also received a Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, for numerous civic actions.

The Gallantry Cross (Vietnam) or Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, awarded by South Vietnam to soldiers and units "accomplishing deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an enemy force".

Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm - April-June 1968 (6th Battalion)

Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm - 1969 (4th and 6th Battalions)

He also received a Bronze Star and a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for actions during that same time period.