SSGT SKAGGS volunteered to come to the field after about six months in the rear.  He joined the first platoon of "Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in September and until his death, on 6 November 1968, was the caliber of man that forms the backbone of the staff NCO ranks.  As Platoon Sergeant his efforts were tireless to instill in his men that pride and professional competence that makes a Marine Combat Unit.  He felt his responsibility acutely and carried out each assigned task with a vigor that served to encourage the same response from others around him.  His initiative and imagination proved the platoon with a new and fresh approach to training.  In all respect, he was a staff NCO to be respected and admired for his competence by enlisted and officer alike.

During his first experience in the field, he rushed forward to a position that had been hit by mortars as we sat on a blocking force.  Without regard for his safety, he treated the wounded and started their evacuation to the CP.  Under fire, he personally carried one man to the rear.  Later in the day, a mortar hit near the platoon CP wounding Sgt. SKAGGS and putting him in the hospital for three weeks.

His ability to throw himself completely and tirelessly into any problem is best shown by his outstanding job of mounting a whole platoon out in twenty minutes after I was assigned to go as an advance guard on Hill 52.  The platoon was dropped in his lap only one day after he came back from the hospital.

After I left on R&R Sgt. SKAGGS showed he could handle the platoon in a thoroughly competent manner. He planned for combat patrols and conducted the necessary training with the real and fresh approach.

Up until the time of his death, he was always concerned with keeping abreast of the situation.  He was hit while directing fire on enemy positions and moving forward for a better estimate.

Sgt. SKAGGS was the type of Platoon Sergeant every platoon commander dreams of working with but rarely gets the opportunity.  It was a distinct honor and privilege I shall not soon forget to work with a man of such high caliber as Sgt. SKAGGS.  There was not a man in the platoon who didn't feel deeply the loss of this leader, comrade and outstanding Marine.

T. A. Williamson

Platoon Commander