1944
Sergeant Troy A. McGill, G-5 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor. (04 March)
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Troop G, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st
Cavalry Division. Place and date: Los Negros Islands, Admiralty Group, 4 March
1944. Entered service at: Ada, OK. Birth: Knoxville, TN. G.O. No.: 74, 11
September 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy at Los Negros Island,
Admiralty Group, on 04 March 1944. In the early morning hours Sergeant McGill,
with a squad of eight men, occupied a revetment which bore the brunt of a
furious attack by approximately two hundred drinkcrazed enemy troops. Although
covered by crossfire from machineguns on the right and left flank, he could
receive no support from the remainder of our troops stationed at his rear. All
members of the squad were killed or wounded except Sergeant McGill and another
man, whom he ordered to return to the next revetment. Courageously resolved to
hold his position at all cost, he fired his weapon until it ceased to
function. Then, with the enemy only five yards away, he charged from his
foxhole in the face of certain death and clubbed the enemy with his rifle in
hand-to-hand combat until he was killed. At dawn, one hundred and five enemy
dead were found around his position. Sergeant McGill's intrepid stand was an
inspiration to his comrades and a decisive factor in the defeat of a fanatical
enemy.
1945
Private First Class Private First Class William J. Grabiarz, E-5 Cavalry
earns the Medal of Honor. (23 February)
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army. Troop E, 5th Cavalry,
1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 23
February 1945. Entered service at: Buffalo, NY. Birth: Buffalo, NY. G.O.
No.: 115, 08 December 1945. Citation: He was a scout when the unit advanced
with tanks along a street in Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands. Without
warning, enemy machinegun and rifle fire from concealed positions in the
Customs building swept the street, striking down the troop commander and
driving his men to cover. As the officer lay in the open road, unable to move
and completely exposed to the pointblank enemy fire, Private First Class
Grabiarz voluntarily ran from behind a tank to carry him to safety, but was
himself wounded in the shoulder. Ignoring both the pain in his injured,
useless arm and his comrades' shouts to seek the cover which was only a few
yards distant, the valiant rescuer continued his efforts to drag his commander
out of range. Finding this impossible, he rejected the opportunity to save
himself and deliberately covered the officer with his own body to form a human
shield, calling as he did so for a tank to maneuver into position between him
and the hostile emplacement. The enemy riddled him with concentrated fire
before the tank could interpose itself. Our troops found that he had been
successful in preventing bullets from striking his leader, who survived.
Through his magnificent sacrifice in gallantly giving his life to save that of
his commander, Private First Class Grabiarz provided an outstanding and
lasting inspiration to his fellow soldiers.
1950
Corporal Tibor Rubin, I-8 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor in recognition of
his courageous actions in Korea. (during the period from 23 July 1950 to 20
April 1953)
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty:
Corporal Tibor Rubin distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism during the
period from 23 July, 1950, to 20 April, 1953, while serving as a rifleman with
Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in the Republic of
Korea. While his unit was retreating to the Pusan Perimeter, Corporal Rubin
was assigned to stay behind to keep open the vital Taegu-Pusan Road link used
by his withdrawing unit. During the ensuing battle, overwhelming numbers of
North Korean troops assaulted a hill defended solely by Corporal Rubin. He
inflicted a staggering number of casualties on the attacking force during his
personal 24-hour battle, single-handedly slowing the enemy advance and
allowing the 8th Cavalry Regiment to complete its withdrawal successfully.
Following the breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, the 8th Cavalry Regiment
proceeded northward and advanced into North Korea. During the advance, he
helped capture several hundred North Korean soldiers. On 30 October, 1950,
Chinese forces attacked his unit at Unsan, North Korea, during a massive
nighttime assault. That night and throughout the next day, he manned a .30
caliber machine gun at the south end of the unit's line after three previous
gunners became casualties. He continued to man his machine gun until his
ammunition was exhausted. His determined stand slowed the pace of the enemy
advance in his sector, permitting the remnants of his unit to retreat
southward. As the battle raged, Corporal Rubin was severely wounded and
captured by the Chinese. Choosing to remain in the prison camp despite offers
from the Chinese to return him to his native Hungary, Corporal Rubin
disregarded his own personal safety and immediately began sneaking out of the
camp at night in search of food for his comrades. Breaking into enemy food
storehouses and gardens, he risked certain torture or death if caught.
Corporal Rubin provided not only food to the starving Soldiers, but also
desperately needed medical care and moral support for the sick and wounded of
the POW camp. His brave, selfless efforts were directly attributed to saving
the lives of as many as forty of his fellow prisoners. Corporal Rubin's
gallant actions in close contact with the enemy and unyielding courage and
bravery while a prisoner of war are in the highest traditions of military
service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
1950
Private First Class Melvin L. Brown, D-8 Engineers earns the Medal of Honor.
(04 September)
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 8th Engineer
Combat Battalion. Place and date: Near Kasan, Korea, 4 September 1950. Entered
service at: Erie, PA. Birth: Mahaffey, PA. G.O. No.: 11, 16 February 1951.
Citation. Private First Class Brown, "D" Company distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. While his platoon was securing Hill 755 (the Walled
City), the enemy, using heavy automatic weapons and small arms,
counterattacked. Taking a position on a fifty foot high wall he delivered
heavy rifle fire on the enemy. His ammunition was soon expended and although
wounded, he remained at his post and threw his few grenades into the attackers
causing many casualties. When his supply of grenades was exhausted his
comrades from nearby foxholes tossed others to him and he left his position,
braving a hail of fire, to retrieve and throw them at the enemy. The attackers
continued to assault his position and Private First Class Brown, weaponless,
drew his entrenching tool from his pack and calmly waited until they one by
one peered over the wall, delivering each a crushing blow upon the head.
Knocking ten or twelve enemy from the wall, his daring action so inspired his
platoon that they repelled the attack and held their position. Private First
Class Brown's extraordinary heroism, gallantry, and intrepidity reflect the
highest credit upon himself and was in keeping with the honored traditions of
the military service. Reportedly missing in action and officially killed in
action, September 5, 1950.
1950
Corporal Gorden M. Craig, 16th Reconnaissance earns the Medal of Honor.
(10 September)
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Reconnaissance Company, 1st
Cavalry Division. Place and date: Near Kasan, Korea 10 September 1950.
Entered service at. Brockton, MA. Born: 01 August 1929, Brockton, MA. G.O.
No.: 23, 25 April 1951. Citation: Corporal Craig, 16th Reconnaissance Company,
distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. During the attack on a
strategic enemy-held hill his company's advance was subjected to intense
hostile grenade mortar, and small-arms fire. Corporal Craig and four comrades
moved forward to eliminate an enemy machine gun nest that was hampering the
company's advance. At that instance an enemy machine gunner hurled a hand
grenade at the advancing men. Without hesitating or attempting to seek cover
for himself, Corporal Craig threw himself on the grenade and smothered its
burst with his body. His intrepid and selfless act, in which he unhesitantly
gave his life for his comrades, inspired them to attack with such ferocity
that they annihilated the enemy machine gun crew, enabling the company to
continue its attack. Corporal Craig's noble self-sacrifice reflects the
highest credit upon himself and upholds the esteemed traditions of the
military service.
1950
Private First Class Robert H. Young, E-8 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(09 October)
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 8th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: North of Kaesong, Korea, 9
October 1950. Entered service at: Vallejo, CA. Born: 4 March 1929, Oroville.
CA. G.O. No.: 65, 2 August 1951. Citation: Private First Class Young
distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action. His company, spearheading a battalion
drive deep in enemy territory, suddenly came under a devastating barrage of
enemy mortar and automatic weapons crossfire which inflicted heavy casualties
among his comrades and wounded him in the face and shoulder. Refusing to be
evacuated, Private First Class Young remained in position and continued to
fire at the enemy until wounded a second time. As he awaited first aid near
the company command post the enemy attempted an enveloping movement.
Disregarding medical treatment he took an exposed position and firing with
deadly accuracy killed five of the enemy. During this action he was again hit
by hostile fire which knocked him to the ground and destroyed his helmet.
Later when supporting tanks moved forward, Private First Class Young, his
wounds still unattended, directed tank fire which destroyed three enemy gun
positions and enabled the company to advance. Wounded again by an enemy mortar
burst, and while aiding several of his injured comrades, he demanded that all
others be evacuated first. Throughout the course of this action the leadership
and combative instinct displayed by Private First Class Young exerted a
profound influence on the conduct of the company. His aggressive example
affected the whole course of the action and was responsible for its success.
Private First Class Young's dauntless courage and intrepidity reflect the
highest credit upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S.
Army.
1950
First Lieutenant Samuel Coursen, C-5 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(12 October)
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company C 5th Cavalry
Regiment. Place and date: Near Kaesong, Korea, 12 October 1950. Entered
service at: Madison, NJ. Born: 04 August 1926 Madison, NJ. G.O. No.: 57, 02
August 1951. Citation: First Lieutenant Coursen distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in
action. While Company C was attacking Hill 174 under heavy enemy small-arms
fire, his platoon received enemy fire from close range. The platoon returned
the fire and continued to advance. During this phase one of his men moved into
a well-camouflaged emplacement, which was thought to be unoccupied, and was
wounded by the enemy who were hidden within the emplacement. Seeing the
soldier in difficulty he rushed to the man's aid and, without regard for his
personal safety, engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat in an effort to
protect his wounded comrade until he himself was killed. When his body was
recovered after the battle seven enemy dead were found in the emplacement. As
the result of First Lieutenant Coursen's violent struggle several of the
enemies' heads had been crushed with his rifle. His aggressive and intrepid
actions saved the life of the wounded man, eliminated the main position of the
enemy roadblock, and greatly inspired the men in his command. First Lieutenant
Coursen's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity reflect the highest credit on
himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military
service.
1951
First Lieutenant Robert M. McGovern, A-5 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(30 January)
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company A, 5th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Near Kamyangjan-ni, Korea, 30
January 1951. Entered service at: Washington, DC. Birth: Washington, DC. G.O.
No.: 2, 8 January 1952. Citation: First Lieutenant McGovern, a member of
Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed
enemy of the United Nations. As First Lieutenant McGovern led his platoon up
a slope to engage hostile troops emplaced in bunker-type pillboxes with
connecting trenches, the unit came under heavy machine gun and rifle fire from
the crest of the hill, approximately seventy-five yards distant. Despite a
wound sustained in this initial burst of withering fire, First Lieutenant
McGovern, assured the men of his ability to continue on and urged them
forward. Forging up the rocky incline, he fearlessly led the platoon to within
several yards of its objective when the ruthless foe threw and rolled a
vicious barrage of hand grenades on the group and halted the advance. Enemy
fire increased in volume and intensity and First Lieutenant McGovern realizing
that casualties were rapidly increasing and the morale of his men badly
shaken, hurled back several grenades before they exploded. Then, disregarding
his painful wound and weakened condition he charged a machine gun emplacement
which was raking his position with flanking fire. When he was within ten yards
of the position a burst of fire ripped the carbine from his hands, but,
undaunted, he continued his lone-man assault and, firing his pistol and
throwing grenades, killed seven hostile soldiers before falling mortally
wounded in front of the gun he had silenced. First Lieutenant McGovern's
incredible display of valor imbued his men with indomitable resolution to
avenge his death. Fixing bayonets and throwing grenades, they charged with
such ferocity that hostile positions were overrun and the enemy routed from
the hill. The inspirational leadership, unflinching courage, and intrepid
actions of First Lieutenant McGovern reflected utmost glory on himself and the
honored tradition of the military services.
1951
First Lieutenant Lloyd L. Burke, G-5 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor. (28 October)
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company G, 5th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Near Chong-dong, Korea, 28
October 1951. Entered service at: Stuttgart, AK. Born: 29 September 1924,
Tichnor, AK. G.O. No.: 43. Citation: First Lieutenant Burke, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the
call of duty in action against the enemy. Intense enemy fire had pinned down
leading elements of his company committed to secure commanding ground when
First Lieutenant Burke left the command post to rally and urge the men to
follow him toward three bunkers impeding the advance. Dashing to an exposed
vantage point he threw several grenades at the bunkers, then, returning for an
Ml rifle and adapter, he made a lone assault, wiping out the position and
killing the crew. Closing on the center bunker he lobbed grenades through the
opening and, with his pistol, killed three of its occupants attempting to
surround him. Ordering his men forward he charged the third emplacement,
catching several grenades in midair and hurling them back at the enemy.
Inspired by his display of valor his men stormed forward, overran the hostile
position, but were again pinned down by increased fire. Securing a light
machine gun and three boxes of ammunition, First Lieutenant Burke dashed
through the impact area to an open knoll, set up his gun and poured a
crippling fire into the ranks of the enemy, killing approximately
seventy-five. Although wounded, he ordered more ammunition, reloading and
destroying two mortar emplacements and a machine gun position with his
accurate fire. Cradling the weapon in his arms he then led his men forward,
killing some twenty-five more of the retreating enemy and securing the
objective. First Lieutenant Burke's heroic action and daring exploits inspired
his small force of thirty-five troops. His unflinching courage and outstanding
leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S.
Army.
1951
Captain (Chaplain), US Army, 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment earns the
Medal of Honor (01/02 November)
Rank and organization: Captain (Chaplain), US Army, 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Place and date: Unsan, Korea, November 1-2,
1950. Entered service at: Kansas.
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy
at Unsan, Korea, from November 1-2, 1950. On 01 November, as Chinese
Communist Forces viciously attacked friendly elements, Chaplain Kapaun calmly
walked through withering enemy fire in order to provide comfort and medical
aid to his comrades and rescue friendly wounded from no-man's land. Though the
Americans successfully repelled the assault, they found themselves surrounded
by the enemy. Facing annihilation, the able-bodied men were ordered to
evacuate. However, Chaplain Kapaun, fully aware of his certain capture,
elected to stay behind with the wounded. After the enemy succeeded in breaking
through the defense in the early morning hours of 02 November, Chaplain
Kapaun continually made rounds, as hand-to-hand combat ensued. As Chinese
Communist Forces approached the American position, Chaplain Kapaun noticed an
injured Chinese officer amongst the wounded and convinced him to negotiate the
safe surrender of the American Forces. Shortly after his capture, Chaplain
Kapaun, with complete disregard for his personal safety and unwavering
resolve, bravely pushed aside an enemy soldier preparing to execute Sergeant
First Class Herbert A. Miller. Not only did Chaplain Kapaun's gallantry save
the life of Sergeant Miller, but also his unparalleled courage and leadership
inspired all those present, including those who might have otherwise fled in
panic, to remain and fight the enemy until captured. Chaplain Kapaun's
extraordinary heroism and selflessness, above and beyond the call of duty, are
in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, the 1st Cavalry
Division, and the United States Army."
1951
First Lieutenant James L. Stone, F-8 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor. (21/22 November)
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company F, 8th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Near Sokkogae, Korea, 21 and
22 November 1951. Entered service at: Houston TX. Born: 27 December 1922,
Pine Bluff, AK. G.O. No.: 82, 20 October 1953. Citation: First Lieutenant
Stone, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage
above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. When his
platoon, holding a vital outpost position, was attacked by overwhelming
Chinese forces, First Lieutenant Stone stood erect and exposed to the terrific
enemy fire calmly directed his men in the defense. A defensive flame-thrower
failing to function, he personally moved to its location, further exposing
himself, and personally repaired the weapon. Throughout a second attack, First
Lieutenant Stone; though painfully wounded, personally carried the only
remaining light machine gun from place to place in the position in order to
bring fire upon the Chinese advancing from two directions. Throughout he
continued to encourage and direct his depleted platoon in its hopeless
defense. Although again wounded, he continued the fight with his carbine,
still exposing himself as an example to his men. When this final overwhelming
assault swept over the platoon's position his voice could still be heard
faintly urging his men to carry on, until he lost consciousness. Only because
of this officer's driving spirit and heroic action was the platoon emboldened
to make its brave but hopeless last ditch stand.
1965
Major Bruce P. Crandall, A-229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, earns the Medal
of Honor. (14 November)
Rank and Organization: Major, U.S. Army, Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter
Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and dates: Ia Drang Valley,
Republic of Vietnam, 14 November 1965. Place and date of birth: Olympia,
Washington, 1933. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Major Bruce P. Crandall
distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism as a Flight Commander in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter
Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On 14 November 1965, his flight
of sixteen helicopters was lifting troops for a search and destroy mission
from Plei Me, Vietnam, to Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley. On the
fourth troop lift, the airlift began to take enemy fire, and by the time the
aircraft had refueled and returned for the next troop lift, the enemy had
Landing Zone X-Ray targeted. As Major Crandall and the first eight helicopters
landed to discharge troops on his fifth troop lift, his unarmed helicopter
came under such intense enemy fire that the ground commander ordered the
second flight of eight aircraft to abort their mission. As Major Crandall flew
back to Plei Me, his base of operations, he determined that the ground
commander of the besieged infantry battalion desperately needed more
ammunition. Major Crandall then decided to adjust his base of operations to
Artillery Firebase Falcon in order to shorten the flight distance to deliver
ammunition and evacuate wounded soldiers. While medical evacuation was not his
mission, he immediately sought volunteers and with complete disregard for his
own personal safety, led the two aircraft to Landing Zone X-Ray. Despite the
fact that the landing zone was still under relentless enemy fire, Major
Crandall landed and proceeded to supervise the loading of seriously wounded
soldiers aboard his aircraft. Major Crandall's voluntary decision to land
under the most extreme fire instilled in the other pilots the will and spirit
to continue to land their own aircraft, and in the ground forces the
realization that they would be resupplied and that friendly wounded would be
promptly evacuated. This greatly enhanced morale and the will to fight at a
critical time. After his first medical evacuation, Major Crandall continued to
fly into and out of the landing zone throughout the day and into the evening.
That day he completed a total of 22 flights, most under intense enemy fire,
retiring from the battlefield only after all possible service had been
rendered to the Infantry battalion. His actions provided critical resupply of
ammunition and evacuation of the wounded. Major Crandall's daring acts of
bravery and courage in the face of an overwhelming and determined enemy are in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
1965
Captain Edward W. Freeman, A-229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, earns the
Medal of Honor. (14 November)
Rank and organization: U.S. Army, Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter
Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Ia Drang Valley,
Republic of Vietnam, 14 November 1965. Entered Service at _____ . Born _____
1928 G.O. No.: 82, 20 October 1953. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidiy at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Captain
Ed W. Freeman. United States Army, distinguished himself by numerous acts of
conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November 1965 while
serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry
Division (Airmobile). As a flight leader and second in command of a sixteen
helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry
battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam.
The unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest
casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly
motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the
helicopter landing zone due to intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman
risked his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of
enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water
and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights had a direct
impact on the battle's outcome by providing the engaged units with timely
supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, without which they would
almost surely have experienced a much greater loss of life. After medical
evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to intense enemy
fire, Captain Freeman flew fourteen separate rescue missions, providing
lifesaving evacuation-of an estimated thirty seriously wounded soldiers, some
of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into
a small emergency landing zone within one hundred to two hundred meters of the
defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were perilously holding off
the attacking elements. Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor,
extraordinary perseverance and intrepidity were far above and beyond the call
of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all
of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are
in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great
credit upon himself; his unit and the United States Army.
1965
Second Lieutenant Walter J. Marm, A-1/7 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(14 November)
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant), U.S. Army,
Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place
and date: Vicinity of Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 14 November 1965.
Entered service at: Pittsburgh, PA. Born: 20 November 1941, Washington, PA.
G.O. No.: 7, 15 February 1967. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. As a
platoon leader in the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), First Lieutenant Marm
demonstrated indomitable courage during a combat operation. His company was
moving through the valley to relieve a friendly unit surrounded by an enemy
force of estimated regimental size. First Lieutenant Marm led his platoon
through withering fire until they were finally forced to take cover. Realizing
that his platoon could not hold very long, and seeing four enemy soldiers
moving into his position, he moved quickly under heavy fire and annihilated
all four. Then, seeing that his platoon was receiving intense fire from a
concealed machine gun, he deliberately exposed himself to draw its fire. Thus
locating its position, he attempted to destroy it with an antitank weapon.
Although he inflicted casualties, the weapon did not silence the enemy fire.
Quickly, disregarding the intense fire directed on him and his platoon, he
charged thirty meters across open ground, and hurled grenades into the enemy
position, killing some of the eight insurgents manning it. Although severely
wounded, when his grenades were expended, armed with only a rifle, he
continued the momentum of his assault on the position and killed the remainder
of the enemy. First Lieutenant Marm's selfless actions reduced the fire on his
platoon, broke the enemy assault, and rallied his unit to continue toward the
accomplishment of this mission. First Lieutenant Marm's gallantry on the
battlefield and his extraordinary intrepidity at the risk of his life are in
the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself
and the Armed Forces of his country.
1966
Staff Sergeant Jimmy G. Stewart, B-2/12 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(18 May)
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion,
12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Republic of
Vietnam, 18 May 1966. Entered service at: Ashland, KY. Born: 25 December 1942,
West Columbia, WV. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Early in the
morning a reinforced North Vietnamese company attacked Company B, which was
manning a defensive perimeter in Vietnam. The surprise onslaught wounded five
members of a six man squad caught in the direct path of the enemy's thrust.
Staff Sergeant Stewart became a lone defender of vital terrain - -virtually
one man against a hostile platoon. Refusing to take advantage of a lull in the
firing which would have permitted him to withdraw, Staff Sergeant Stewart
elected to hold his ground to protect his fallen comrades and prevent an enemy
penetration of the company perimeter. As the full force of the platoon-sized
main attack struck his lone position, he fought like a man possessed; emptying
magazine after magazine at the determined, on-charging enemy. The enemy drove
almost to his position and hurled grenades, but Staff Sergeant Stewart
decimated them by retrieving and throwing the grenades back. Exhausting his
ammunition, he crawled under intense fire to his wounded team members and
collected ammunition that they were unable to use. Far past the normal point
of exhaustion, he held his position for four harrowing hours and through three
assaults, annihilating the enemy as they approached and before they could get
a foothold. As a result of his defense, the company position held until the
arrival of a reinforcing platoon which counterattacked the enemy, now
occupying foxholes to the left of Staff Sergeant Stewart's position. After the
counterattack, his body was found in a shallow enemy hole where he had
advanced in order to add his fire to that of the counterattacking platoon.
Eight enemy dead were found around his immediate position, with evidence that
15 others had been dragged away. The wounded whom he gave his life to protect,
were recovered and evacuated. Staff Sergeant Stewart's indomitable courage,
in the face of overwhelming odds, stands as a tribute to himself and an
inspiration to all men of his unit. His actions were in the highest traditions
of the U.S. Army and the Armed Forces of his country.
1966
Sergeant David C. Dolby, B-1/8 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor. (21 May)
Rank and organization. Sergeant (then Specialist Fourth Class), U.S. Army,
Company B, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile). Place and date. Republic of Vietnam, 21 May 1966. Entered service
at: Philadelphia, PA. Born: 14 May 1946, Norristown, PA. G.O. No.: 45, 20
October 1967. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of life above and beyond the call of duty, when his platoon, while advancing
tactically, suddenly came under intense fire from the enemy located on a ridge
immediately to the front. Six members of the platoon were killed instantly and
a number were wounded, including the platoon leader. Sergeant Dolby's every
move brought fire from the enemy. However, aware that the platoon leader was
critically wounded, and that the platoon was in a precarious situation,
Sergeant Dolby moved the wounded men to safety and deployed the remainder of
the platoon to engage the enemy. Subsequently, his dying platoon leader
ordered Sergeant Dolby to withdraw the forward elements to rejoin the platoon.
Despite the continuing intense enemy fire and with utter disregard for his own
safety, Sergeant Dolby positioned able-bodied men to cover the withdrawal of
the forward elements, assisted the wounded to the new position, and he, alone,
attacked enemy positions until his ammunition was expended. Replenishing his
ammunition, he returned to the area of most intense action, single-handedly
killed three enemy machine gunners and neutralized the enemy fire, thus
enabling friendly elements on the flank to advance on the enemy redoubt. He
defied the enemy fire to personally carry a seriously wounded soldier to
safety where he could be treated and, returning to the forward area, he
crawled through withering fire to within fifty meters of the enemy bunkers
and threw smoke grenades to mark them for air strikes. Although repeatedly
under fire at close range from enemy snipers and automatic weapons, Sergeant
Dolby directed artillery fire on the enemy and succeeded in silencing several
enemy weapons. He remained in his exposed location until his comrades had
displaced to more secure positions. His actions of unsurpassed valor during
four hours of intense combat were a source of inspiration to his entire
company, contributed significantly to the success of the overall assault on
the enemy position, and were directly responsible for saving the lives of a
number of his fellow soldiers. Sergeant Dolby's heroism was in the highest
tradition of the U.S. Army.
1966
Private First Class Billy L. Lauffer, C-2/5 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(21 September)
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C,
2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division. Place and date: Near Bon
Son in Binh Dinh province, Republic of Vietnam, 21 September 1966. Entered
service at: Phoenix, AZ. Born: 20 October 1945, Murray, KY. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty. Private First Class Lauffer's squad, a part of
Company C, was suddenly struck at close range by an intense machine gun
crossfire from two concealed bunkers astride the squad's route. Private First
Class Lauffer, the second man in the column, saw the lead man fall and noted
that the remainder of the squad was unable to move. Two comrades, previously
wounded and being carried on litters, were lying helpless in the beaten zone
of the enemy fire. Reacting instinctively, Private First Class Lauffer quickly
engaged both bunkers with fire from his rifle, but when the other squad
members attempted to maneuver under his covering fire, the enemy fusillade
increased in volume and thwarted every attempt to move. Seeing this and his
wounded comrades helpless in the open, Private First Class Lauffer rose to his
feet and charged the enemy machine gun positions, firing his weapon and
drawing the enemy's attention. Keeping the enemy confused and off balance, his
one man assault provided the crucial moments for the wounded point man to
crawl to a covered position, the squad to move the exposed litter patients to
safety, and his comrades to gain more advantageous positions. Private First
Class Lauffer was fatally wounded during his selfless act of courage and
devotion to his fellow soldiers. His gallantry at the cost of his life served
as an inspiration to his comrades and saved the lives of an untold number of
his companions. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S.
Army.
1966
Private First Class Lewis Albanese, B-5/7 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(01 December)
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 5th
Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date:
Republic of Vietnam, 1 December 1966. Entered service at: Seattle, WA. Born:
27 April 1946, Venice, Italy. G.O. No.: 12, 3 April 1968. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and
beyond the call of duty. Private First Class Albanese's platoon, while
advancing through densely covered terrain to establish a blocking position,
received intense automatic weapons fire from close range. As other members
maneuvered to assault the enemy position, Private First Class Albanese was
ordered to provide security for the left flank of the platoon. Suddenly, the
left flank received fire from enemy located in a well-concealed ditch.
Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades from this fire, Private First
Class Albanese fixed his bayonet and moved aggressively into the ditch. His
action silenced the sniper fire, enabling the platoon to resume movement
toward the main enemy position. As the platoon continued to advance, the sound
of heavy firing emanated from the left flank from a pitched battle that ensued
in the ditch which Private First Class Albanese had entered. The ditch was
actually a well-organized complex of enemy defenses designed to bring
devastating flanking fire on the forces attacking the main position. Private
First Class Albanese, disregarding the danger to himself, advanced one hundred
meters along the trench and killed six of the snipers, who were armed with
automatic weapons. Having exhausted his ammunition, Private First Class
Albanese was mortally wounded when he engaged and killed two more enemy
soldiers in fierce hand-to-hand combat. His unparalleled actions saved the
lives of many members of his platoon who otherwise would have fallen to the
sniper fire from the ditch, and enabled his platoon to successfully advance
against an enemy force of overwhelming numerical superiority. Private First
Class Albanese's extraordinary heroism and supreme dedication to his comrades
were commensurate with the finest traditions of the military service and
remain a tribute to himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
1966
Staff Sergeant Delbert O. Jennings, C-1/12 Cavalry earns The Medal of Honor.
(27 December)
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion
(Airborne), 12th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division. Place and date: Kim Song
Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 27 December 1966. Entered service at: San
Francisco, CA. Born: 23 July 1936, Silver City, NM. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of
duty. Part of Company C was defending an artillery position when attacked by
a North Vietnamese Army regiment supported by mortar, recoilless-rifle, and
machine gun fire. At the outset, Staff Sergeant Jennings sprang to his bunker,
astride the main attack route, and slowed the on-coming enemy wave with highly
effective machine gun fire. Despite a tenacious defense in which he killed at
least twelve of the enemy, his squad was forced to the rear. After covering
the withdrawal of the squad, he rejoined his men, destroyed an enemy
demolition crew about to blow up a nearby howitzer, and killed three enemy
soldiers at his initial bunker position. Ordering his men back into a
secondary position, he again covered their withdrawal, killing one enemy with
the butt of his weapon. Observing that some of the defenders were unaware of
an enemy force in their rear, he raced through a fire-swept area to warn the
men, turn their fire on the enemy, and lead them into the secondary perimeter.
Assisting in the defense of the new position, he aided the air-landing of
reinforcements by throwing white phosphorous grenades on the landing zone
despite dangerously silhouetting himself with the light. After helping to
repulse the final enemy assaults, he led a group of volunteers well beyond
friendly lines to an area where eight seriously wounded men lay. Braving enemy
sniper fire and ignoring the presence of booby traps in the area, they
recovered the eight men who would have probably perished without early medical
treatment. Staff Sergeant Jenning's extraordinary heroism and inspirational
leadership saved the lives of many of his comrades and contributed greatly to
the defeat of a superior enemy force. His actions stand with the highest
traditions of the military profession and reflect great credit upon himself,
his unit, and the U.S. Army.
1967
Private First Class James H. Monroe, C-1/8 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(16 February)
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile). Place and date: Bong Son, Hoai Nhon Province, Republic of
Vietnam, 16 February 1967. Entered service at: Chicago, IL. Born: 17
October 1944, Aurora, IL. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. His
platoon was deployed in a night ambush when the position was suddenly
subjected to an intense and accurate grenade attack, and one foxhole was hit
immediately. Responding without hesitation to the calls for help from the
wounded men Private First Class Monroe moved forward through heavy small-arms
fire to the foxhole but found that all of the men had expired. He turned
immediately and crawled back through the deadly hail of fire toward other
calls for aid. He moved to the platoon sergeant's position where he found the
radio operator bleeding profusely from fragmentation and bullet wounds.
Ignoring the continuing enemy attack, Private First Class Monroe began
treating the wounded man when he saw a live grenade fall directly in front of
the position. He shouted a warning to all those nearby, pushed the wounded
radio operator and the platoon sergeant to one side, and lunged forward to
smother the grenade's blast with his body. Through his valorous actions,
performed in a flash of inspired selflessness, Private First Class Monroe
saved the lives of two of his comrades and prevented the probable injury of
several others. His gallantry and intrepidity were in the highest traditions
of the U.S. Army, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces
of his country.
1967
Specialist Fifth Class Charles C. Hagemeister, A-1/5 earns the Medal of Honor.
(20 March)
Rank and organization: Specialist Fifth Class (then Specialist Fourth Class)
U .S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry,
1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Binh Dinh Province, Republic
of Vietnam, 20 March 1967. Entered service at: Lincoln, NE. Born: 21 August
1946, Lincoln, NE. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While
conducting combat operations against a hostile force, Specialist Fifth Class
Hagemeister's platoon suddenly came under heavy attack from three sides by an
enemy force occupying well concealed, fortified positions and supported by
machine guns and mortars. Seeing two of his comrades seriously wounded in the
initial action, Specialist Fifth Class Hagemeister unhesitatingly and with
total disregard for his safety, raced through the deadly hail of enemy fire to
provide them medical aid. Upon learning that the platoon leader and several
other soldiers also had been wounded, Specialist Fifth Class Hagemeister
continued to brave the withering enemy fire and crawled forward to render
lifesaving treatment and to offer words of encouragement. Attempting to
evacuate the seriously wounded soldiers, Specialist Fifth Class Hagemeister
was taken under fire at close range by an enemy sniper. Realizing that the
lives of his fellow soldiers depended on his actions, Specialist Fifth Class
Hagemeister seized a rifle from a fallen comrade, killed the sniper, three
other enemy soldiers who were attempting to encircle his position and silenced
an enemy machine gun that covered the area with deadly fire. Unable to remove
the wounded to a less exposed location and aware of the enemy's efforts to
isolate his unit, he dashed through the fusillade of fire to secure help from
a nearby platoon. Returning with help, he placed men in positions to cover his
advance as he moved to evacuate the wounded forward of his location. These
efforts successfully completed, he then moved to the other flank and evacuated
additional wounded men despite the fact that his every move drew fire from the
enemy. Specialist Fifth Class Hagemeister's repeated heroic and selfless
actions at the risk of his life saved the lives of many of his comrades and
inspired their actions in repelling the enemy assault. Specialist Fifth Class
Hagemeister's indomitable courage was in the highest traditions of the U.S.
Armed Forces and reflect great credit upon himself.
1967
Specialist Fourth Class George A. Ingalls, A-2/5 Cavalry earns the Medal of
Honor. (16 April)
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d
Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Near
Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam, 16 April 1967. Entered service at: Los Angeles,
CA. Born: 9 March 1946, Hanford, CA. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Specialist Fourth Class Ingalls, a member of Company A, accompanied his
squad on a night ambush mission. Shortly after the ambush was established, an
enemy soldier entered the killing zone and was shot when he tried to evade
capture. Other enemy soldiers were expected to enter the area, and the ambush
was maintained in the same location. Two quiet hours passed without incident,
then suddenly a hand grenade was thrown from the nearby dense undergrowth into
the center of the squad's position. The grenade did not explode, but shortly
thereafter a second grenade landed directly between Specialist Fourth Class
Ingalls and a nearby comrade. Although he could have jumped to a safe
position, Specialist Fourth Class Ingalls, in a spontaneous act of great
courage, threw himself on the grenade and absorbed its full blast. The
explosion mortally wounded Specialist Fourth Class Ingalls, but his heroic
action saved the lives of the remaining members of his squad. His gallantry
and selfless devotion to his comrades are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon Specialist
Fourth Class Ingalls, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
1967
Specialist Fifth Class Edgar L. McWethy Jr., B-1/5 Cavalry earns the Medal of
Honor. (21 June)
Rank and organization: Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). place and date:
Binh Dinh province, Republic of Vietnam, 21 June 1967. Entered service at:
Denver, CO. Born: 22 November 1944, Leadville, CO. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty. Serving as a medical aidman with Company B, Specialist Fifth
Class McWethy accompanied his platoon to the site of a downed helicopter.
Shortly after the platoon established a defensive perimeter around the
aircraft, a large enemy force attacked the position from three sides with a
heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and grenades. The platoon leader and
his radio operator were wounded almost immediately, and Specialist Fifth Class
McWethy rushed across the fire-swept area to their assistance. Although he
could not help the mortally wounded radio operator, Specialist Fifth Class
McWethy's timely first aid enabled the platoon leader to retain command during
this critical period. Hearing a call for aid, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy
started across the open toward the injured men, but was wounded in the head
and knocked to the ground. He regained his feet and continued on but was hit
again, this time in the leg. Struggling onward despite his wounds, he gained
the side of his comrades and treated their injuries. Observing another fallen
rifleman lying in an exposed position raked by enemy fire, Specialist Fifth
Class McWethy moved toward him without hesitation. Although the enemy fire
wounded him a third time, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy reached his fallen
companion. Though weakened and in extreme pain, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy
gave the wounded man artificial respiration but suffered a fourth and fatal
wound. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety, and
demonstrated concern for his fellow soldiers, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy
inspired the members of his platoon and contributed in great measure to their
successful defense of the position and the ultimate rout of the enemy force.
Specialist Fifth Class McWethy's profound sense of duty, bravery, and his
willingness to accept extraordinary risks in order to help the men of his unit
are characteristic of the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
1967
Specialist Fourth Class Carmel B. Harvey Jr., B-1/5 Cavalry earns the Medal
of Honor. (21 June)
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Binh
Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 21 June 1967. Entered service at: Chicago,
IL. Born: 6 October 1946, Montgomery, WV. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Specialist Fourth Class Harvey distinguished himself as a fire team
leader with Company B, during combat operations. Ordered to secure a downed
helicopter, his platoon established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft,
but shortly thereafter a large enemy force attacked the position from three
sides. Specialist Fourth Class Harvey and two members of his squad were in a
position directly in the path of the enemy onslaught, and their location
received the brunt of the fire from an enemy machine gun. In short order, both
of his companions were wounded, but Specialist Fourth Class Harvey covered
this loss by increasing his deliberate rifle fire at the foe. The enemy
machine gun seemed to concentrate on him and the bullets struck the ground all
around his position. One round hit and armed a grenade attached to his belt.
Quickly, he tried to remove the grenade but was unsuccessful. Realizing the
danger to his comrades if he remained and despite the hail of enemy fire, he
jumped to his feet, shouted a challenge at the enemy, and raced toward the
deadly machine gun. He nearly reached the enemy position when the grenade on
his belt exploded, mortally wounding Specialist Fourth Class Harvey, and
stunning the enemy machine gun crew. His final act caused a pause in the enemy
fire, and the wounded men were moved from the danger area. Specialist Fourth
Class Harvey's dedication to duty, high sense of responsibility, and heroic
actions inspired the others in his platoon to decisively beat back the enemy
attack. His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
1967
Sergeant Allen J. Lynch, D-1/12 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(15 December)
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company D, 1st Battalion
(Airmobile), 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). place and date:
Near My An (2), Binh Dinh province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 December 1967.
Entered service at: Chicago, IL. Born: 28 October 1945, Chicago, IL. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant Lynch (then Specialist
Fourth Class) distinguished himself while serving as a radio telephone
operator with Company D. While serving in the forward element on an operation
near the village of My An, his unit became heavily engaged with a numerically
superior enemy force. Quickly and accurately assessing the situation, Sergeant
Lynch provided his commander with information which subsequently proved
essential to the unit's successful actions. Observing three wounded comrades
lying exposed to enemy fire, Sergeant Lynch dashed across fifty meters of open
ground through a withering hail of enemy fire to administer aid.
Reconnoitering a nearby trench for a covered position to protect the wounded
from intense hostile fire, he killed two enemy soldiers at point blank range.
With the trench cleared, he unhesitatingly returned to the fire-swept area
three times to carry the wounded men to safety. When his company was forced
to withdraw by the superior firepower of the enemy, Sergeant Lynch remained to
aid his comrades at the risk of his life rather than abandon them. Alone, he
defended his isolated position for two hours against the advancing enemy.
Using only his rifle and a grenade, he stopped them just short of his trench,
killing five. Again, disregarding his safety in the face of withering hostile
fire, he crossed seventy meters of exposed terrain five times to carry his
wounded comrades to a more secure area. Once he had assured their comfort and
safety, Sergeant Lynch located the counterattacking friendly company to assist
in directing the attack and evacuating the three casualties. His gallantry at
the risk of his life is in the highest traditions of the military service,
Sergeant Lynch has reflected great credit on himself, the 12th Cavalry, and
the U.S. Army.
1968
Sergeant William D. Port, C-5/7 earns the Medal of Honor. (12 January)
Rank and organization: Sergeant (then Private First Class), U.S. Army, Company
C, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division. Place and date: Que
Son Valley, Heip Duc Province, Republic of Vietnam, 12 January 1968. Entered
service at: Harrisburg, PA. Born: 13 October 1941, Petersburg, PA. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty. Sergeant Port distinguished himself while serving as
a rifleman with Company C, which was conducting combat operations against an
enemy force in the Que Son Valley. As Sergeant Port's platoon was moving to cut
off a reported movement of enemy soldiers, the platoon came under heavy fire
from an entrenched enemy force. The platoon was forced to withdraw due to the
intensity and ferocity of the fire. Although wounded in the hand as the
withdrawal began, Sergeant Port, with complete disregard for his safety, ran
through the heavy fire to assist a wounded comrade back to the safety of the
platoon perimeter. As the enemy forces assaulted in the perimeter, Sergeant
Port and three comrades were in position behind an embankment when an enemy
grenade landed in their midst. Sergeant Port, realizing the danger to his
fellow soldiers, shouted the warning, "Grenade," and unhesitatingly hurled
himself towards the grenade to shield his comrades from the explosion. Through
his exemplary courage and devotion he saved the lives of his fellow soldiers
and gave the members of his platoon the inspiration needed to hold their
position. Sergeant Port's selfless concern for his comrades, at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest
tradition of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his
unit, and the U.S. Army.
1968
Chief Warrant Officer Fredrick E. Ferguson, C-227 Aviation Battalion, earns
the Medal of Honor. (31 January)
Rank and organization: Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, Company C, 227th
Aviation Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Hue,
Republic of Vietnam, 31 January 1968. Entered service at: Phoenix, AZ. Born:
18 August 1939, Pilot Point, TX. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson, U.S. Army distinguished himself while
serving with Company C. Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson, commander of a
resupply helicopter monitoring an emergency call from wounded passengers and
crewmen of a downed helicopter under heavy attack within the enemy controlled
city of Hue, unhesitatingly volunteered to attempt evacuation. Despite
warnings from all aircraft to stay clear of the area due to heavy antiaircraft
fire, Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson began a low-level flight at maximum
airspeed along the Perfume River toward the tiny, isolated South Vietnamese
Army compound in which the crash survivors had taken refuge. Coolly and
skillfully maintaining his course in the face of intense, short range fire
from enemy occupied buildings and boats, he displayed superior flying skill
and tenacity of purpose by landing his aircraft in an extremely confined area
in a blinding dust cloud under heavy mortar and small-arms fire. Although the
helicopter was severely damaged by mortar fragments during the loading of the
wounded, Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson disregarded the damage and, taking off
through the continuing hail of mortar fire, he flew his crippled aircraft on
the return route through the rain of fire that he had experienced earlier and
safely returned his wounded passengers to friendly control. Chief Warrant
Officer Ferguson's extraordinary determination saved the lives of five of his
comrades. His actions are in the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army.
1968
Captain James M. Sprayberry, D-5/7 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(25 April)
Rank and organization: Captain (then First Lieutenant), U.S. Army, Company D,
5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry , 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date:
Republic of Vietnam, 25 April 1968. Entered service at: Montgomery, AL. Born:
24 April 1947, LaGrange, GA. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Captain Sprayberry, Armor, U.S. Army, distinguished himself by
exceptional bravery while serving as executive officer of Company D. His
company commander and a great number of the men were wounded and separated
from the main body of the company. A daylight attempt to rescue them was
driven back by the well entrenched enemy's heavy fire. Captain Sprayberry then
organized and led a volunteer night patrol to eliminate the intervening enemy
bunkers and to relieve the surrounded element. The patrol soon began receiving
enemy machinegun fire. Captain Sprayberry quickly moved the men to protective
cover and without regard for his own safety, crawled within close range of the
bunker from which the fire was coming. He silenced the machinegun with a hand
grenade. Identifying several one man enemy positions nearby, Captain
Sprayberry immediately attacked them with the rest of his grenades. He crawled
back for more grenades and when two grenades were thrown at his men from a
position to the front, Captain Sprayberry, without hesitation, again exposed
himself and charged the enemy-held bunker killing its occupants with a
grenade. Placing two men to cover his advance, he crawled forward and
neutralized three more bunkers with grenades. Immediately thereafter, Captain
Sprayberry was surprised by an enemy soldier who charged from a concealed
position. He killed the soldier with his pistol and with continuing disregard
for the danger neutralized another enemy emplacement. Captain Sprayberry then
established radio contact with the isolated men, directing them toward his
position. When the two elements made contact he organized his men into litter
parties to evacuate the wounded. As the evacuation was nearing completion, he
observed an enemy machinegun position which he silenced with a grenade.
Captain Sprayberry returned to the rescue party, established security, and
moved to friendly lines with the wounded. This rescue operation, which lasted
approximately seven and one half hours, saved the lives of many of his fellow
soldiers. Captain Sprayberry personally killed twelve enemy soldiers,
eliminated two machineguns, and destroyed numerous enemy bunkers. Captain
Sprayberry's indomitable spirit and gallant action at great personal risk to
his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
1968
First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet, B-1/7 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor. (04 May)
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion,
7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: A Shau Valley,
Republic of Vietnam, 4 May 1968. Entered service at: New Orleans, LA. Born: 7
May 1943, Lake Charles, LA. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. First Lieutenant Fournet, Infantry, distinguished himself in action
while serving as rifle platoon leader of the 2d Platoon, Company B. While
advancing uphill against fortified enemy positions in the A Shau Valley, the
platoon encountered intense sniper fire, making movement very difficult. The
right flank man suddenly discovered an enemy claymore mine covering the route
of advance and shouted a warning to his comrades. Realizing that the enemy
would also be alerted, First Lieutenant Fournet ordered his men to take cover
and ran uphill toward the mine, drawing a sheath knife as he approached it.
With complete disregard for his safety and realizing the imminent danger to
members of his command, he used his body as a shield in front of the mine as
he attempted to slash the control wires leading from the enemy positions to
the mine. As he reached for the wire the mine was detonated, killing him
instantly. Five men nearest the mine were slightly wounded, but First
Lieutenant Fournet's heroic and unselfish act spared his men of serious injury
or death. His gallantry and willing self-sacrifice are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
1968
Specialist Fourth Class Hector Santiago-Colon, B-5/7 Cavalry earns Medal of
Honor. (28 June)
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 5th
Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date:
Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 28 June 1968. Entered service at:
New York, NY. Born: 20 December 1942, Salinas, Puerto Rico. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty. Specialist Fourth Class Santiago-Colon
distinguished himself at the cost of his life while serving as a gunner in the
mortar platoon of Company B. While serving as a perimeter sentry, Specialist
Fourth Class Santiago-Colon heard distinct movement in the heavily wooded area
to his front and flanks. Immediately he alerted his fellow sentries in the
area to move to their foxholes and remain alert for any enemy probing forces.
From the wooded area around his position heavy enemy automatic weapons and
small-arms fire suddenly broke out, but extreme darkness rendered difficult
the precise location and identification of the hostile force. Only the muzzle
flashes from enemy weapons indicated their position. Specialist Fourth Class
Santiago-Colon and the other members of his position immediately began to
repel the attackers, utilizing hand grenades, antipersonnel mines and
small-arms fire. Due to the heavy volume of enemy fire and exploding grenades
around them, a North Vietnamese soldier was able to crawl, undetected, to
their position. Suddenly, the enemy soldier lobbed a hand grenade into
Specialist Fourth Class Santiago-Colon's foxhole. Realizing that there was no
time to throw the grenade out of his position, Specialist Fourth Class
Santiago-Colon retrieved the grenade, tucked it in to his stomach and, turning
away from his comrades, absorbed the full impact of the blast. His heroic
self-sacrifice saved the lives of those who occupied the foxhole with him, and
provided them with the inspiration to continue fighting until they had forced
the enemy to retreat from the perimeter. By his gallantry at the cost of his
life and in the highest traditions of the military service, Specialist Fourth
Class Santiago-Colon has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the U.S. Army.
1968
Sergeant John N. Holcomb, D-2/7 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(03 December)
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company D, 2d Battalion, 7th
Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Near Quan Loi, Republic of
Vietnam, 3 December 1968. Entered service at: Corvallis, OR. Born: 11 June
1946, Baker, OR. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant
Holcomb distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in Company D
during a combat assault mission. Sergeant Holcomb's company assault had landed
by helicopter and deployed into a hasty defensive position to organize for a
reconnaissance-in-force mission when it was attacked from three sides by an
estimated battalion-size enemy force. Sergeant Holcomb's squad was directly in
the path of the main enemy attack. With complete disregard for the heavy fire,
Sergeant Holcomb moved among his men giving encouragement and directing fire
on the assaulting enemy. When his machine gunner was knocked out, Sergeant
Holcomb seized the weapon, ran to a forward edge of the position, and placed
withering fire on the enemy. His gallant actions caused the enemy to withdraw.
Sergeant Holcomb treated and carried his wounded to a position of safety and
reorganized his defensive sector despite a raging grass fire ignited by the
incoming enemy mortar and rocket rounds. When the enemy assaulted the position
a second time, Sergeant Holcomb again manned the forward machine gun,
devastating the enemy attack and forcing the enemy to again break contact and
withdraw. During the enemy withdrawal an enemy rocket hit Sergeant Holcomb's
position, destroying his machine gun and severely wounding him. Despite his
painful wounds, Sergeant Holcomb crawled through the grass fire and exploding
mortar and rocket rounds to move the members of his squad, everyone of whom
had been wounded, to more secure positions. Although grievously wounded and
sustained solely by his indomitable will and courage, Sergeant Holcomb as the
last surviving leader of his platoon organized his men to repel the enemy,
crawled to the platoon radio and reported the third enemy assault on his
position. His report brought friendly supporting fires on the charging enemy
and broke the enemy attack. Sergeant Holcomb's inspiring leadership, fighting
spirit, conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the cost of his
life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
1969
Specialist Fourth Class Donald R. Johnston, D-1/8 Cavalry earns the Medal of
Honor. (21 March)
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 1st
Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Tay Ninh
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 21 March 1969. Entered service at: Columbus,
GA. Born: 19 November 1947, Columbus, GA. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston distinguished himself while serving as
a mortarman with Company D, at a fire support base in Tay Ninh Province.
Specialist Fourth Class Johnston's company was in defensive positions when it
came under a devastating rocket and mortar attack. Under cover of the
bombardment, enemy sappers broke through the defensive perimeter and began
hurling explosive charges into the main defensive bunkers. Specialist Fourth
Class Johnston and six of his comrades had moved from their exposed positions
to one of the bunkers to continue their fight against the enemy attackers. As
they were firing from the bunker, an enemy soldier threw three explosive
charges into their position. Sensing the danger to his comrades, Specialist
Fourth Class Johnston, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself
onto the explosive charges, smothering the detonations with his body and
shielding his fellow soldiers from the blast. His heroic action saved the
lives of six of his comrades. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston's concern for
his fellow men at the cost of his life were in the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S.
Army.
1969
First Lieutenant Robert L. Poxon, B-1/9 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(02 June)
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th
Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of
Vietnam, 2 June 1969. Entered service at: Detroit, MI. Born: 3 January 1947,
Detroit, MI. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. First Lieutenant
Poxon, Armor, Troop B, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader
on a reconnaissance mission. Landing by helicopter in an area suspected of
being occupied by the enemy, the platoon came under intense fire from enemy
soldiers in concealed positions and fortifications around the landing zone. A
soldier fell, hit by the first burst of fire. First Lieutenant Poxon dashed to
his aid, drawing the majority of the enemy fire as he crossed 20 meters of
open ground. The fallen soldier was beyond help and First Lieutenant Poxon was
seriously and painfully wounded. First Lieutenant Poxon, with indomitable
courage, refused medical aid and evacuation and turned his attention to
seizing the initiative from the enemy. With sure instinct he marked a central
enemy bunker as the key to success. Quickly instructing his men to concentrate
their fire on the bunker, and in spite of his wound, First Lieutenant Poxon
crawled toward the bunker, readied a hand grenade and charged. He was hit
again but continued his assault. After succeeding in silencing the enemy guns
in the bunker he was struck once again by enemy fire and fell, mortally
wounded. First Lieutenant Poxon's comrades followed their leader, pressed the
attack and drove the enemy from their positions. First Lieutenant Poxon's
gallantry, indomitable will, and courage are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his
unit, and the U.S. Army.
1969
Sergeant Rodney J. Evans, D-1/12 earns the Medal of Honor. (18 July)
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th
Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of
Vietnam, 18 July 1969. Entered service at: Montgomery, AL. Born: 17 July
1948, Chelsea, MA. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant
Evans distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while serving as a squad
leader in a reconnaissance sweep through heavy vegetation to reconnoiter a
strong enemy position. As the force approached a well-defined trail, the
platoon scout warned that the trail was booby-trapped. Sergeant Evans led his
squad on a route parallel to the trail. The force had started to move forward
when a nearby squad was hit by the blast of a concealed mine. Looking to his
right Sergeant Evans saw a second enemy device. With complete disregard for
his safety he shouted a warning to his men, dived to the ground and crawled
toward the mine. Just as he reached it an enemy soldier detonated the
explosive and Sergeant Evans absorbed the full impact with his body. His
gallant and selfless action saved his comrades from probable death or injury
and served as an inspiration to his entire unit. Sergeant Evans' gallantry in
action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
U.S. Army.
1969
Sergeant Donald S. Skidgel, D-1/9 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(14 September)
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Troop D, 1st Squadron, 9th
Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Near Song Be, Republic of
Vietnam, 14 September 1969. Entered service at: Bangor, ME. Born: 13
October 1948, Caribou, ME. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant
Skidgel distinguished himself while serving as a reconnaissance section leader
in Troop D. On a road near Song Be in Binh Long Province, Sergeant Skidgel and
his section with other elements of his troop were acting as a convoy security
and screening force when contact occurred with an estimated enemy battalion
concealed in tall grass and in bunkers bordering the road. Sergeant Skidgel
maneuvered off the road and began placing effective machinegun fire on the
enemy automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade positions. After
silencing at least one position, he ran with his machine gun across sixty
meters of bullet-swept ground to another location from which he continued to
rake the enemy positions. Running low on ammunition, he returned to his
vehicle over the same terrain. Moments later he was alerted that the command
element was receiving intense automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade and
mortar fire. Although he knew the road was saturated with enemy fire, Sergeant
Skidgel calmly mounted his vehicle and with his driver advanced toward the
command group in an effort to draw the enemy fire onto himself. Despite the
hostile fire concentrated on him, he succeeded in silencing several enemy
positions with his machinegun. Moments later Sergeant Skidgel was knocked down
onto the rear fender by the explosion of an enemy rocket-propelled grenade.
Ignoring his extremely painful wounds, he staggered back to his feet and
placed effective fire on several other enemy positions until he was mortally
wounded by hostile small arms fire. His selfless actions enabled the command
group to withdraw to a better position without casualties and inspired the
rest of his fellow soldiers to gain fire superiority and defeat the enemy.
Sergeant Skidgel's gallantry at the cost of his life were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
1969
Second Lieutenant Robert R. Leisy, B-1/8 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(02 December)
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Infantry, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Phuoc Long
province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 December 1969. Entered service at: Seattle,
WA. Born: 1 March 1945, Stockton, CA. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Second Lieutenant Leisy, Infantry, Company B, distinguished himself
while serving as platoon leader during a reconnaissance mission. One of his
patrols became heavily engaged by fire from a numerically superior enemy force
located in a well-entrenched bunker complex. As Second Lieutenant Leisy
deployed the remainder of his platoon to rescue the beleaguered patrol, the
platoon also came under intense enemy fire from the front and both flanks. In
complete disregard for his safety, Second Lieutenant Leisy moved from position
to position deploying his men to effectively engage the enemy. Accompanied by
his radio operator he moved to the front and spotted an enemy sniper in a tree
in the act of firing a rocket-propelled grenade at them. Realizing there was
neither time to escape the grenade nor shout a warning, Second Lieutenant
Leisy unhesitatingly, and with full knowledge of the consequences, shielded
the radio operator with his body and absorbed the full impact of the
explosion. This valorous act saved the life of the radio operator and
protected other men of his platoon who were nearby from serious injury.
Despite his mortal wounds, Second Lieutenant Leisy calmly and confidently
continued to direct the platoon's fire. When medical aid arrived, Second
Lieutenant Leisy valiantly refused attention until the other seriously wounded
were treated. His display of extraordinary courage and exemplary devotion to
duty provided the inspiration and leadership that enabled his platoon to
successfully withdraw without further casualties. Second Lieutenant Leisy's
gallantry at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the
U.S. Army.
1970
Specialist Fourth Class John P. Baca, D-1/12 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(10 February)
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 1st
Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Phuoc Long
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 10 February 1970. Entered service at: Fort Ord,
CA. Born: 10 January 1949, Providence, RI.. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty. Specialist Fourth Class Baca, Company D, distinguished
himself while serving on a recoilless rifle team during a night ambush
mission. A platoon from his company was sent to investigate the detonation of
an automatic ambush device forward of his unit's main position and soon came
under intense enemy fire from concealed positions along the trail. Hearing the
heavy firing from the platoon position and realizing that his recoilless rifle
team could assist the members of the besieged patrol, Specialist Fourth Class
Baca led his team through the hail of enemy fire to a firing position within
the patrol's defensive perimeter. As they prepared to engage the enemy, a
fragmentation grenade was thrown into the midst of the patrol. Fully aware of
the danger to his comrades, Specialist Fourth Class Baca unhesitatingly, and
with complete disregard for his own safety, covered the grenade with his steel
helmet and fell on it as the grenade exploded, thereby absorbing the lethal
fragments and concussion with his body. His gallant action and total disregard
for his personal well-being directly saved eight men from certain serious
injury or death. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by
Specialist Fourth Class Baca, at the risk of his life, are in the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit,
and the U.S. Army.
1970
Sergeant Peter C. Lemon, E-2/8 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(01 April)
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company E, 2d Battalion, 8th
Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. place and date: Tay Ninh province, Republic of
Vietnam, 1 April 1970. Entered service at: Tawas City, MI. Born: 5 June 1950,
Toronto, Canada. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant
Lemon (then Specialist Fourth Class), Company E, distinguished himself while
serving as an assistant machine gunner during the defense of Fire Support Base
Illingworth. When the base came under heavy enemy attack, Sergeant Lemon
engaged a numerically superior enemy with machine gun and rifle fire from his
defensive position until both weapons malfunctioned. He then used hand
grenades to fend off the intensified enemy attack launched in his direction.
After eliminating all but one of the enemy soldiers in the immediate vicinity,
he pursued and disposed of the remaining soldier in hand-to-hand combat.
Despite fragment wounds from an exploding grenade, Sergeant Lemon regained his
position, carried a more seriously wounded comrade to an aid station, and, as
he returned, was wounded a second time by enemy fire. Disregarding his personal
injuries, he moved to his position through a hail of small arms and grenade
fire. Sergeant Lemon immediately realized that the defensive sector was in
danger of being overrun by the enemy and unhesitatingly assaulted the enemy
soldiers by throwing hand grenades and engaging in hand-to-hand combat. He was
wounded yet a third time, but his determined efforts successfully drove the
enemy from the position. Securing an operable machine gun, Sergeant Lemon
stood atop an embankment fully exposed to enemy fire, and placed effective
fire upon the enemy until he collapsed from his multiple wounds and
exhaustion. After regaining consciousness at the aid station, he refused
medical evacuation until his more seriously wounded comrades had been
evacuated. For his valiant action, Sergeant Peter C. Lemon received the Medal
of Honor.
1971
Captain Jon E. Swanson, B-1/9 Cavalry earns the Medal of Honor.
(26 February)
Rank and Organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry,
1st Cavalry Division. place and date: Kingdom of Cambodia, 26 February, 1971.
Born: 01 May 1942 San Antonio, TX. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. On February 26, 1971, Captain Jon E. Swanson was flying an OH-6A
aircraft on a close support reconnaissance mission in support of Army of the
Republic of Vietnam (ARVNM) Task Force 333 in the Kingdom of Cambodia. With
two well equipped enemy regiments known to be in the area, Captain Swanson was
tasked with pinpointing the precise position of the enemy. Captain Swanson
flew at treetop level at a slow airspeed, making his aircraft a vulnerable
target. The advancing ARVN unit came under heavy automatic weapons fire from
the enemy bunkers one hundred meters to their front. Exposing his aircraft to
enemy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Swanson immediately engaged the enemy
bunkers with concussion grenades and machine gun fire.
After destroying five bunkers and successfully evading ground-to-air fire,
he discovered a .51 caliber machine gun position. With all his heavy ordnance
expended on the bunkers, he did not have sufficient explosives to destroy
the positions. Consequently, he marked the position with a smoke grenade and
directed a Cobra gunship attack on the position. Upon completion of the
attack, he again returned to the area to assess the battle damage. Captain
Swanson found the weapon still intact and an enemy soldier crawling over to
man it. He immediately engaged the individual and killed him. His aircraft
was then taken under fire by a second .51 caliber machine gun position.
Although his aircraft had sustained several hits, Captain Swanson engaged
the position with his aircraft weapons, marked the target, and directed a
second Cobra gunship attack. He volunteered to continue the mission despite
the fact that he was critically low on ammunition and his aircraft was
crippled from the hits it sustained. While approaching the target area,
Captain Swanson was taken under fire by yet another .51 caliber position. In
an effort to mark the position with smoke, he again flew into the objective
area. Although his aircraft was taking heavy fire, he continued to fly to
the .51 caliber position. It was at this point that his aircraft exploded in
the air and crashed to the ground. Captain Swanson's courageous actions
resulted in at least eight enemy killed and the destruction of three enemy
anti-aircraft positions, which would have been responsible for the destruction
of many more helicopters and crews.
Captain Swanson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army. |
The Medal of Honor is the highest medal awarded by the United States. The
following is an excerpt of the Army regulation that describes the eligibility
criteria for award of the Medal of Honor.
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