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Matthew Theo Orton was born on 03 March 1944, and died 26 February 1967 in Hobo Woods, near Chu Chi, S. Vietnam.
Matthew Theo Orton was a Member of Co. A, 4th BN, 9th Infantry (Manchu) of the 25th Division
MOS: 11B40 (Infantryman)
Ground Casualty - small arms fire
Province of death: Binh Duong
Location on The Wall: PANL: 15E, Line 099
Ref. #4868
Matthew Theo Orton was awarded posthumously the Bronze Star Medal for heroism and the Purple Heart from the Department of the Army. According to the letter dated March 27, 1967 from Headquarters 25th Infantry Division APO San Francisco, CA 96225, General Orders Number 1072. The Bronze Star was awarded 'For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force: Corporal Orton dishinguished himself by heroic actions on 26 February 1967, while serving as a squad leader with Company a, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, near the village of Phu Hoa Dong, in Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam. When a strong enemy force attacked the company perimeter, Corporal Orton repeatedly exposed himself to the extremely heavy enemy fire to more effectively organize and control the defensive effort of his men. His squad, inspired by his personal example and leadership, repulsed several enemy human wave assaults. Repeatedly exposing himself, he persisted in the outstanding performance of this task until he was mortally wounded. His courage and outstanding leadership contributed immesurably to the success of the company defense and the enemy attack was subsequently repulsed. Corporal Orton's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, dated 24 August 1962, and USARV message 16695, 1 July 1966. Robert S. Young, LTC, AGC, Adjutant General and Jasper J. Wilson, Colonel, GS, Chief of Staff.
On the back of a photo, Matthew wrote the list of places he had been stationed: Fort Leonardwood, Mo; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Fort Lewis, Washington; Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; Fort Dix, New Jersey; Ulm, Germany; Bamberg, Germany; Fort Richie, Maryland
Matthew Theo Orton is buried in Stanfield Cemetary, Clarkton, Missouri
