Weis Awarded Bronze Star Medal

by Michele Boy | April 24, 2025

Syracuse resident Marvin and Janet Weis returned home last week to find a package waiting at their door. Marvin was sure Janet had ordered something online. When they got inside and opened the manila envelope, Marvin was shocked to find he had been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive.

In 1968, Specialist Marvin S. Weis of the US Army 4th Infantry Division was serving in B Company, in Vietnam. On January 31, 1968, the North Vietnamese attacked.  *The Tet Offensive was a series of coordinated attacks by North Vietnamese forces that began on January 31, 1968, during the Vietnam War. It involved about 85,000 troops attacking major South Vietnamese cities, military installations, and towns. Although it was a tactical defeat for the North Vietnamese, the offensive had a significant psychological impact, eroding U.S. public support for the war. The attacks were unexpected in their scale and intensity, briefly capturing parts of Saigon and other key locations. Despite heavy casualties, the offensive demonstrated the resilience and determination of North Vietnamese forces, influencing U.S. policy and public opinion.  *Brittanica.com

At eighty years young, Marvin is a father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He recalls being drafted in 1967 and went to Vietnam in Sept 1967. During the Tet Offensive, Weis was in his early twenties, and a Squad leader. 

Weis recalls his time in Vietnam. “The central highlands were hot in the day time but cold at night. We wore field jackets.” Marvin was part of the armed personnel carrier track unit. “We would pull security for artillery units, engineers, and run convoys.” He has a photo where the Artillery Unit had a big sign – “You yell, we shell, like hell, 24 hours a day.” He remembers the times when during the night, a hot meal and some mail was flown in on a helicopter. He also recalls when the helicopter couldn’t get there so they ate their C rations. 

Weis said, “When I returned home, it wasn’t bad. I had flown back into Seattle, Washington. When I got back to the states it didn’t take too much to get back into the rhythm of life.”
 But the war did have effects on Marvin. “A lot of guys don’t talk about it, and I didn’t for a lot of years. But we have an annual reunion. Usually 25 to 30 guys show up.  “When we get together, we talk about different things we did over there.” The group has gathered many places over the years including Mackinac Island, Murfreesboro, TN Colorado Springs, CO. a few times, and Dayton Ohio. 
He talks about the War more with his family than he has in a lot of years. And he is grateful for the VA. Weis said, “They have treated me well.”

The Bronze Star Medal certificate reads, “Specialist Marvin S Weis 4th Infantry Division was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service while serving as a Fire Team Leader in connection with a military operation against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam from 4 Feb 1968 to 8 October 1969. He led his team with the highest standards of professionalism and exceptional performance on the battlefield. Specialist Weis’ distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, the 4th infantry division and the US Army.”
Marvin was touched and honored by the award. “I didn’t know it was coming and it was quite a surprise. 

Marvin has received other awards in the past including a Combat Infantry Badge, the American Campaign medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. a mid-level award given for consistent acts of heroism or meritorious service.

We thank you Marvin Weis for your service along with the men and women who both sacrificed their lives as well as those veterans who returned home. We thank those serving today in active duty.