Topic: Meet Our Medal of Honor Recipents

[Libertas]

Wow, can't be too many artillery men (especially outside of tankers) getting the MOH.  Well done!         

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #15





DEWEY, DUANE E.Rank: Corporal: U.S. Marine Corps: Company EDivision: 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division Born: 16 November 1931, Grand Rapids, Mich. Entered Service At: Muskegon, Mich.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 11/12/1953Accredited To: MichiganPlace / Date: Near Panmunjon, Korea, 16 April 1952 

  Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a gunner in a machine gun platoon of Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. When an enemy grenade landed close to his position while he and his assistant gunner were receiving medical attention for their wounds during a fierce night attack by numerically superior hostile forces, Cpl. Dewey, although suffering intense pain, immediately pulled the corpsman to the ground and, shouting a warning to the other marines around him. bravely smothered the deadly missile with his body, personally absorbing the full force of the explosion to save his comrades from possible injury or death. His indomitable courage, outstanding initiative, and valiant efforts in behalf of others in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon Cpl. Dewey and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #16





DIX, DREW DENNIS Rank: Staff Sergeant: U.S. Army: Division: U.S. Senior Advisor Group Born: 14 December 1944, West Point, N.Y.Entered Service At: Denver, Colo.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 01/16/1969Accredited To: Denver, COPlace / Date: Chau Doc Province, Republic of Vietnam, 31 January and 1 February 1968 

  Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Dix distinguished himself by exceptional heroism while serving as a unit adviser. Two heavily armed Viet Cong battalions attacked the Province capital city of Chau Phu resulting in the complete breakdown and fragmentation of the defenses of the city. S/Sgt. Dix, with a patrol of Vietnamese soldiers, was recalled to assist in the defense of Chau Phu. Learning that a nurse was trapped in a house near the center of the city, S/Sgt. Dix organized a relief force, successfully rescued the nurse, and returned her to the safety of the Tactical Operations Center. Being informed of other trapped civilians within the city, S/Sgt. Dix voluntarily led another force to rescue 8 civilian employees located in a building which was under heavy mortar and small-arms fire. S/Sgt. Dix then returned to the center of the city. Upon approaching a building, he was subjected to intense automatic rifle and machine gun fire from an unknown number of Viet Cong. He personally assaulted the building, killing 6 Viet Cong, and rescuing 2 Filipinos. The following day S/Sgt. Dix, still on his own volition, assembled a 20-man force and though under intense enemy fire cleared the Viet Cong out of the hotel, theater, and other adjacent buildings within the city. During this portion of the attack, Army Republic of Vietnam soldiers inspired by the heroism and success of S/Sgt. Dix, rallied and commenced firing upon the Viet Cong. S/Sgt. Dix captured 20 prisoners, including a high ranking Viet Cong official. He then attacked enemy troops who had entered the residence of the Deputy Province Chief and was successful in rescuing the official's wife and children. S/Sgt. Dix's personal heroic 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. The heroism of S/Sgt. Dix was in the highest tradition and reflects great credit upon the U.S. Army.

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #17





DONLON, ROGER HUGH C.Rank: Captain: U.S. Army: Detachment A-726Division: 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)Born: 30 January 1934, Saugerties, N.Y. Entered Service At: Fort Chaffee, Ark.G.O. Number: 41Date of Issue: 12/05/1964Accredited To: Place / Date: Near Nam Dong, Republic of Vietnam, 6 July 1964 

  Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while defending a U.S. military installation against a fierce attack by hostile forces. Capt. Donlon was serving as the commanding officer of the U.S. Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly launched a full-scale, predawn attack on the camp. During the violent battle that ensued, lasting 5 hours and resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, Capt. Donlon directed the defense operations in the midst of an enemy barrage of mortar shells, falling grenades, and extremely heavy gunfire. Upon the initial onslaught, he swiftly marshaled his forces and ordered the removal of the needed ammunition from a blazing building. He then dashed through a hail of small arms and exploding hand grenades to abort a breach of the main gate. En route to this position he detected an enemy demolition team of 3 in the proximity of the main gate and quickly annihilated them. Although exposed to the intense grenade attack, he then succeeded in reaching a 60mm mortar position despite sustaining a severe stomach wound as he was within 5 yards of the gun pit. When he discovered that most of the men in this gunpit were also wounded, he completely disregarded his own injury, directed their withdrawal to a location 30 meters away, and again risked his life by remaining behind and covering the movement with the utmost effectiveness. Noticing that his team sergeant was unable to evacuate the gun pit he crawled toward him and, while dragging the fallen soldier out of the gunpit, an enemy mortar exploded and inflicted a wound in Capt. Donlon's left shoulder. Although suffering from multiple wounds, he carried the abandoned 60mm mortar weapon to a new location 30 meters away where he found 3 wounded defenders. After administering first aid and encouragement to these men, he left the weapon with them, headed toward another position, and retrieved a 57mm recoilless rifle. Then with great courage and coolness under fire, he returned to the abandoned gun pit, evacuated ammunition for the 2 weapons, and while crawling and dragging the urgently needed ammunition, received a third wound on his leg by an enemy hand grenade. Despite his critical physical condition, he again crawled 175 meters to an 81mm mortar position and directed firing operations which protected the seriously threatened east sector of the camp. He then moved to an eastern 60mm mortar position and upon determining that the vicious enemy assault had weakened, crawled back to the gun pit with the 60mm mortar, set it up for defensive operations, and turned it over to 2 defenders with minor wounds. Without hesitation, he left this sheltered position, and moved from position to position around the beleaguered perimeter while hurling hand grenades at the enemy and inspiring his men to superhuman effort. As he bravely continued to move around the perimeter, a mortar shell exploded, wounding him in the face and body. As the long awaited daylight brought defeat to the enemy forces and their retreat back to the jungle leaving behind 54 of their dead, many weapons, and grenades, Capt. Donlon immediately reorganized his defenses and administered first aid to the wounded. His dynamic leadership, fortitude, and valiant efforts inspired not only the American personnel but the friendly Vietnamese defenders as well and resulted in the successful defense of the camp. Capt. Donlon's extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

 

[Libertas]

       

It never ceases to amaze me to find some of these men actually survived their ordeals.

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #18





EHLERS, WALTER D.Rank: Staff Sergeant: U.S. Army: Division: 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division Born: May 7, 1921, Junction City, Kans. Entered Service At: Manhattan, Kans.G.O. Number: 91Date of Issue: 12/19/1944Accredited To: KansasPlace / Date: Near Goville, France, 9-10 June 1944 

  Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 9-10 June 1944, near Goville, France. S/Sgt. Ehlers, always acting as the spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his men against heavily defended enemy strong points exposing himself to deadly hostile fire whenever the situation required heroic and courageous leadership. Without waiting for an order, S/Sgt. Ehlers, far ahead of his men, led his squad against a strongly defended enemy strong point, personally killing 4 of an enemy patrol who attacked him en route. Then crawling forward under withering machinegun fire, he pounced upon the guncrew and put it out of action. Turning his attention to 2 mortars protected by the crossfire of 2 machineguns, S/Sgt. Ehlers led his men through this hail of bullets to kill or put to flight the enemy of the mortar section, killing 3 men himself. After mopping up the mortar positions, he again advanced on a machinegun, his progress effectively covered by his squad. When he was almost on top of the gun he leaped to his feet and, although greatly outnumbered, he knocked out the position single-handed. The next day, having advanced deep into enemy territory, the platoon of which S/Sgt. Ehlers was a member, finding itself in an untenable position as the enemy brought increased mortar, machinegun, and small arms fire to bear on it, was ordered to withdraw. S/Sgt. Ehlers, after his squad had covered the withdrawal of the remainder of the platoon, stood up and by continuous fire at the semicircle of enemy placements, diverted the bulk of the heavy hostile fire on himself, thus permitting the members of his own squad to withdraw. At this point, though wounded himself, he carried his wounded automatic rifleman to safety and then returned fearlessly over the shell-swept field to retrieve the automatic rifle which he was unable to carry previously. After having his wound treated, he refused to be evacuated, and returned to lead his squad. The intrepid leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless aggressiveness displayed by S/Sgt. Ehlers in the face of overwhelming enemy forces serve as an inspiration to others.

 

[Libertas]

Walter, Big Red One!  He was profiled in that Ken Burns special.

       

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #19





FERGUSON, FREDERICK EDGAR Rank: Chief Warrant Officer: U.S. Army: Company C, 227th Aviation Battalion Division: 1st Cavalry Division Born: 18 August 1939, Pilot Point, Tex. Entered Service At: Phoenix, Ariz.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 05/17/1969Accredited To: ArizonaPlace / Date: Hue, Republic of Vietnam, 31 January 1968 

  Citation; For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. CWO Ferguson, U.S. Army distinguished himself while serving with Company C. CWO 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, CWO 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, CWO 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. CWO Ferguson's extraordinary determination saved the lives of 5 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.

[Libertas]

Ho li chit!  That was a day into Tet, and IIRC Hue was right smack in the middle of it all!

       

[rustybayonet]

Ho li chit!  That was a day into Tet, and IIRC Hue was right smack in the middle of it all!

       

The thing that really p*sses me - America idolizes drugged and out of control movie 'stars' and poor example sports 'heroes', but ignores these genuine heroes that left it all out on the line FOR America. To quote a phrase "Gave a blank signed check to America for their lives".

[Libertas]

Ho li chit!  That was a day into Tet, and IIRC Hue was right smack in the middle of it all!

       

The thing that really p*sses me - America idolizes drugged and out of control movie 'stars' and poor example sports 'heroes', but ignores these genuine heroes that left it all out on the line FOR America. To quote a phrase "Gave a blank signed check to America for their lives".

Or, more than just ignored...they spat on (how vile!), yelled "baby-killer" at (and IIRC were NOT abortion doctors!) or made fools of (Hanoi Jane) anybody who served.  Disagree on the war being the right one or not, fine, no problem, actively work for the enemy once engaged?  Should be legal to slay those idiots on sight!

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #20





FISHER, BERNARD FRANCIS Rank: Major: U.S. Air Force: Division: 1st Air Commandos Born: 11 January 1927, San Bernardino, Calif. Entered Service At: Kuna, IdahoG.O. Number: Date of Issue: 01/19/1967Accredited To: Kuna, IDPlace / Date: Bien Hoa and Pleiku, Vietnam, 10 March 1966 

  Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On that date, the special forces camp at A Shau was under attack by 2,000 North Vietnamese Army regulars. Hostile troops had positioned themselves between the airstrip and the camp. Other hostile troops had surrounded the camp and were continuously raking it with automatic weapons fire from the surrounding hills. The tops of the 1,500-foot hills were obscured by an 800 foot ceiling, limiting aircraft maneuverability and forcing pilots to operate within range of hostile gun positions, which often were able to fire down on the attacking aircraft. During the battle, Maj. Fisher observed a fellow airman crash land on the battle-torn airstrip. In the belief that the downed pilot was seriously injured and in imminent danger of capture, Maj. Fisher announced his intention to land on the airstrip to effect a rescue. Although aware of the extreme danger and likely failure of such an attempt, he elected to continue. Directing his own air cover, he landed his aircraft and taxied almost the full length of the runway, which was littered with battle debris and parts of an exploded aircraft. While effecting a successful rescue of the downed pilot, heavy ground fire was observed, with 19 bullets striking his aircraft. In the face of the withering ground fire, he applied power and gained enough speed to lift-off at the overrun of the airstrip. Maj. Fisher's profound concern for his fellow airman, and at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

  Note -- Cannot believe what I found - ENJOY;

Bernard Fisher, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

[rustybayonet]

With these finds I will be back tracking.  This next Bruce Candall of "We Were Soldiers" fame

Bruce Crandall, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

The ceremony;


Medal of Honor Presentation to Bruce Crandall

[rustybayonet]

Recipient # 21





FITZMAURICE, MICHAEL JOHN Rank: Specialist Fourth Class: U.S. Army Company: Troop D, 2d Squadron: 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division Born: 9 March 1950, Jamestown, N. Dak. Entered Service At: Jamestown, N. Dak.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 10/15/1973Accredited To: Sioux Falls, SDPlace / Date: Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, 23 March 1971 

  Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice, 3d Platoon, Troop D, distinguished himself at Khe Sanh. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and 3 fellow soldiers were occupying a bunker when a company of North Vietnamese sappers infiltrated the area. At the onset of the attack Sp4c. Fitzmaurice observed 3 explosive charges which had been thrown into the bunker by the enemy. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he hurled 2 of the charges out of the bunker. He then threw his flak vest and himself over the remaining charge. By this courageous act he absorbed the blast and shielded his fellow-soldiers. Although suffering from serious multiple wounds and partial loss of sight, he charged out of the bunker, and engaged the enemy until his rifle was damaged by the blast of an enemy hand grenade. While in search of another weapon, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice encountered and overcame an enemy sapper in hand-to-hand combat. Having obtained another weapon, he returned to his original fighting position and inflicted additional casualties on the attacking enemy. Although seriously wounded, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice refused to be medically evacuated, preferring to remain at his post. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice's extraordinary heroism in action at the risk of his life contributed significantly to the successful defense of the position and resulted in saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. These acts of heroism go above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and the U.S. Army.

[rustybayonet]

Unfortunately this recipient died January 17, 2014 before I got his valor posted here, but his tribute is found at Medal of Honor recipient dies, here is is story in his own words;



John McGinty, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

Me thinks it looks like Johnson worried more about photo ops, than honoring a true hero, 

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #22





FLEMING, JAMES P.Rank: 1st Lieutenant: U.S. Air Force: Division: 20th Special Operations Squadron Born: 12 March 1943, Sedalia, Mo. Entered Service At: Pullman, Wash.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 05/14/1970Accredited To: WashingtonPlace / Date: Near Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam, 26 November 1968 

  Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Fleming (then 1st Lt.) distinguished himself as the Aircraft Commander of a UH-1F transport Helicopter. Capt. Fleming went to the aid of a 6-man special forces long range reconnaissance patrol that was in danger of being overrun by a large, heavily armed hostile force. Despite the knowledge that 1 helicopter had been downed by intense hostile fire, Capt. Fleming descended, and balanced his helicopter on a river bank with the tail boom hanging over open water. The patrol could not penetrate to the landing site and he was forced to withdraw. Dangerously low on fuel, Capt. Fleming repeated his original landing maneuver. Disregarding his own safety, he remained in this exposed position. Hostile fire crashed through his windscreen as the patrol boarded his helicopter. Capt. Fleming made a successful takeoff through a barrage of hostile fire and recovered safely at a forward base. Capt. Fleming's profound concern for his fellowmen, and at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

[rustybayonet]

Another video - Sammy Davis, posted earlier

Sammy Davis, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

[Libertas]

Exceptional posts Rusty!

These are who we as a people should be looking up to as role models!

       

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #23





FOX, WESLEY L. Rank: 1st Lieutenant: U.S. Marine Corps: Company A, 1st BattalionDivision: 9th Marines, 3d Marine DivisionBorn: 30 September 1931, Herndon, Va. Entered Service At: Leesburg, Va.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 03/02/1971Accredited To: Leesburg, VAPlace / Date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 22 February 1969 

  Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer of Company A, in action against the enemy in the northern A Shau Valley. Capt. (then 1st Lt.) Fox's company came under intense fire from a large well concealed enemy force. Capt. Fox maneuvered to a position from which he could assess the situation and confer with his platoon leaders. As they departed to execute the plan he had devised, the enemy attacked and Capt. Fox was wounded along with all of the other members of the command group, except the executive officer. Capt. Fox continued to direct the activity of his company. Advancing through heavy enemy fire, he personally neutralized 1 enemy position and calmly ordered an assault against the hostile emplacements. He then moved through the hazardous area coordinating aircraft support with the activities of his men. When his executive officer was mortally wounded, Capt. Fox reorganized the company and directed the fire of his men as they hurled grenades against the enemy and drove the hostile forces into retreat. Wounded again in the final assault, Capt. Fox refused medical attention, established a defensive posture, and supervised the preparation of casualties for medical evacuation. His indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his marines to such aggressive action that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex. Capt. Fox's heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and uphold the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

FOX, WESLEY L.Rank: 1st LieutenantOrganization: U.S. Marine CorpsCompany: Company A, 1st BattalionDivision: 9th Marines, 3d Marine DivisionBorn: 30 September 1931, Herndon, Va.Departed: NoEntered Service At: Leesburg, Va.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 03/02/1971Accredited To: Leesburg, VAPlace / Date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 22 February 1969 

  CitationFor conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer of Company A, in action against the enemy in the northern A Shau Valley. Capt. (then 1st Lt.) Fox's company came under intense fire from a large well concealed enemy force. Capt. Fox maneuvered to a position from which he could assess the situation and confer with his platoon leaders. As they departed to execute the plan he had devised, the enemy attacked and Capt. Fox was wounded along with all of the other members of the command group, except the executive officer. Capt. Fox continued to direct the activity of his company. Advancing through heavy enemy fire, he personally neutralized 1 enemy position and calmly ordered an assault against the hostile emplacements. He then moved through the hazardous area coordinating aircraft support with the activities of his men. When his executive officer was mortally wounded, Capt. Fox reorganized the company and directed the fire of his men as they hurled grenades against the enemy and drove the hostile forces into retreat. Wounded again in the final assault, Capt. Fox refused medical attention, established a defensive posture, and supervised the preparation of casualties for medical evacuation. His indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his marines to such aggressive action that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex. Capt. Fox's heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and uphold the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Wesley Fox, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

[Libertas]

I know from previous readings that the A Shau Valley was a meat-grinder for many a young man. 

2 tours in Korea and then caught in Vietnam for Tet, ugh. 

I like his honesty in describing our operations as not "search and destroy" but "search and avoid".

And we still see idiotic ROEs today, and it always seems like progressives are the ones issuing them!   

Glad for those that came back, sad and and angry over those who didn't.