From the April 17, 1969 edition of the Franklin County Times in Russellville, Alabama:
Photo caption: FORMER COUNTIAN CITED--Maj. Nelson M. Olf, left, presented Jerry G. Hasford, left center, Longview, Wash., and formerly of Russellville, a Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V on March 21. Hasford's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hasell Hasford, also shown, are formerly of Russellville. The parents witnessed the presentation.
Former City Resident Receives Marine Medal
LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON --- A local Marine, whose parents thought he would be safer in Vietnam because he was a news correspondent, received the Navy Achievement Award with the Combat V at his home Friday.
He is Cpl. Jerry G. Hasford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hasell Hasford, formerly of Russellville. The elder Hasford is superintendent of packing and shipping at the Reynolds Cable Plant.
Of the 10 men in his correspondents' section, Hasford was one of two who wasn't wounded. He was discharged from the Marines six months ago.
In making the award, Maj. Nelson M. Olf, himself a Vietnam veteran, said Hasford participated in five major combat operations, including the bloody recapture of Hue in February 1968 where he was cited for his courage and composure under fire.
Marine correspondents gather news and take photographs of combat operations and assist civilian correspondents visiting combat units. Hasford was with the 1st Marine Division.
Marine Recruiter Sgt. Ken Stevens said he knows of no other local Marine who has earned the Navy Achievement medal during the past year and a half. "It's a high honor and is investigated thoroughly before being awarded," he said.
Hasford lives with his parents at 2821 Terry Ave., Longview.
Thanks to John Hicks of the Franklin County Times for providing this article.
