The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The recipients must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously.[1]
The Vietnam War, (also known as the Second Indochina War, Vietnam Conflict, and in Vietnam as the American War), took place from 1955 to 1975. The war was fought between the Communist-supported Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the United States-supported Republic of Vietnam, beginning with the presence of a small number of US military advisors in 1955 and escalating into direct US involvement in a ground war in 1965. It concluded with the Fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975, defeating the United States foreign policy in Vietnam.[2]
During the Vietnam War, 248 Medals of Honor were received, 156 (62.9%) of them posthumously. Soldiers of the Army received the most with 161, followed by 57 to the Marines, 16 to the Navy and the remaining 14 to the Air Force.[3]
The first actions to earn a Medal of Honor in this war were those of Roger Donlon who, on 6 July 1964, rescued and administered first aid to several wounded soldiers and led a group against an enemy force.[4] The last actions to earn a Medal of Honor in this war were those of Bud Day, for actions as a prisoner of war from 26 August 1967 through 14 March 1973 – though some honorees (such as Leslie H. Sabo, Jr., honoured on 16 May 2012) have been cited for their Medal after Day's recognition on March 4, 1976.
The first African American recipient of the war was Milton L. Olive, III who sacrificed himself to save others by smothering a grenade with his body.[5] Riley L. Pitts was killed after attacking an enemy force with rifle fire and grenades and was the first African American commissioned officer of the war to receive the medal.[6] Thomas Bennett was a conscientious objector who received the medal for his actions as a medic;[7] three chaplains received the medal, including Vincent R. Capodanno, who served with the Marine Corps and was known as the Grunt padre.[8]
Recipients[]
Lavender background and * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously.
All locations are in South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) unless otherwise stated.
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Place of action | Date of action | Notes[9][10] |
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William E. Adams* | Army | Major | Kon Tum Province | May 25, 1971 | Killed while flying his helicopter in a rescue mission | |
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Lewis Albanese* | Army | Private First Class | South Vietnam | December 1, 1966 | After participating in the defeat of an enemy assault he was killed in hand-to-hand combat |
Leonard L. Alvarado* | Army | Specialist Four | Phước Long Province | August 12, 1969 | Disrupting an enemy raid and saving the lives of several comrades | |
James Anderson, Jr.* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Near Cam Lộ | February 28, 1967 | For covering an enemy grenade with his body to protect fellow Marines | |
Richard A. Anderson* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Quảng Trị Province | August 24, 1969 | For covering an enemy grenade with his body to protect fellow Marines on a recon mission. | |
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Webster Anderson | Army | Staff Sergeant | Tam Kỳ | October 15, 1967 | Although wounded multiple times he continued to fight and refused medical aid until the enemy attack was over |
Eugene Ashley, Jr.* | Army | Sergeant First Class | Lang Vei | nearFebruary 6, 1968 – February 7, 1968 | Risked his life attempting to save the lives of his entrapped comrades and commanding officer | |
Oscar P. Austin* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | west of Da Nang | February 23, 1969 | Threw himself between enemy fire and an injured fellow Marine | |
File:JBaca.jpg | John P. Baca | Army | Specialist Four | Phước Long Province | February 10, 1970 | Covered a grenade with his helmet and body, saving eight men |
File:NickyBacon1.jpg | Nicky D. Bacon | Army | Staff Sergeant | west of Tam Kỳ | August 26, 1968 | Risked his life by repeatedly leading groups of men in fighting back an enemy attack |
John F. Baker, Jr. | Army | Private First Class | South Vietnam | November 5, 1966 | He was directly responsible for saving the lives of several of his comrades, and inflicting serious damage on the enemy. | |
Donald E. Ballard | Navy | Hospital Corpsman Second Class | Quảng Trị Province | May 16, 1968 | Risked his life by smothering a grenade with his own body | |
Jedh C. Barker* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Con Thien | nearSeptember 21, 1967 | Threw himself on a grenade to save fellow Marines | |
John A. Barnes, III* | Army | Private First Class | Đắk Tô | November 12, 1967 | Sacrificed his life by throwing himself directly onto a hand grenade as it exploded. | |
Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. | Marine Corps | First Lieutenant | Ky Phu, Quảng Tín Province | December 18, 1965 | Assumed command of a rifle company upon death of the commander in an ambush, directed the counterattack | |
Gary B. Beikirch | Army | Sergeant | Kon Tum Province | April 1, 1970 | Endured hostile gunfire and serious injuries to save several wounded soldiers | |
Ted Belcher* | Army | Sergeant | Plei Djerang | November 19, 1966 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
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Leslie A. Bellrichard* | Army | Private First Class | Kon Tum Province | May 20, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Roy P. Benavidez | Army | Staff Sergeant | west of Lộc Ninh | May 2, 1968 | For a series of daring and valorous actions despite severe wounds | |
Steven L. Bennett* | Air Force | Captain | Quảng Trị | June 29, 1972 | Sacrificed his life to save the life of his passenger | |
Thomas W. Bennett* | Army | Corporal | Chu Pa Region, Pleiku Province | February 9, 1969 – February 11, 1969 | For saving many lives as a medic during a number of vicious firefights. Second conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. | |
File:Michael Blanchfield.jpg | Michael R. Blanchfield* | Army | Specialist Four | Bình Định Province | July 3, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
John P. Bobo* | Marine Corps | Second Lieutenant | Quảng Trị Province | March 30, 1967 | Held his position in the face of enemy ambush despite having his lower leg blown off allowing the remainder of his outnumbered unit to move to safety | |
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James L. Bondsteel | Army | Staff Sergeant | An Lộc, Bình Phước Province | May 24, 1969 | He destroyed 10 enemy bunkers and accounted for a large toll of the enemy, including two key enemy commanders |
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Hammett L. Bowen, Jr.* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Bình Dương Province | June 27, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
File:BradyP.jpg | Patrick H. Brady | Army | Major | Chu Lai | nearJanuary 6, 1968 | Flew multiple missions against heavy fire to evacuate 51 wounded men |
Daniel D. Bruce* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Fire Support Base Tomahawk, Quảng Nam Province | March 1, 1969 | Carried an explosive device away from three other Marines | |
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William M. Bryant* | Army | Sergeant First Class | Long Khánh District | March 24, 1969 | Showed conspicuous leadership while organizing his unit's defense during a 34-hour enemy attack |
Paul W. Bucha | Army | Captain | near Phuoc Vinh, Bình Dương Province | March 16, 1968 – March 19, 1968 | Led his company in the decimation of a superior enemy force which left 156 dead on the battlefield | |
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Brian L. Buker* | Army | Sergeant | Châu Đốc Province | April 5, 1970 | Sacrificed his life to lead his men against the enemy and personally destroyed two enemy bunkers with hand grenades |
Robert C. Burke* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | southern Quảng Nam Province | May 17, 1968 | After his unit was ambushed, he assaulted the enemy forces, allowing the remainder of the unit to recover wounded and continue their advance | |
John Canley | Marine Corps | Sergeant major | in and around Hue City | January 31, 1968- February 6, 1968 | [11] | |
Vincent R. Capodanno* | Navy | Lieutenant | Quảng Tín Province | September 4, 1967 | A Chaplain who was killed while attempting to rescue a wounded corpsman | |
Wayne M. Caron* | Navy | Hospital Corpsman Third Class | Quảng Nam Province | July 28, 1968 | Was killed while providing medical attention to several wounded Marines | |
Bruce W. Carter* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quảng Trị Province | August 7, 1969 | Sacrificed his life to save several Marines by smothering a grenade with his body | |
Jon R. Cavaiani | Army | Staff Sergeant | South Vietnam | June 4, 1971 – June 5, 1971 | Risked his life by attacking a wave of enemy forces alone to allow the rest of his platoon to escape | |
Raymond M. Clausen, Jr. | Marine Corps | Private First Class | South Vietnam | January 31, 1970 | Risked his life to rescue several Marines and corpsman from a minefield | |
Ronald L. Coker* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quảng Trị Province | March 24, 1969 | For assaulting an enemy position and aiding a fallen Marine despite severe wounds to himself | |
Felix M. Conde-Falcon* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Ap Tan Hoa | April 4, 1969 | Killed while assaulting heavily fortified enemy bunkers | |
Peter S. Connor* | Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant | Quảng Nam Province | February 25, 1966 | For absorbing the blast of a malfunctioning grenade in order to protect his fellow Marines | |
Donald G. Cook* | Marine Corps | Captain | South Vietnam | December 31, 1964 – December 8, 1967 | For assisting fellow prisoners while a prisoner of war | |
Ardie R. Copas* | Army | Specialist Four | Ph Romeas Hek, Cambodia | May 12, 1970 | Killed while holding off an enemy ambush while wounded, so his comrades could be evacuated | |
Bruce P. Crandall | Army | Major | Battle of Ia Drang | November 14, 1965 | For repeatedly flying into a landing zone under intense enemy fire to rescue and resupply ground troops | |
Thomas E. Creek* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | near Cam Lộ | February 13, 1969 | Sacrificed his life to save five Marines by smothering a grenade with his body | |
File:Crescenz MJ USArmy.jpg | Michael J. Crescenz* | Army | Corporal | Hiệp Đức Valley area | November 20, 1968 | For single-handedly destroying two bunkers while under fire from a third machine gun during an ambush |
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Nicholas J. Cutinha* | Army | Specialist Four | near Gia Định | March 2, 1968 | Maintained his position, refused assistance, and provided defensive fire for his comrades until he fell mortally wounded. He was solely responsible for killing 15 enemy soldiers while saving the lives of at least nine members of his own unit. |
Larry G. Dahl* | Army | Specialist Four | An Khê, Bình Định Province | February 23, 1971 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
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Paris Davis | Army | Colonel | Bồng Sơn, Republic of Vietnam | June 17, 1965- June 18, 1965 | Continuousy exposed himself to enemy fire at great risk to his life; although wounded multiple times, directed the evacuation of wounded before leaving himself |
Rodney M. Davis* | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Quảng Nam Province | September 6, 1967 | Sacrificed his life to save several of his fellow Marines by smothering a grenade with his body | |
Sammy L. Davis | Army | Private First Class | West of Cai Lậy | November 18, 1967 | For defending his 42-man unit from hundreds of attacking Viet Cong | |
George E. Day | Air Force | Major | North Vietnam | August 26, 1967 | For actions as a prisoner of war from August 26, 1967 – March 4, 1973 | |
Emilio A. De La Garza, Jr.* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | near Da Nang | April 11, 1970 | Sacrificed his life and saved several Marines by blocking them from the blast of a grenade | |
Merlyn H. Dethlefsen | Air Force | Captain | North Vietnam | overMarch 10, 1967 | Flew repeated close range strikes to silence enemy defensive positions, ignoring overwhelming firepower and damage to his own aircraft | |
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Edward A. DeVore, Jr.* | Army | Specialist Four | near Saigon | March 17, 1968 | Sacrificed his life to draw the enemy fire upon himself allowing a trapped squad to rejoin their platoon |
Ralph E. Dias* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quế Sơn Mountains | November 12, 1969 | Although severely wounded multiple times by enemy fire he continued to throw grenades at an enemy bunker until it was destroyed and he was killed by enemy gunfire. | |
Douglas E. Dickey* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | South Vietnam | March 26, 1967 | Sacrificed his life to save several fellow Marines by diving on a grenade and absorbing the explosion with his body | |
Drew D. Dix | Army | Staff Sergeant | Châu Đốc Province | January 31, 1968 – February 1, 1968 | His actions resulted in 14 confirmed Viet Cong killed in action and possibly 25 more, the capture of 20 prisoners, 15 weapons, and the rescue of the 14 United States and free world civilians | |
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Stephen H. Doane* | Army | First Lieutenant | Hậu Nghĩa Province | March 25, 1969 | Although already wounded, he sacrificed his life to save other soldiers who were pinned down by silencing two enemy gun emplacements and diving into a third with a grenade. |
David C. Dolby | Army | Specialist Four | South Vietnam | May 21, 1966 | For silencing three enemy positions and rescuing several wounded comrades | |
Roger H. C. Donlon | Army | Captain | near Nam Đông | July 6, 1964 | Rescued and administered first aid to several wounded soldiers and led a group to defeat an enemy force causing them to retreat leaving behind 54 of their dead, many weapons, and grenades. | |
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Kern W. Dunagan | Army | Captain | Quảng Tín Province | May 13, 1969 | Although wounded he directed fire onto enemy positions and rescued several wounded soldiers |
Jesus S. Duran* | Army | Sergeant | Ph Romeas Hek, Cambodia | April 10, 1969 | Saved wounded Americans on a search and clear operation | |
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Harold Bascom Durham, Jr.* | Army | Second Lieutenant | South Vietnam | October 17, 1967 | Although wounded he directed fire on enemy positions and continued to fight until he died from his wounds |
Glenn H. English, Jr.* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Phù Mỹ District | September 7, 1970 | Was killed while attempting to rescue a wounded soldier from a personnel carrier | |
Santiago J. Erevia | Army | Specialist Four | near Tam Kỳ | May 1969 | For his courageous actions while serving as radio telephone operator in Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) during search and clear mission.[12][13] | |
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Michael J. Estocin* | Navy | Lieutenant Commander | Hai Phong, North Vietnam | April 20, 1967 and April 26, 1967 | Risked his life by attacking an enemy SAM site and other enemy targets multiple times |
Richard Etchberger* | Air Force | Chief Master Sergeant | Lima Site 85, Laos | March 11, 1968 | Exposed himself to enemy fire in order to place his three surviving wounded comrades in rescue slings permitting them to be airlifted to safety. It took an act of Congress for Etchberger to be reconsidered for this 2010 Medal of Honor, since the existence of Lima Site 85 had to be kept secret in 1968. | |
File:Donald W Evans.jpg | Donald W. Evans, Jr.* | Army | Specialist Four | Tam Tri | January 27, 1967 | Evans Army Community Hospital, Ft Carson, was named after Evans. Was a medic who was killed while treating and rescuing members of his unit. |
Rodney J. Evans* | Army | Sergeant | Tây Ninh Province | July 18, 1969 | Killed protecting others during an ambush | |
Frederick E. Ferguson | Army | Chief Warrant Officer | Huế | January 31, 1968 | Risked his life by flying his helicopter into heavy enemy fire to evacuate several wounded passengers and aircrew of a downed helicopter | |
Daniel Fernandez* | Army | Specialist Four | Củ Chi, Hậu Nghĩa Province | February 18, 1966 | Threw himself on an enemy grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of four comrades at the sacrifice of his life | |
Bernard F. Fisher | Air Force | Major | Biên Hòa and Pleiku, Vietnam | March 10, 1966 | For rescuing a downed airman despite heavy fire | |
Michael J. Fitzmaurice | Army | Specialist Four | Khe Sanh | March 23, 1971 | For absorbing an explosive charge and continuing to fight with weapons and hand to hand before successfully defending a bunker. | |
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Charles C. Fleek* | Army | Sergeant | Bình Dương Province | May 27, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
James P. Fleming | Air Force | First Lieutenant | near Đức Cơ | November 26, 1968 | For the rescue of a six-man special forces unit | |
Robert F. Foley | Army | Captain | near Dầu Tiếng | November 5, 1966 | Despite his painful wounds he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. He led the assault on several enemy gun emplacements and, single-handedly, destroyed three such positions. | |
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Michael F. Folland* | Army | Corporal | Long Khánh Province | July 3, 1969 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body |
Paul H. Foster* | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Con Thien | nearOctober 14, 1967 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
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Douglas B. Fournet* | Army | First Lieutenant | A Shau Valley | May 4, 1968 | Sacrificed his life in an attempt to defuse a claymore mine |
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James W. Fous* | Army | Private First Class | Kien Hoa Province | May 14, 1968 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Wesley L. Fox | Marine Corps | First Lieutenant | Quảng Trị Province | February 22, 1969 | Although wounded he directed fire on the enemy and led his platoon to drive the enemy back | |
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Frank R. Fratellenico* | Army | Corporal | Quảng Trị Province | August 19, 1970 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him. |
Ed Freeman | Army | Captain | Ia Drang Valley | November 14, 1965 | For gallantry conducted as a UH–1 Huey pilot at LZ X–Ray | |
Harold A. Fritz | Army | First Lieutenant | Bình Long Province | January 11, 1969 | Despite his wounds he returned to his position, assisted his men, and refused medical attention until all of his wounded comrades had been treated and evacuated | |
Candelario Garcia* | Army | Sergeant | Lai Khe | December 8, 1968 | Destroyed two enemy machine gun nests while saving wounded comrades | |
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James A. Gardner* | Army | First Lieutenant | My Canh, Vietnam | February 7, 1966 | Sacrificed his life by single-handedly destroying several enemy gun positions until he was killed |
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John G. Gertsch* | Army | Staff Sergeant | A Shau Valley | July 15, 1969 – July 19, 1969 | For providing covering fire for a medic working on a wounded soldier |
File:Sgt Freddy Gonzalez.jpg | Alfredo C. Gonzalez* | Marine Corps | Sergeant | near Thừa Thiên | February 4, 1968 | Although seriously wounded he destroyed an enemy bunker and fought back an enemy attack until he was killed |
James A. Graham* | Marine Corps | Captain | South Vietnam | June 2, 1967 | After fighting off the enemy he sacrificed his life allowing the rest of his company to return to friendly lines while he remained alone with an injured soldier who could not be moved due to his wounds. | |
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Bruce A. Grandstaff* | Army | Platoon Sergeant | Pleiku Province | May 18, 1967 | Fought off an enemy attack until killed by an enemy rocket |
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Joseph X. Grant* | Army | First Lieutenant | South Vietnam | November 13, 1966 | Killed by enemy mortar fire while attempting to rescue several injured Marines |
Terrence C. Graves* | Marine Corps | Second Lieutenant | Quảng Trị Province | February 16, 1968 | For courageous leadership on an eight man Marine recon patrol | |
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Peter M. Guenette* | Army | Specialist Four | Tân Uyên, Bình Dương | May 18, 1968 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body |
Charles C. Hagemeister | Army | Specialist Four | Bình Định Province | March 20, 1967 | Risked his life to render medical aid to several injured soldiers and protected them until they could be evacuated | |
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Loren D. Hagen* | Army | First Lieutenant | A Shau Valley | August 7, 1971 | For attempting to aid a critically wounded Special reconnaissance team member Bruce Allen Berg during a massive North Vietnamese Army assault. |
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Robert W. Hartsock* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Hậu Nghĩa Province | February 23, 1969 | For smothering an explosion with his body to protect those around him |
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Carmel B. Harvey, Jr.* | Army | Specialist Four | Bình Định Province | June 21, 1967 | Sacrificed his life and attacked a group of enemy soldiers so that several injured members of his squad could escape |
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Frank A. Herda | Army | Private First Class | near Đắk Tô, Quang Trang Province, Republic of Vietnam | June 29, 1968 | Risked his life to protect several wounded soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body |
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Robert J. Hibbs* | Army | Second Lieutenant | Don Dien Lo Ke, Republic of Vietnam | March 5, 1966 | Sacrificed his life to eliminate two companies of the enemy, rescue a fellow soldier and destroyed the starlight scope attached to his rifle to prevent its capture and use by the Viet Cong. |
John N. Holcomb* | Army | Sergeant | near Quan Loi, Republic of Vietnam | December 3, 1968 | Risked his life to lead his men to fight back an attacking enemy force three times | |
Joe R. Hooper | Army | Sergeant | near Huế | February 21, 1968 | Repeatedly risked his life to rescue wounded soldiers and attack groups of enemy soldiers, clearing multiple bunkers and houses sometimes single-handed. Refused medical treatment or evacuation until after action and his men were settled. Most decorated soldier during Vietnam War. Arguably the most decorated U.S. Army soldier in history (counting only U.S. citations). | |
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Charles E. Hosking, Jr.* | Army | Sergeant First Class | Phước Long Province | March 21, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Jimmie E. Howard | Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | June 16, 1966 | Repeateadly repulsed enemy attacks and although severely wounded was able maintain control of his unit until help could arrive | |
Robert L. Howard | Army | Sergeant First Class | Republic of Vietnam | December 30, 1968 | For actions during a rescue mission in enemy territory | |
James D. Howe* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Republic of Vietnam | May 6, 1970 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
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George A. Ingalls* | Army | Specialist Four | near Đức Phổ | April 16, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Robert R. Ingram | Navy | Hospital Corpsman Third Class | Quảng Ngãi Province | March 28, 1966 | Although badly wounded he continued to assist and treat the injuries of the Marines around him who had been hurt in combat with the enemy | |
Joe M. Jackson | Air Force | Lieutenant Colonel | Kham Duc | May 12, 1968 | For a daring airborne rescue of American special forces troops | |
Jack H. Jacobs | Army | First Lieutenant | Kien Phong Province | March 9, 1968 | Drove off squads of enemy soldiers on three occasions who were searching for allied wounded and weapons. He killed three and wounding several others | |
Don J. Jenkins | Army | Private First Class | Kien Phong Province | January 6, 1969 | Repeatedly attacked the enemy and although severely wounded risked his life to rescue several wounded soldiers | |
Robert H. Jenkins, Jr.* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Fire Support Base Argonne, Republic of Vietnam | March 5, 1969 | For using his body to shield a fellow Marine from a grenade blast | |
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Delbert O. Jennings | Army | Staff Sergeant | Kim Song Valley, Republic of Vietnam | December 27, 1966 | Repeatedly attacked and defended his unit from enemy fire and assisted 8 wounded men who were trapped behind enemy lines |
Jose F. Jimenez* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Quảng Nam Province | August 28, 1969 | Killed while attacking a group of enemy soldiers | |
Lawrence Joel | Army | Specialist Five | Republic of Vietnam | November 8, 1965 | Provided medical treatment to fellow soldiers while under heavy fire, despite being wounded twice, during Operation Hump | |
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Dwight H. Johnson | Army | Specialist Five | near Đắk Tô, Kon Tum Province | January 15, 1968 | Repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to man several different machine-guns until the enemy had been fought back |
Ralph H. Johnson* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | near the Quan Duc Valley, Republic of Vietnam | March 5, 1968 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
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Donald R. Johnston* | Army | Specialist Four | Tây Ninh Province | March 21, 1969 | For smothering explosive blasts with his body to protect those around him |
William A. Jones, III* | Air Force | Colonel | North Vietnam | near Đồng Hới,September 1, 1968 | Risked his life to fly his heavily damaged plane back to base to relay the location of a downed pilot | |
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Stephen E. Karopczyc* | Army | First Lieutenant | Kon Tum Province | March 12, 1967 | Sacrificed his life to save other soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body |
Terry T. Kawamura* | Army | Corporal | Camp Radcliff, Republic of Vietnam | March 20, 1969 | For smothering an explosive blast with his body to protect those around him | |
File:Kenneth Michael Kays.jpg | Kenneth M. Kays | Army | Private | Thừa Thiên Province | May 7, 1970 | Risked his life to assist several fallen comrades and although injured in the attempt was able to administer first aid to himself and several of the wounded and helped them to safety. |
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John J. Kedenburg* | Army | Specialist Five | Republic of Vietnam | June 13, 1968 | For letting a Vietnamese soldier take his spot in a helicopter rescue, while he stayed behind to attempt to hold off advancing Viet Cong by which he was overrun. |
Miguel Keith* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Quảng Ngãi Province | May 8, 1970 | Sacrificed his life to single-handedly eliminate a group of enemy soldiers | |
Leonard B. Keller | Army | Sergeant | Ap Bac Zone, Republic of Vietnam | May 2, 1967 | Assaulted an enemy platoon with another soldier preventing further casualties | |
File:CaptThomasKelleyUSNRet.jpg | Thomas G. Kelley | Navy | Lieutenant | Ong Muong Canal, Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam | June 15, 1969 | Successfully relayed commands through one of his men until an enemy attack was silenced and the boats he was leading were able to move to safety |
Allan J. Kellogg | Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant | Quảng Nam Province | March 11, 1970 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
J. Robert Kerrey | Navy | Lieutenant, Junior Grade | near Nha Trang Bay, Republic of Vietnam | March 14, 1969 | Led his SEAL team on a mission to capture important members of the enemy and although seriously injured in the battle they eliminated an enemy force and took several prisoners. Later became a U.S. Senator for state of Nebraska. Prior to becoming a senator, he served as the governor from 1983 to 1987. | |
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Thomas J. Kinsman | Army | Private First Class | near Vĩnh Long | February 6, 1968 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
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Paul R. Lambers | Army | Sergeant | Tây Ninh Province | August 20, 1968 | For taking command of his platoon and exposing himself to enemy fire to reestablish communication, tend to wounded men, and continued fighting |
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George C. Lang | Army | Specialist Four | Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 22, 1969 | For destroying three enemy bunkers with grenades and rifle fire, helping to secure an enemy supply cache and directing his men after being seriously wounded. |
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Garfield M. Langhorn* | Army | Private First Class | Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam | January 15, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Joseph G. LaPointe, Jr.* | Army | Specialist Four | Quảng Tín Province | June 2, 1969 | Sacrificed his life by using his own body as a shield in an attempt to save a wounded soldier | |
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Clyde E. Lassen | Navy | Lieutenant, Junior Grade | Republic of Vietnam | June 19, 1968 | For the rescue of two downed naval aviators |
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Billy L. Lauffer* | Army | Private First Class | Bong Son, Bình Định Province | nearSeptember 21, 1966 | Rushed an enemy machine gun to distract the enemy so that his wounded comrades could be moved to safety |
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Robert D. Law* | Army | Specialist Four | Phước Thành Province | February 22, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Howard V. Lee | Marine Corps | Captain | near Cam Lộ | August 8, 1966 – August 9, 1966 | Volunteered to reinforce squad of Marines who were under heavy fire. He assumed command and directed the defense of their position and despite being wounded by a grenade, he continued to direct them, saving many lives. | |
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Milton A. Lee* | Army | Private First Class | near Phu Bai, Thừa Thiên Province | April 26, 1968 | Exposed himself to enemy fire and overran an enemy squad continuing to provide cover fire until the lead element had overrun a second enemy squad and he fell mortally wounded. |
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Robert R. Leisy* | Army | Second Lieutenant | Phước Long Province | December 2, 1969 | Sacrificed his life to shield another soldier from a rocket blast, absorbing the full blast with his body. He continued to direct his men and refused treatment until his men were taken care of. |
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Peter C. Lemon | Army | Specialist Four | Tây Ninh Province | April 1, 1970 | The only Canadian recipient since World War II, and one of only four since 1900. He received it for exposing himself to enemy gunfire multiple times. While wounded he secured a machine gun and fired on the enemy refusing evacuation until his injured comrades were taken. |
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Matthew Leonard* | Army | Platoon Sergeant | near Suoi Da, Republic of Vietnam | February 28, 1967 | After being shot in the hand by a sniper he exposed himself to enemy gunfire and charged a machine gun, killing the enemy there. He was shot multiple times and propped himself up against a tree and continued to fire until he succumbed to his injuries. |
John L. Levitow | Air Force | Airman First Class | Long Binh Army post, Republic of Vietnam | February 24, 1969 | For diving on top of a flare, to eject it from an aircraft, saving it and entire crew on board | |
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Angelo J. Liteky | Army | Captain | near Phuoc-Lac, Biên Hòa Province | December 6, 1967 | Was a Chaplain who carried 20 wounded men from the battlefield under heavy fire who later renounced his medal of honor |
Gary L. Littrell | Army | Sergeant First Class | Kon Tum Province | April 4, 1970 – April 8, 1970 | Risked his life to direct artillery and air support by day and marked the unit's location by night, despite enemy fire he led his men against the enemy until help arrived. | |
James E. Livingston | Marine Corps | Captain | Dai Do, Republic of Vietnam | May 2, 1968 | Although twice painfully wounded by grenade fragments, he refused medical treatment and courageously led his men in the destruction of over 100 mutually supporting bunkers, driving the remaining enemy from their positions, and relieving the pressure on the stranded Marine company. Also while wounded and in the open, continued to give orders to his troops to repel the enemy. He refused to be evacuated until his men were safe. | |
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Donald R. Long* | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | June 30, 1966 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
File:Carlos Lozada.JPG | Carlos J. Lozada* | Army | Private First Class | Đắk Tô | November 20, 1967 | For providing covering fire at the cost of his own life during a withdrawal |
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Andre C. Lucas* | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | Fire Support Base Ripcord | July 1, 1970 – July 23, 1970 | For extraordinary heroism while serving as the commanding officer of the 2d Battalion |
Allen J. Lynch | Army | Specialist Four | near Mỹ An (2), Bình Định Province | December 15, 1967 | For providing critical aid to wounded comrades under heavy fire | |
Walter J. Marm, Jr. | Army | Second Lieutenant | near Ia Drang Valley | November 14, 1965 | For actions in Ia Drang, in which he led a successful one man assault on an enemy hill | |
Gary W. Martini* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Bình Sơn | April 21, 1967 | Sacrificed his life to move a wounded comrade to safety | |
Larry L. Maxam* | Marine Corps | Corporal | Cam Lộ District, Quảng Trị Province | February 2, 1968 | Sacrificed his life to single-handedly repel a large enemy force from attacking through a weakened perimeter for over 1½ hours. | |
Finnis D. McCleery | Army | Platoon Sergeant | Quảng Tín Province | May 14, 1968 | Although wounded in an assault on a bunker complex he continued attacking until wounded a second time by shrapnel eliminating the enemy from the hill | |
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Phill G. McDonald* | Army | Private First Class | near Kon Tum City | June 7, 1968 | Was killed after attacking the enemy multiple times with grenades and rifle fire |
John J. McGinty III | Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant | South Vietnam | July 18, 1966 | Found a separated unit of twenty wounded men, reloaded their weapons and directed their fire at the enemy until they attempted a counter-attack. He then directed fire at the enemy and although wounded adjusted artillery and air strikes within fifty yards of his position until the enemy had been repelled. | |
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Ray McKibben* | Army | Sergeant | near Song Mao, Republic of Vietnam | December 8, 1968 | Single-handedly destroyed an enemy bunker, rescued a wounded comrade from under heavy fire, and attacked and destroyed two more bunkers by himself before being mortally wounded while attacking a fourth bunker. |
File:Thomas J McMahon.jpg | Thomas J. McMahon* | Army | Specialist Four | Quảng Tín Province | March 19, 1969 | While attempting to rescue three wounded soldiers despite heavy enemy fire, he was able to carry two of the men to safety but was killed while trying to rescue the third. |
David H. McNerney | Army | First Sergeant | Polei Doc, Republic of Vietnam | March 22, 1967 | Despite being wounded after his unit was attacked, he assumed command of the unit when the company commander was killed, organized the defense, and helped arrange a helicopter evacuation of the wounded. He refused his own medical evacuation and instead stayed with the company until a new commander arrived. | |
File:Edgar Lee McWethy.jpg | Edgar L. McWethy, Jr.* | Army | Specialist Five | Bình Định Province | June 21, 1967 | Repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to treat his wounded comrades despite being wounded three times himself and continued to help his fellow soldiers until suffering a fourth and fatal wound. |
File:Don Michael.jpg | Don L. Michael* | Army | Specialist Four | Republic of Vietnam | April 8, 1967 | Single-handedly destroyed a Viet Cong bunker and was then killed while chasing the retreating enemy soldiers. |
File:Xl miller.jpg | Franklin D. Miller | Army | Staff Sergeant | Kon Tum Province | January 5, 1970 | He single-handedly held off an enemy assault, arranged for a helicopter extraction of his unit, and again fought off the enemy alone until relief arrived, although wounded himself. |
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Gary L. Miller* | Army | First Lieutenant | Bình Dương Province | February 16, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Robert J. Modrzejewski | Marine Corps | Captain | Republic of Vietnam | July 15, 1966 – July 18, 1966 | Led his men in the seizure of enemy ammunition and supplies and continued to counterattack the enemy using artillery fire and air support. | |
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Frankie Z. Molnar* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Kon Tum Province | May 20, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
James H. Monroe* | Army | Private First Class | Bồng Sơn, Hoài Nhơn District | February 16, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
William D. Morgan* | Marine Corps | Corporal | Quảng Trị Province | February 25, 1969 | For creating a diversion at the expense of his own life and providing his squad time to evacuate two wounded soldiers | |
File:Charles Morris.jpg | Charles B. Morris | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | June 29, 1966 | Continued to lead his squad, fight the enemy, and help the wounded despite being wounded himself four separate times. |
Melvin Morris | Army | Staff Sergeant | near Chi Lăng | September 17, 1969 | For his courageous actions while serving as Commander of a Strike Force drawn from Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during combat operations against an armed enemy.[12][14] | |
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Robert C. Murray* | Army | Staff Sergeant | near Hiệp Đức | June 7, 1970 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
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David P. Nash* | Army | Private First Class | Giao Duc District, Dinh Tuong Province | December 29, 1968 | For covering a grenade with his body in order to protect those around him |
Melvin E. Newlin* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quảng Nam Province | July 4, 1967 | Killed while single-handedly attacking an enemy force breaking up and disorganizing the enemy | |
Thomas P. Noonan, Jr.* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | near Vandergrift Combat Base, A Shau Valley | February 5, 1969 | Killed while attempting to rescue a wounded man | |
Thomas R. Norris | Navy | Lieutenant | Quảng Trị Province | April 10, 1972 – April 13, 1972 | Rescued two downed pilots deep within heavily controlled enemy territory | |
Michael J. Novosel | Army | Chief Warrant Officer | Kien Tuong Province | October 2, 1969 | For the rescue of 29 American and South Vietnamese soldiers from a heavily fortified enemy training area without any cover or gunship support. | |
Milton L. Olive, III* | Army | Private First Class | Phu Cuong | October 22, 1965 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body. The first African American Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. | |
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Kenneth L. Olson* | Army | Specialist Four | South Vietnam | May 13, 1968 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body |
Robert E. O'Malley | Marine Corps | Corporal | South Vietnam | near An Cu'ong 2,August 18, 1965 | Risked his life and led his men to repeatedly attack the enemy, assist another Marine unit that had inflicted heavy casualties and led his unit to a helicopter for evacuation. | |
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David G. Ouellet* | Navy | Seaman | Mekong River | March 6, 1967 | Placed himself between an enemy grenade and his shipmates, absorbing most of the blast fragments with his own body in order to protect his shipmates from injury and death. |
Robert M. Patterson | Army | Specialist Four | near La Chu | May 6, 1968 | During a firefight he single-handedly destroyed a series of enemy bunkers | |
Joe C. Paul* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Chu Lai | nearAugust 18, 1965 | Killed while defending his wounded comrades from the enemy and delivered effective suppressive fire in order to divert the Viet Cong long enough to allow the casualties to be evacuated. | |
Richard A. Penry | Army | Sergeant | Bình Tuy Province | January 31, 1970 | Helped to organize defenses and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to retrieve supplies and return fire. Voluntarily left the perimeter, set up a guiding beacon, established the priorities for evacuation and successively carried 18 wounded men to the extraction site. After all wounded had been evacuated he joined another platoon and assisted in pursuing the enemy. | |
William T. Perkins, Jr.* | Marine Corps | Corporal | Quảng Trị Province | October 12, 1967 | Sacrificed himself by smothering an enemy grenade with his body to save the lives of three fellow Marines and is the only combat photographer to have received the Medal of Honor. | |
Lawrence D. Peters* | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Quảng Tín Province | September 4, 1967 | After being struck by enemy mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire he continuously fought and led his men against the enemy until dying from his wounds. | |
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Danny J. Petersen* | Army | Specialist Four | Tây Ninh Province | January 9, 1970 | Repeatedly exposed himself and his armored personnel carrier to enemy fire in order to protect the other soldiers of his unit and after his vehicle was disabled, he stayed behind and was killed while providing covering fire so others could withdraw. |
Jimmy W. Phipps* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | near An Hoa | May 27, 1969 | Sacrificed himself to save others by smothering an enemy grenade with his body | |
File:Larry Pierce.jpg | Larry S. Pierce* | Army | Sergeant | near Bến Cát | September 20, 1965 | Sacrificed himself to save others by smothering an enemy grenade with his body |
File:A1C William H Pitsenbarger.jpg | William H. Pitsenbarger* | Air Force | Airman First Class | near Cẩm Mỹ | April 11, 1966 | For refusing evacuation while tending wounded and defending the unit's position |
Richard A. Pittman | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | near the Demilitarized Zone | July 24, 1966 | Risked his life to assist a group of Marines who had been attacked by a larger enemy force | |
File:Captain Riley Leroy Pitts.jpg | Riley L. Pitts* | Army | Captain | Ap Dong | October 31, 1967 | Killed after attacking an enemy force with rifle fire and grenades. Was the first African American commissioned officer to be awarded the Medal of Honor. |
Stephen W. Pless | Marine Corps | Captain | near Quảng Ngãi | August 19, 1967 | For rescuing a group of surrounded American troops with his helicopter | |
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William D. Port* | Army | Private First Class | Que Son Valley, Quảng Tín Province | January 12, 1968 | Rescued a wounded comrade and then smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown grenade with his body to protect other soldiers. He survived the blast, but was seriously wounded and captured by the enemy dying while a prisoner of war ten months later. |
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Robert L. Poxon* | Army | First Lieutenant | Tây Ninh Province | June 2, 1969 | Was wounded when attempting to rescue a wounded soldier and despite his injuries, led his platoon and succeeded in destroying an enemy bunker before being killed. |
William R. Prom* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | near An Hoa | February 9, 1969 | Sacrificed his life to direct fire at the enemy at point blank range | |
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Robert J. Pruden* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Quảng Ngãi Province | November 29, 1969 | Sacrificed himself to ensure evacuation helicopters were able to withdraw his team. |
Laszlo Rabel* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Bình Định Province | November 13, 1968 | For falling on a grenade to save his comrades | |
Alfred V. Rascon | Army | Specialist Four | South Vietnam | March 16, 1966 | Specialist Rascon's showed extraordinary valor in the face of deadly enemy fire, heroism in rescuing the wounded, and gallantry by repeatedly risking his own life for his fellow soldiers. | |
File:DavidRRay.jpg | David R. Ray* | Navy | Hospital Corpsman Second Class | Quảng Nam Province | March 19, 1969 | For gallantry and intrepidity in defending his position and giving aid to wounded Marines |
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Ronald E. Ray | Army | First Lieutenant | Ia Drang Valley | June 19, 1966 | For eliminating enemy fire with available weapons and shielding his men from an enemy grenade |
Frank S. Reasoner* | Marine Corps | First Lieutenant | near Da Nang | July 12, 1965 | For attempting to rescue one of his wounded men on a Marine recon patrol | |
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Anund C. Roark* | Army | Sergeant | Kon Tum Province | May 16, 1968 | Sacrificed his life to save his fellow soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body |
Gordon R. Roberts | Army | Specialist Four | Thừa Thiên Province | July 11, 1969 | For efforts in retrieving wounded personnel and defending his platoon | |
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James W. Robinson, Jr.* | Army | Sergeant | South Vietnam | April 11, 1966 | Sacrificed his life to destroy an enemy bunker and protect several of his fellow soldiers |
Louis R. Rocco | Army | Sergeant First Class | northeast of Katum | May 24, 1970 | Distinguished himself when he volunteered to accompany a medical evacuation team on an urgent mission to evacuate eight critically wounded Army of the Republic of Vietnam personnel. | |
Jose Rodela | Army | Master Sergeant | Phuoc Long Province | September 1, 1969 | Repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to attend to the fallen and eliminate an enemy rocket position. | |
Charles C. Rogers | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | Fishhook, near Cambodian border | November 1, 1968 | Risked his life to repel the enemy and protect his soldiers during an enemy assault on his firebase. | |
Eurípides Rubio* | Army | Captain | Tây Ninh Province | November 8, 1966 | For efforts in directing an air strike on enemy forces | |
Leslie H. Sabo, Jr.* | Army | Specialist Four | Near Se San Village, Cambodia | May 10, 1970 | For heroic action when his platoon was ambushed by North Vietnamese forces near the village of Se San in eastern Cambodia. | |
Héctor Santiago-Colón* | Army | Specialist Four | Quảng Trị Province | June 28, 1968 | For falling on a grenade to save his comrades and is one of five Puerto Ricans who have been posthumously presented with the Medal of Honor. | |
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Ruppert L. Sargent* | Army | First Lieutenant | Hậu Nghĩa Province | March 15, 1967 | On that day, while in Hậu Nghĩa Province in the Republic of Vietnam, Sargent threw himself on two enemy hand grenades, sacrificing himself but saving the lives of two men nearby. |
Clarence E. Sasser | Army | Private First Class | Dinh Tuong Province | January 10, 1968 | Risked his life to save several wounded soldiers and although severely wounded himself continued treating their wounds for five hours until they were rescued. | |
William W. Seay* | Army | Sergeant | near Ap Nhi | August 25, 1968 | When his convoy came under attack that day, near Ap Nhi in the Republic of Vietnam, Seay twice left his protective cover to toss enemy-thrown hand grenades back at the North Vietnamese forces. Despite being wounded in the wrist, he again exposed himself to enemy fire and was fatally shot. | |
File:Daniel John Shea.jpg | Daniel J. Shea* | Army | Private First Class | Quảng Trị Province | May 14, 1969 | Killed by enemy gunfire after assisting in the defeat of an attacking enemy force |
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Marvin G. Shields* | Navy | Construction Mechanic Third Class | Đồng Xoài | June 10, 1965 | Killed after rescuing several wounded, assisting in destroying an enemy gun emplacement and resupplying ammunition to his unit |
Lance P. Sijan* | Air Force | Captain | North Vietnam | November 9, 1967 | For actions while as a prisoner of war | |
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Clifford C. Sims* | Army | Staff Sergeant | near Huế | February 21, 1968 | Sims threw himself onto a triggered booby-trap device. He was killed in the ensuing explosion, but was successful in protecting the members of his squad. |
Walter K. Singleton* | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Gio Linh District, Quảng Trị Province | March 24, 1967 | Killed in an attack where he killed eight of the enemy and drove the remainder away | |
George K. Sisler* | Army | First Lieutenant | South Vietnam | February 7, 1967 | Organized the defense, rescued a wounded soldier, and single-handedly attacked an enemy position before being killed | |
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Donald S. Skidgel* | Army | Sergeant | near Sông Bé | September 14, 1969 | Killed attempting to draw enemy fire away from his convoy after manning a machine gun in his vehicle |
Larry E. Smedley* | Marine Corps | Corporal | Quảng Nam Province | December 21, 1967 | Assaulted the enemy with grenades and rifle fire until dying from his wounds | |
Elmelindo R. Smith* | Army | Staff Sergeant | South Vietnam | February 16, 1967 | Although wounded by a rocket he led his platoon in a patrol when enemy forces attacked with machine gun, mortars and rocket fire. | |
James M. Sprayberry | Army | First Lieutenant | South Vietnam | April 25, 1968 | Led a patrol which rescued men who had been wounded and cut off from the rest of the company and in the process destroyed several enemy bunkers and machine gun emplacements. | |
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Russell A. Steindam* | Army | First Lieutenant | Tây Ninh Province | February 1, 1970 | For defending company from an enemy grenade |
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Jimmy G. Stewart* | Army | Staff Sergeant | South Vietnam | May 18, 1966 | Sacrificed himself to hold his company's position against the enemy allowing others to come to his aid and repel the enemy force |
James B. Stockdale | Navy | Captain | Hỏa Lò Prison, Hanoi, North Vietnam | September 4, 1969 | For action as a prisoner of war | |
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Lester R. Stone, Jr.* | Army | Sergeant | west of Landing Zone Liz | March 3, 1969 | Sacrificed his life by manning a machine gun in an exposed position during an enemy attack, allowing others to rescue a wounded comrade |
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Mitchell W. Stout* | Army | Sergeant | Khe Gio Bridge | March 12, 1970 | Sacrificed his life to save others by smothering a grenade with his body |
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Robert F. Stryker* | Army | Specialist Four | near Lộc Ninh | November 7, 1967 | Sacrificed his life to save several fellow soldiers by smothering a claymore mine with his body |
Kenneth E. Stumpf | Army | Specialist Four | near Đức Phổ | April 25, 1967 | Risked his life by rescuing three injured squad members and then led his squad to attack and destroy a heavily fortified enemy bunker complex. | |
Jon E. Swanson* | Army | Captain | Cambodia | February 26, 1971 | Sacrificed his life by flying his aircraft dangerously slow and low to destroy enemy machine gun emplacements until his aircraft was shot down. | |
File:James Allen Taylor.jpg | James A. Taylor | Army | First Lieutenant | west of Quế Sơn | November 9, 1967 | Risked his life to save the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers |
Karl G. Taylor, Sr.* | Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant | South Vietnam | December 8, 1968 | Sacrificed his life to save the lives of several Marines by taking out an enemy bunker | |
Brian M. Thacker | Army | First Lieutenant | Kon Tum Province | March 31, 1971 | Risked his own life to allow his unit to escape | |
Michael E. Thornton | Navy | Engineman Second Class | Quảng Trị Province | October 31, 1972 | Saved the life of his superior officer and allowed the other members of his patrol to escape | |
Leo K. Thorsness | Air Force | Major | over North Vietnam | April 19, 1967 | Risked his life to assist in the rescue of three downed aviators | |
Jay R. Vargas | Marine Corps | Captain | Dai Do | April 30, 1968 – May 2, 1968 | Vargas requested that his mother's name, M. Sando Vargas, Jr., be engraved on the medal and added to the rolls. | |
Humbert R. Versace* | Army | Captain | Cà Mau | October 29, 1963 – September 26, 1965 | Was executed by the Viet Cong while a prisoner of war after repeated escape attempts, torture and maltreatment | |
John E. Warren, Jr.* | Army | First Lieutenant | Tây Ninh Province | January 14, 1969 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
Charles J. Watters* | Army | Major | Battle of Dak To | November 19, 1967 | Was a chaplain who sacrificed himself to rescue several wounded men | |
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Dale E. Wayrynen* | Army | Specialist Four | Quảng Ngãi Province | May 18, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Lester W. Weber* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Quảng Nam Province | February 23, 1969 | After fighting back four enemy soldiers and causing 11 others to retreat was killed by a fifth enemy soldier | |
Gary G. Wetzel | Army | Private First Class | near Ap Dong An | January 8, 1968 | Although losing his arm and repeatedly losing consciousness from loss of blood after the helicopter he was on was shot down he fought back an enemy gun emplacement and assisted in the rescue of a fallen officer. | |
Roy M. Wheat* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | South Vietnam | August 11, 1967 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a mine with his body | |
Jerry W. Wickam* | Army | Corporal | near Lộc Ninh | January 6, 1968 | Killed after repeatedly attacking and defeating the enemy | |
File:Hilliard Wilbanks.jpg | Hilliard A. Wilbanks* | Air Force | Captain | near Da Lat | February 24, 1967 | Distinguished himself by realizing that Army Rangers were walking into an ambush and, with no air support close by and no radio communication with the Rangers, he sacrificed his life to alert the Rangers of the danger. |
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Louis E. Willett* | Army | Private First Class | Kon Tum Province | February 15, 1967 | For twice providing covering fire for his squad's withdrawal despite heavy enemy fire |
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Charles Q. Williams | Army | Second Lieutenant | Đồng Xoài | June 9, 1965 – June 10, 1965 | After a group of enemy insurgents attacked he organized a defense and repelled the enemy throughout the night |
Dewayne T. Williams* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quảng Nam Province | September 18, 1968 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
James E. Williams | Navy | Boatswain's Mate First Class | Mekong River | October 31, 1966 | Against overwhelming odds, several times Williams led his PBRs (Patrol Boats, River) against concentrations of enemy junks and sampans. As a result of the three-hour battle, the American naval force killed numerous Viet Cong guerrillas, destroyed over fifty vessels, and disrupted a major enemy logistic operation. | |
Alfred M. Wilson* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quảng Trị Province | March 3, 1969 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
David F. Winder* | Army | Private First Class | South Vietnam | May 13, 1970 | Sacrificed his life in an attempt to assist a wounded soldier | |
Kenneth L. Worley* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Bo Ban, Quảng Nam Province | August 12, 1968 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
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Raymond R. Wright | Army | Specialist Four | Ap Bac Zone | May 2, 1967 | Along with another soldier attacked and defeated multiple enemy bunkers |
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Maximo Yabes* | Army | First Sergeant | near Phu Hoa Dong | February 26, 1967 | Used his body as a shield to protect others in a bunker, moved two wounded men to a safer position where they could be given medical treatment and destroyed an enemy machine gun position before being killed. |
Rodney J. T. Yano* | Army | Sergeant First Class | near Biên Hòa | January 1, 1969 | For sacrificing his life to save the other members of his aircrew | |
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Gordon D. Yntema* | Army | Sergeant | near Thăng Bình | January 16, 1968 – January 18, 1968 | Defended several fallen comrades and forced the Vietnamese to kill him rather than be captured. |
Gerald O. Young | Air Force | Captain | Khe Sanh | November 9, 1967 | Distinguished himself while serving as a helicopter rescue crew commander | |
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Marvin R. Young* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Bến Củi | nearAugust 21, 1968 | For Sacrificing his life so his unit could escape |
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Fred W. Zabitosky | Army | Staff Sergeant | February 19, 1968 | Zabitosky directed the defense until rescue helicopters arrived, and when the helicopter that was to extract him from the battlefield crashed, he ignored his own injuries to save the downed craft's pilot. |
Unknown soldier[]
The unknown soldier from the Vietnam War who was buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns was authorized a Medal of Honor and in 1998 was identified as 1st Lieutenant Michael Blassie. After DNA testing confirmed his identity, the remains were removed from the tomb and returned to Blassie's family, but the Medal of Honor remained as a tribute to those veterans still unknown. The Blassie family requested that the Medal of Honor be granted to him but the request was denied by the Department of Defense.[15]
See also[]
References[]
- This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ↑ "A Brief History — The Medal of Honor". Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Department of Defense. August 8, 2006. Archived from the original on 2009-06-15. http://www.webcitation.org/5hYPzrHnl. Retrieved February 9, 2010.
- ↑ "Vietnam War". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 2010-12-14. http://www.webcitation.org/5uyUCoYke. Retrieved March 5, 2008. "Meanwhile, the United States, its military demoralized and its civilian electorate deeply divided, began a process of coming to terms with defeat in its longest and most controversial war"
- ↑ "Medal of Honor statistics". Medal of Honor citations archive. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on 2010-12-14. http://www.webcitation.org/5uyUFEgJQ. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ↑ Murphy, 1987, pp. 13–23
- ↑ Murphy, 1987, pp. 36–38
- ↑ Murphy, 1987, p. 97
- ↑ Murphy, 1987, pp. 156–158
- ↑ Murphy, 1987, pp. 150–151
- ↑ "Medal of Honor recipients". Vietnam War (A–L). United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-06-11. http://www.webcitation.org/5hSMzvEY1. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ↑ "Medal of Honor recipients". Vietnam War (M–Z). United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/vietnam-m-z.html. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ↑ "Medal of Honor: Sgt. Maj. John Canley". https://www.marines.mil/News/Press-Releases/Press-Release-Display/Article/1644927/medal-of-honor-sgt-maj-john-canley/. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Vergun, David (21 February 2014). "President announces 24 Soldiers to receive Medals of Honor". Army News Service. http://www.army.mil/article/118872/President_announces_24_Soldiers_to_receive_Medals_of_Honor/?from=hp_hottopic. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
- ↑ Wilson, Scott (21 February 2014). "Obama to award Medal of Honor to two dozen veterans, including 19 discrimination victims". http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-to-ward-medal-of-honor-to-19-soldiers-who-were-overlooked-because-of-their-ethnicity/2014/02/21/209594e8-9b10-11e3-975d-107dfef7b668_story.html. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
- ↑ "President Obama to Award Medal of Honor". The White House, Office of the Press Secretary. 21 February 2014. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/02/21/president-obama-award-medal-honor. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
- ↑ "Vietnam Unknown's Medal of Honor Transfer Denied". Press release. American Forces Press Service. August 25, 1998. Archived from the original on 2010-12-14. http://www.webcitation.org/5uyUGEAWh. Retrieved February 11, 2010.
- Murphy, Edward F. (July 1987). Vietnam Medal of Honor Heroes. New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN 978-0-345-33890-7.
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The original article can be found at List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War and the edit history here.