Author Topic: Meet Our Medal of Honor Recipents (Read 19425 times)

rustybayonet · « **Reply #60 on:** February 10, 2014, 08:39:21 AM »

Recipient #24

FRITZ, HAROLD A. Rank: 1st Lieutenant: U.S. Army: Troop A, 1st SquadronDivision: 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Born: 21 February 1944, Chicago, Ill. Entered Service At: Milwaukee, Wis.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 03/02/1971Accredited To: Milwaukee, WIPlace / Date: Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, 11 January 1969

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. (then 1st Lt.) Fritz, Armor, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader with Troop A, near Quan Loi. Capt. Fritz was leading his 7-vehicle armored column along Highway 13 to meet and escort a truck convoy when the column suddenly came under intense crossfire from a reinforced enemy company deployed in ambush positions. In the initial attack, Capt. Fritz' vehicle was hit and he was seriously wounded. Realizing that his platoon was completely surrounded, vastly outnumbered, and in danger of being overrun, Capt. Fritz leaped to the top of his burning vehicle and directed the positioning of his remaining vehicles and men. With complete disregard for his wounds and safety, he ran from vehicle to vehicle in complete view of the enemy gunners in order to reposition his men, to improve the defenses, to assist the wounded, to distribute ammunition, to direct fire, and to provide encouragement to his men. When a strong enemy force assaulted the position and attempted to overrun the platoon, Capt. Fritz manned a machine gun and through his exemplary action inspired his men to deliver intense and deadly fire which broke the assault and routed the attackers. Moments later a second enemy force advanced to within 2 meters of the position and threatened to overwhelm the defenders. Capt. Fritz, armed only with a pistol and bayonet, led a small group of his men in a fierce and daring charge which routed the attackers and inflicted heavy casualties. When a relief force arrived, Capt. Fritz saw that it was not deploying effectively against the enemy positions, and he moved through the heavy enemy fire to direct its deployment against the hostile positions. This deployment forced the enemy to abandon the ambush site and withdraw. Despite his wounds, Capt. Fritz returned to his position, assisted his men, and refused medical attention until all of his wounded comrades had been treated and evacuated. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Capt. Fritz, at the repeated risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect the greatest credit upon himself, his unit, and the Armed Forces.

Harold Fritz, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

rustybayonet · « **Reply #61 on:** February 10, 2014, 09:00:08 AM »

Another previous post [16[, prior to video discovery

Drew Dix

Drew Dix, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

Libertas · « **Reply #62 on:** February 10, 2014, 12:26:21 PM »

I heard an ad on the radio today that was raising funds for a some Vietnam Vet related thing or another...I cannto recall what, but the mentioned the story of Ed Freeman and then they mentioned a stat I guess surprised me, being that Vietnam isn't that long ago, not like Korea or WWII...something like 280 Vietnam Vets pass on each day. Each day?!

AlanS · « **Reply #63 on:** February 10, 2014, 12:56:23 PM »

Quote from: Libertas on February 10, 2014, 12:26:21 PM

I heard an ad on the radio today that was raising funds for a some Vietnam Vet related thing or another...I cannto recall what, but the mentioned the story of Ed Freeman and then they mentioned a stat I guess surprised me, being that Vietnam isn't that long ago, not like Korea or WWII...something like 280 Vietnam Vets pass on each day. Each day?!

According to emails I get, Ed Freeman had died for the 12th time last Friday.

rustybayonet · « **Reply #64 on:** February 10, 2014, 01:34:44 PM »

Ed 'too tall' Freeman died August 20, 2008

Not surprising Vietnam vets are up next in the passing lists - few WWII vets remain, and many Korean vets are gone [three of my uncles, and two of wifes] now it's come around to Vietnam era. [I was in the early part of the build up [1961-65] so that puts me in the time frame [in my 70's now]]. One cousin served 2 tours in Army in country is already gone and four others all younger than I, aren't doing well. Time continues to move on.....

rustybayonet · « **Reply #65 on:** February 11, 2014, 07:19:43 AM »

Recipient #25

GIUNTA, SALVATORE A. Rank: Staff Sergeant: U.S. Army: Battle Company, 2nd Battalion: Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry RegimentBorn: 21 January 1985, Clinton, Iowa Entered Service At: Cedar Rapids, IowaG.O. Number: Date of Issue: 11/16/2010Accredited To: IowaPlace / Date: Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, 25 October 2007

Citation: Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25, 2007. While conducting a patrol as team leader with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, Specialist Giunta and his team were navigating through harsh terrain when they were ambushed by a well-armed and well-coordinated insurgent force. While under heavy enemy fire, Specialist Giunta immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. Seeing that his squad leader had fallen and believing that he had been injured, Specialist Giunta exposed himself to withering enemy fire and raced towards his squad leader, helped him to cover, and administered medical aid. While administering first aid, enemy fire struck Specialist Giunta's body armor and his secondary weapon. Without regard to the ongoing fire, Specialist Giunta engaged the enemy before prepping and throwing grenades, using the explosions for cover in order to conceal his position. Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers who were separated from the squad, Specialist Giunta and his team encountered a barrage of enemy fire that forced them to the ground. The team continued forward and upon reaching the wounded soldiers, Specialist Giunta realized that another soldier was still separated from the element. Specialist Giunta then advanced forward on his own initiative. As he crested the top of a hill, he observed two insurgents carrying away an American soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other. Upon reaching the wounded soldier, he began to provide medical aid, as his squad caught up and provided security. Specialist Giunta's unwavering courage, selflessness, and decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon's ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from the enemy. Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta'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, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.

Salvatore Giunta, Medal of Honor, War in Afghanistan

rustybayonet · « **Reply #66 on:** February 11, 2014, 07:39:54 AM »

Back to Recipient #1 Gen. Foley [ret.]

Robert Foley, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

rustybayonet · « **Reply #67 on:** February 12, 2014, 07:12:25 AM »

Recipient #26

HAGEMEISTER, CHARLES CHRIS Rank: Specialist Fourth Class: U.S. Army: Division: 1st Cavalry Division Born: 21 August 1946, Lincoln, NE Entered Service At: Lincoln, Nebr.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 05/14/1968 Accredited To: Lincoln, NEPlace / Date: Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 20 March 1967

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, Sp5c. Hagemeister's platoon suddenly came under heavy attack from 3 sides by an enemy force occupying well concealed, fortified positions and supported by machine guns and mortars. Seeing 2 of his comrades seriously wounded in the initial action, Sp5c. 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, Sp5c. 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, Sp5c. Hagemeister was taken under fire at close range by an enemy sniper. Realizing that the lives of his fellow soldiers depended on his actions, Sp5c. Hagemeister seized a rifle from a fallen comrade, killed the sniper, 3 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. Sp5c. 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. Sp5c. Hagemeister's indomitable courage was in the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces and reflect great credit upon himself.

Charles Hagemeister, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

rustybayonet · « **Reply #68 on:** February 12, 2014, 07:40:48 AM »

Video of Ed Freeman posted [extra] right after #12 Bruce Crandall

Ed Freeman, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

Libertas · « **Reply #69 on:** February 13, 2014, 07:12:09 AM »

AlanS · « **Reply #70 on:** February 13, 2014, 08:54:03 AM »

Quote from: Libertas on February 13, 2014, 07:12:09 AM

Hard to add to that.

rustybayonet · « **Reply #71 on:** February 13, 2014, 09:21:54 AM »

Recipient #27

HERDA, FRANK A. Rank: Private First Class: U.S. Army: Company A, 1st Battalion Division: 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne DivisionBorn: 13 September 1947, Cleveland, Ohio Entered Service At: Cleveland, OHG.O. Number: Date of Issue: 05/14/1970Accredited To: Cleveland, OHPlace / Date: Near Dak To, Quang Trang Province, Republic of Vietnam, 29 June 1968

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Herda (then Pfc.) distinguished himself while serving as a grenadier with Company A. Company A was part of a battalion-size night defensive perimeter when a large enemy force initiated an attack on the friendly units. While other enemy elements provided diversionary fire and indirect weapons fire to the west, a sapper force of approximately 30 men armed with hand grenades and small charges attacked Company A's perimeter from the east. As the sappers were making a last, violent assault, 5 of them charged the position defended by Sp4c. Herda and 2 comrades, 1 of whom was wounded and lay helpless in the bottom of the foxhole. Sp4c. Herda fired at the aggressors until they were within 10 feet of his position and 1 of their grenades landed in the foxhole. He fired 1 last round from his grenade launcher, hitting 1 of the enemy soldiers in the head, and then, with no concern for his safety, Sp4c. Herda immediately covered the blast of the grenade with his body. The explosion wounded him grievously, but his selfless action prevented his 2 comrades from being seriously injured or killed and enabled the remaining defender to kill the other sappers. By his gallantry at the risk of his life in the highest traditions of the military service, Sp4c. Herda has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Libertas · « **Reply #72 on:** February 13, 2014, 11:43:06 AM »

Ugh! Can't adequately imagine such a situation!

rustybayonet · « **Reply #73 on:** February 13, 2014, 11:41:12 PM »

Extra Addition Recipient - One of our members MILTRAINER knew this Medal of Honor winner as a trainer during his Army tour. Thanks for the input and update MilTrainer here is your addition and sorry he departed in 2010 -

RIP SSgt. Bacon

BACON, NICKY DANIEL Rank: Staff Sergeant: U.S. Army: Company B, 4th Battalion Division: 21st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade Born: 25 November 1945, Caraway, Ark. Departed: Yes (07/17/2010) Entered Service At: Phoenix, Ariz.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: Accredited To: Place / Date: West of Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam, 26 August 1968

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Bacon distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader with the 1st Platoon, Company B, during an operation west of Tam Ky. When Company B came under fire from an enemy bunker line to the front, S/Sgt. Bacon quickly organized his men and led them forward in an assault. He advanced on a hostile bunker and destroyed it with grenades. As he did so, several fellow soldiers including the 1st Platoon leader, were struck by machine gun fire and fell wounded in an exposed position forward of the rest of the platoon. S/Sgt. Bacon immediately assumed command of the platoon and assaulted the hostile gun position, finally killing the enemy gun crew in a single-handed effort. When the 3d Platoon moved to S/Sgt. Bacon's location, its leader was also wounded. Without hesitation S/Sgt. Bacon took charge of the additional platoon and continued the fight. In the ensuing action he personally killed 4 more enemy soldiers and silenced an antitank weapon. Under his leadership and example, the members of both platoons accepted his authority without question. Continuing to ignore the intense hostile fire, he climbed up on the exposed deck of a tank and directed fire into the enemy position while several wounded men were evacuated. As a result of S/Sgt. Bacon's extraordinary efforts, his company was able to move forward, eliminate the enemy positions, and rescue the men trapped to the front. S/Sgt. Bacon's bravery at the risk of his life was in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Nicky Bacon, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

rustybayonet · « **Reply #74 on:** February 14, 2014, 06:54:49 AM »

Recipient #28

HUDNER, THOMAS JEROME, JR.Rank: Lieutenantn: U.S. Navy: Division: Fighter Squadron 32 Born: 31 August 1924, Fall River, Mass. Entered Service At: Fall River, Mass.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 04/13/1951Accredited To: Fall River, MAPlace / Date: Chosin Reservoir area of Korea, 4 December 1950

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a pilot in Fighter Squadron 32, while attempting to rescue a squadron mate whose plane struck by antiaircraft fire and trailing smoke, was forced down behind enemy lines. Quickly maneuvering to circle the downed pilot and protect him from enemy troops infesting the area, Lt. (J.G.) Hudner risked his life to save the injured flier who was trapped alive in the burning wreckage. Fully aware of the extreme danger in landing on the rough mountainous terrain and the scant hope of escape or survival in subzero temperature, he put his plane down skillfully in a deliberate wheels-up landing in the presence of enemy troops. With his bare hands, he packed the fuselage with snow to keep the flames away from the pilot and struggled to pull him free. Unsuccessful in this, he returned to his crashed aircraft and radioed other airborne planes, requesting that a helicopter be dispatched with an ax and fire extinguisher. He then remained on the spot despite the continuing danger from enemy action and, with the assistance of the rescue pilot, renewed a desperate but unavailing battle against time, cold, and flames. Lt. (J.G.) Hudner's exceptionally valiant action and selfless devotion to a shipmate sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

This video is about the ret. Captain returning for the remains of the person he tried to safe ---

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/21/world/asia/north-korea-veterans

Libertas · « **Reply #75 on:** February 14, 2014, 07:22:00 AM »

Knew the Hudner story, the Bacon story was new to me. Bacon's story impressed me, that's what leadership really looks like!

Salutes to both!

rustybayonet · « **Reply #76 on:** February 15, 2014, 06:47:47 AM »

Recipient #29

INGMAN, EINAR H., JR. Rank: Sergeant: U.S. Army: Company EDivision: 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division Born: 6 October 1929, Milwaukee, Wis. Entered Service At: Tomahawk, Wis.G.O. Number: 68Date of Issue: 08/02/1951Accredited To: Place / Date: Near Maltari, Korea, 26 February 1951

Citation: Sgt. Ingman, a member of Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. The 2 leading squads of the assault platoon of his company, while attacking a strongly fortified ridge held by the enemy, were pinned down by withering fire and both squad leaders and several men were wounded. Cpl. Ingman assumed command, reorganized and combined the 2 squads, then moved from 1 position to another, designating fields of fire and giving advice and encouragement to the men. Locating an enemy machine gun position that was raking his men with devastating fire he charged it alone, threw a grenade into the position, and killed the remaining crew with rifle fire. Another enemy machine gun opened fire approximately 15 yards away and inflicted additional casualties to the group and stopped the attack. When Cpl. Ingman charged the second position he was hit by grenade fragments and a hail of fire which seriously wounded him about the face and neck and knocked him to the ground. With incredible courage and stamina, he arose instantly and, using only his rifle, killed the entire guncrew before falling unconscious from his wounds. As a result of the singular action by Cpl. Ingman the defense of the enemy was broken, his squad secured its objective, and more than 100 hostile troops abandoned their weapons and fled in disorganized retreat. Cpl. Ingman's indomitable courage, extraordinary heroism, and superb leadership reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the infantry and the U.S. Army.

Libertas · « **Reply #77 on:** February 16, 2014, 10:12:12 AM »

Korea, the first "forgotten war", turned into a bloody hellacious meatgrinder that ended in stalemate, thanks to Truman sacking the only General who showed an interest in killing the enemy!

rustybayonet · « **Reply #78 on:** February 16, 2014, 02:38:31 PM »

Recipient #30

INGRAM, ROBERT R.Rank: Petty Officer: U.S. Navy: Company C, 1st BattalionDivision: 7th Marines, 1st Marine DivisionBorn: Entered Service At: Clearwater, FLG.O. Number: Date of Issue: 07/10/1998Accredited To: Place / Date: Vietnam, March 28, 1966

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Corpsman with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines against elements of a North Vietnam Aggressor (NVA) battalion in Quang Ngai Province Republic of Vietnam on 28 March 1966. Petty Officer Ingram accompanied the point platoon as it aggressively dispatched an outpost of an NVA battalion. The momentum of the attack rolled off a ridge line down a tree covered slope to a small paddy and a village beyond. Suddenly, the village tree line exploded with an intense hail of automatic rifle fire from approximately 100 North Vietnamese regulars. In mere moments, the platoon ranks were decimated. Oblivious to the danger, Petty Officer Ingram crawled across the bullet spattered terrain to reach a downed Marine. As he administered aid, a bullet went through the palm of his hand. Calls for "CORPSMAN" echoed across the ridge. Bleeding, he edged across the fire swept landscape, collecting ammunition from the dead and administering aid to the wounded. Receiving two more wounds before realizing the third wound was life-threatening, he looked for a way off the face of the ridge, but again he heard the call for corpsman and again, he resolutely answered. Though severely wounded three times, he rendered aid to those incapable until he finally reached the right flank of the platoon. While dressing the head wound of another corpsman, he sustained his fourth bullet wound. From sixteen hundred hours until just prior to sunset, Petty Officer Ingram pushed, pulled, cajoled, and doctored his Marines. Enduring the pain from his many wounds and disregarding the probability of his demise, Petty Officer Ingram's intrepid actions saved many lives that day. By his indomitable fighting spirit, daring initiative, and unfaltering dedications to duty, Petty Officer Ingram reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Robert Ingram, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

Libertas · « **Reply #79 on:** February 17, 2014, 05:24:34 AM »

Corpsman!