Private First Class Oscar Palmer Austin, A Marine's Story
Private First Class Oscar Palmer Austin, A Marine's Story
Oscar Palmer Austin was born on January 15, 1949, in Nacogdoches, Texas. As a child, he moved with his family to Phoenix, Arizona, where he grew up attending Phoenix Union High School. Like many young men of his generation, Austin worked ordinary jobs, delivering newspapers and working at a local laundromat—quietly helping support his family and, though unknowingly, preparing for an extraordinary test of character.
On April 22, 1968, Private First Class Oscar Austin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completing training, he was deployed to Vietnam and assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was just nineteen years old.
On February 23, 1969, while manning a defensive position near Da Nang, PFC Austin’s post came under sudden and intense attack by a large enemy force. During the assault, a fellow Marine was seriously wounded and unable to take cover. Without hesitation, Austin moved to protect him.
When an enemy grenade landed nearby, PFC Austin deliberately placed himself between the grenade and the wounded Marine, absorbing the blast with his own body. Though critically wounded, he continued to shield his fellow Marine from enemy fire, positioning himself as a human barrier against incoming rounds. Moments later, Oscar Austin was struck again and killed.
His actions saved the Marine he protected.
For his conspicuous gallantry, selflessness, and bravery at the cost of his own life, Private First Class Oscar Palmer Austin was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation recognizes not only the physical courage of his final moments, but the moral clarity of a young Marine who, when confronted with the choice between self-preservation and sacrifice, chose his brother-in-arms without pause.
Oscar Austin was nineteen years old.
Private First Class Oscar Palmer Austin is buried at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona. His legacy is not found in years lived, but in the absolute fullness of his final decision, a decision made instinctively, without calculation, rooted in loyalty, love, and duty.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
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