Ronald Reck

Ronald L. Reck was a United States Marine who was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the Vietnam War.
Biography
Ronald L. "Ron" Reck was born on 5 May 1950 to Wilbur Marion Reck (b. 14 March 1925 in Eugene, Oregon) and Lena Lorraine Workman, who had married on 3 October 1948. Wilbur also served in the military, earning a number of medals: the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Reck grew up in Oregon, where he attended Molalla High School, the only high school in the Molalla River School District in Molalla. Before graduating in 1969, Reck participated in J.V. wrestling.
After high school, Reck married Amber Nelson, the daughter of Russell and Donna Nelson. One of Amber's brothers is Zachary Nelson and one of her sisters is Holly Juengling, who is married to Dr. Fritz Juengling. Both Reck and Amber came from large families; Amber was one of fourteen children while Reck was one of seven. Reck also had an additional half brother through his father. Together Reck and Amber had a large family themselves, eventually having thirteen children. In the 1980s, Reck got a job with General Dynamic and moved the family from Oregon to Texas, where they purchased a house. When General Dynamic failed to get a large defense contract, they laid off a large number of employees, including Reck.
Reck found a job with BARN, Inc. in Hillsboro, Oregon, and the family moved back up to Oregon. After the company reorganized, however, Reck was laid off again.
Children of Reck and Amber include: Devin Reck; Natasha Reck Fullmer, who married Joseph D. Fullmer and live in Oregon City; Nathan Reck; Shane Reck, stepfather of Parker Reck; Vernon Reck; Jason Reck; Serena Reck Posey; Michelle Reck; Lena Reck Ellington, who married Blake A. Ellington on 23 October, 2010; Sabrina Reck; Anya Reck, a STEM scholar from the Dallas County Community College District; Aaron Reck; and Misty Reck.
Military service
Reck, like his father, entered military service in adulthood. He joined the Marine Corps, and eventually gained the rank of , moving up from Lance Corporal. He served for a short time with the ZULU Company MABS at the Phu Bai Combat Base in Vietnam before transferring to the H&S 106s, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. While serving with the ZULUs, he served and then transferred regiments with a Corporal Mallow (Zulu Co., MABS 16, MAG 16, 1st Mar. Air Wing, 1969-70).
On 25 February 1969, the US Marines at Firebase Russell in the of Vietnam were attacked by North Vietnamese soldiers. The attack was carried out by ground attack and mortar fire.
The Military Times Hall of Valor described Reck's reaction to the attack thusly:
"Lance Corporal Reck unhesitatingly delivered accurate and effective machine gun fire upon the advancing enemy, inflicting several casualties. When the North Vietnamese seized a Marine 81-mm. mortar position behind Lance Corporal Reck, and were firing upon friendly artillery positions, he delivered a heavy volume of machine gun fire upon the enemy in the mortar emplacement until his weapon was damaged by hostile fragments. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Reck, armed only with a pistol, then assaulted the enemy-held position and drove off the hostile soldiers, killing several of them. Steadfastly remaining in the area, he killed three more North Vietnamese who were attacking two Marines and then, continuing his determined efforts, assisted with the evacuation of the wounded. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Reck upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

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