VIETNAM WAR
MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
(G-H)
*N.B. An asterisk in the
citation indicates that the award was given posthumously.
*GARDNER,
JAMES
A.
Rank
and
organization:
First
Lieutenant,
U.S.
Army,
Headquarters
and
Headquarters
Company,
1st
Battalion
(Airborne),
327th
Infantry,
1st
Brigade,
101st
Airborne
Division.
Place
and
date:
My
Canh,
Vietnam,
7
February
1966.
Entered
service
at:
Memphis,
Tenn.
Born:
7
February
1943,
Dyersburg,
Tenn.
Citation:
For
conspicuous
gallantry
and
intrepidity
in
action
at
the
risk
of
his
life
above
and
beyond
the
call
of
duty.
1st
Lt.
Gardner's
platoon
was
advancing
to
relieve
a
company
of
the
1st
Battalion
that
had
been
pinned
down
for
several
hours
by
a
numerically
superior
enemy
force
in
the
village
of
My
Canh,
Vietnam.
The
enemy
occupied
a
series
of
strongly
fortified
bunker
positions
which
were
mutually
supporting
and
expertly
concealed.
Approaches
to
the
position
were
well
covered
by
an
integrated
pattern
of
fire
` including
automatic
weapons,
machine
guns
and
mortars.
Air
strikes
and
artillery
placed
on
the
fortifications
had
little
effect.
1st
Lt.
Gardner's
platoon
was
to
relieve
the
friendly
company
by
encircling
and
destroying
the
enemy
force.
Even
as
it
moved
to
begin
the
attack,
the
platoon
was
under
heavy
enemy
fire.
During
the
attack,
the
enemy
fire
intensified.
Leading
the
assault
and
disregarding
his
own
safety,
1st
Lt.
Gardner
charged
through
a
withering
hail
of
fire
across
an
open
rice
paddy.
On
reaching
the
first
bunker
he
destroyed
it
with
a
grenade
and
without
hesitation
dashed
to
the
second
bunker
and
eliminated
it
by
tossing
a
grenade
inside.
Then,
crawling
swiftly
along
the
dike
of
a
rice
paddy,
he
reached
the
third
bunker.
Before
he
could
arm
a
grenade,
the
enemy
gunner
leaped
forth,
firing
at
him.
1st
Lt.
Gardner
instantly
returned
the
fire
and
killed
the
enemy
gunner
at
a
distance
of
6
feet.
Following
the
seizure
of
the
main
enemy
position,
he
reorganized
the
platoon
to
continue
the
attack.
Advancing
to
the
new
assault
position,
the
platoon
was
pinned
down
by
an
enemy
machine
gun
emplaced
in
a
fortified
bunker.
1st
Lt.
Gardner
immediately
collected
several
grenades
and
charged
the
enemy
position,
firing
his
rifle
as
he
advanced
to
neutralize
the
defenders.
He
dropped
a
grenade
into
the
bunker
and
vaulted
beyond.
As
the
bunker
blew
up,
he
came
under
fire
again.
Rolling
into
a
ditch
to
gain
cover,
he
moved
toward
the
new
source
of
fire.
Nearing
the
position,
he
leaped
from
the
ditch
and
advanced
with
a
grenade
in
one
hand
and
firing
his
rifle
with
the
other.
He
was
gravely
wounded
just
before
he
reached
the
bunker,
but
with
a
last
valiant
effort
he
staggered
forward
and
destroyed
the
bunker,
and
its
defenders
with
a
grenade.
Although
he
fell
dead
on
the
rim
of
the
bunker,
his
extraordinary
actions
so
inspired
the
men
of
his
platoon
that
they
resumed
the
attack
and
completely
routed
the
enemy.
1st
Lt.
Gardner's
conspicuous
gallantry
were
in
the
highest
traditions
of
the
U.S.
Army.
*GERTSCH,
JOHN
G.
Rank
and
organization:
Staff
Sergeant,
U.S..
Army,
Company
E,
1st
Battalion,
327th
Infantry,
101st
Airborne
Division.
Place
and
date:
A
Shau
Valley,
Republic
of
Vietnam,
15
to
19
July
1969.
Entered
service
at:
Buffalo,
N.Y.
Born:
29
September
1944,
Jersey
City,
N.J.:
Citation:
S/Sgt.
Gertsch
distinguished
himself
while
serving
as
a
platoon
sergeant
and
platoon
leader
during
combat
operations
in
the
A
Shau
Valley.
During
the
initial
phase
of
an
operation
to
seize
a
strongly
defended
enemy
position,
S/Sgt.
Gertsch's
platoon
leader
was
seriously
wounded
and
lay
exposed
to
intense
enemy
fire.
Forsaking
his
own
safety,
without
hesitation
S/Sgt.
Gertsch
rushed
to
aid
his
fallen
leader
and
dragged
him
to
a
sheltered
position.
He
then
assumed
command
of
the
heavily
engaged
platoon
and
led
his
men
in
a
fierce
counterattack
that
forced
the
enemy
to
withdraw.
Later,
a
small
element
of
S/Sgt.
Gertsch's
unit
was
reconnoitering
when
attacked
again
by
the
enemy.
S/Sgt.
Gertsch
moved
forward
to
his
besieged
element
and
immediately
charged,
firing
as
he
advanced.
His
determined
assault
forced
the
enemy
troops
to
withdraw
in
confusion
and
made
possible
the
recovery
of
2
wounded
men
who
had
been
exposed
to
heavy
enemy
fire.
Sometime
later
his
platoon
came
under
attack
by
an
enemy
force
employing
automatic
weapons,
grenade,
and
rocket
fire.
S/Sgt.
Gertsch
was
severely
wounded
during
the
onslaught
but
continued
to
command
his
platoon
despite
his
painful
wound.
While
moving
under
fire
and
encouraging
his
men
he
sighted
an
aidman
treating
a
wounded
officer
from
an
adjacent
unit.
Realizing
that
both
men
were
in
imminent
danger
of
being
killed,
he
rushed
forward
and
positioned
himself
between
them
and
the
enemy
nearby.
While
the
wounded
officer
was
being
moved
to
safety
S/Sgt.
Gertsch
was
mortally
wounded
by
enemy
fire.
Without
S/Sgt.
Gertsch's
courage,
ability
to
inspire
others,
and
profound
concern
for
the
welfare
of
his
men,
the
loss
of
life
among
his
fellow
soldiers
would
have
been
significantly
greater.
His
conspicuous
gallantry,
extraordinary
heroism,
and
intrepidity
at
the
cost
of
his
life,
above
and
beyond
the
call
of
duty,
are
in
the
highest
traditions
of
the
U.S.
Army
and
reflect
great
credit
on
him
and
the
Armed
Forces
of
his
country.
*GONZALEZ,
ALFREDO
Rank
and
organization:
Sergeant,
U.S.
Marine
Corps,
Company
A,
1st
Battalion,
1st
Marines,
1st
Marine
Division
(Rein),
FMF.
Place
and
date:
Near
Thua
Thien,
Republic
of
Vietnam,
4
February
1968.
Entered
service
at:
San
Antonio,
Tex.
Born:
23
May
1946,
Edinburg
Tex.
Citation:
For
conspicuous
gallantry
and
intrepidity
at
the
risk
of
his
life
above
and
beyond
the
call
of
duty
while
serving
as
platoon
commander,
3d
Platoon,
Company
A.
On
31
January
1968,
during
the
initial
phase
of
Operation
Hue
City,
Sgt.
Gonzalez'
unit
was
formed
as
a
reaction
force
and
deployed
to
Hue
to
relieve
the
pressure
on
the
beleaguered
city.
While
moving
by
truck
convoy
along
Route
No.
1,
near
the
village
of
Lang
Van
Lrong,
the
marines
received
a
heavy
volume
of
enemy
fire.
Sgt.
Gonzalez
aggressively
maneuvered
the
marines
in
his
platoon,
and
directed
their
fire
until
the
area
was
cleared
of
snipers.
Immediately
after
crossing
a
river
south
of
Hue,
the
column
was
again
hit
by
intense
enemy
fire.
One
of
the
marines
on
top
of
a
tank
was
wounded
and
fell
to
the
ground
in
an
exposed
position.
With
complete
disregard
for
his
safety,
Sgt.
Gonzalez
ran
through
the
fire-swept
area
to
the
assistance
of
his
injured
comrade.
He
lifted
him
up
and
though
receiving
fragmentation
wounds
during
the
rescue,
he
carried
the
wounded
marine
to
a
covered
position
for
treatment.
Due
to
the
increased
volume
and
accuracy
of
enemy
fire
from
a
fortified
machine
gun
bunker
on
the
side
of
the
road,
the
company
was
temporarily
halted.
Realizing
the
gravity
of
the
situation,
Sgt.
Gonzalez
exposed
himself
to
the
enemy
fire
and
moved
his
platoon
along
the
east
side
of
a
bordering
rice
paddy
to
a
dike
directly
across
from
the
bunker.
Though
fully
aware
of
the
danger
involved,
he
moved
to
the
fire-swept
road
and
destroyed
the
hostile
position
with
hand
grenades.
Although
seriously
wounded
again
on
3
February,
he
steadfastly
refused
medical
treatment
and
continued
to
supervise
his
men
and
lead
the
attack.
On
4
February,
the
enemy
had
again
pinned
the
company
down,
inflicting
heavy
casualties
with
automatic
weapons
and
rocket
fire.
Sgt.
Gonzalez,
utilizing
a
number
of
light
antitank
assault
weapons,
fearlessly
moved
from
position
to
position
firing
numerous
rounds
at
the
heavily
fortified
enemy
emplacements.
He
successfully
knocked
out
a
rocket
position
and
suppressed
much
of
the
enemy
fire
before
falling
mortally
wounded.
The
heroism,
courage,
and
dynamic
leadership
displayed
by
Sgt.
Gonzalez
reflected
great
credit
upon
himself
and
the
Marine
Corps,
and
were
in
keeping
with
the
highest
traditions
of
the
U.S.
Naval
Service.
He
gallantly
gave
his
life
for
his
country.
*GRAHAM,
JAMES
A.
Rank
and
organization:
Captain,
U.S.
Marine
Corps,
Company
F,
2d
Battalion,
5th
Marines,
1st
Marine
Division.
Place
and
date:
Republic
of
Vietnam,
2
June
1967.
Entered
service
at:
Prince
Georges,
Md.
Born:
25
August
1940,
Wilkinsburg,
Allegheny
County,
Pa.
Citation:
For
conspicuous
gallantry
and
intrepidity
at
the
risk
of
his
life
above
and
beyond
the
call
of
duty.
During
Operation
Union
11,
the
1st
Battalion,
5th
Marines,
consisting
of
Companies
A
and
D,
with
Capt.
Graham's
company
attached
launched
an
attack
against
an
enemy
occupied
position
with
2
companies
assaulting
and
1
in
reserve.
Company
F,
a
leading
company,
was
proceeding
across
a
clear
paddy
area
1,000
meters
wide,
attacking
toward
the
assigned
objective,
when
it
came
under
fire
from
mortars
and
small
arms
which
immediately
inflicted
a
large
number
of
casualties.
Hardest
hit
by
the
enemy
fire
was
the
2d
platoon
of
Company
F,
which
was
pinned
down
in
the
open
paddy
area
by
intense
fire
from
2
concealed
machine
guns.
Forming
an
assault
unit
from
members
of
his
small
company
headquarters,
Capt.
Graham
boldly
led
a
fierce
assault
through
the
second
platoon's
position,
forcing
the
enemy
to
abandon
the
first
machine
gun
position,
thereby
relieving
some
of
the
pressure
on
his
second
platoon,
and
enabling
evacuation
of
the
wounded
to
a
more
secure
area.
Resolute
to
silence
the
second
machine
gun,
which
continued
its
devastating
fire,
Capt.
Graham's
small
force
stood
steadfast
in
its
hard
won
enclave.
Subsequently,
during
the
afternoon's
fierce
fighting,
he
suffered
2
minor
wounds
while
personally
accounting
for
an
estimated
15
enemy
killed.
With
the
enemy
position
remaining
invincible
upon
each
attempt
to
withdraw
to
friendly
lines,
and
although
knowing
that
he
had
no
chance
of
survival,
he
chose
to
remain
with
1
man
who
could
not
be
moved
due
to
the
seriousness
of
his
wounds.
The
last
radio
transmission
from
Capt.
Graham
reported
that
he
was
being
assaulted
by
a
force
of
25
enemy
soldiers;
he
died
while
protecting
himself
and
the
wounded
man
he
chose
not
to
abandon.
Capt.
Graham's
actions
throughout
the
day
were
a
series
of
heroic
achievements.
His
outstanding
courage,
superb
leadership
and
indomitable
fighting
spirit
undoubtedly
saved
the
second
platoon
from
annihilation
and
reflected
great
credit
upon
himself,
the
Marine
Corps,
and
the
U.S.
Naval
Service.
He
gallantly
gave
his
life
for
his
country.
*GRANDSTAFF,
BRUCE
ALAN
Rank
and
organization:
Platoon
Sergeant,
U.S.
Army,
Company
B,
1st
Battalion,
8th
Infantry.
Place
and
date:
Pleiku
Province,
Republic
of
Vietnam,
18
May
1967.
Entered
service
at:
Spokane,
Wash.
Born:
2
June
1934,
Spokane,
Wash.
Citation:
For
conspicuous
gallantry
and
intrepidity
in
action
at
the
risk
of
his
life
above
and
beyond
the
call
of
duty.
P/Sgt.
Grandstaff
distinguished
himself
while
leading
the
Weapons
Platoon,
Company
B,
on
a
reconnaissance
mission
near
the
Cambodian
border.
His
platoon
was
advancing
through
intermittent
enemy
contact
when
it
was
struck
by
heavy
small
arms
and
automatic
weapons
fire
from
3
sides.
As
he
established
a
defensive
perimeter,
P/Sgt.
Grandstaff
noted
that
several
of
his
men
had
been
struck
down.
He
raced
30
meters
through
the
intense
fire
to
aid
them
but
could
only
save
1.
Denied
freedom
to
maneuver
his
unit
by
the
intensity
of
the
enemy
onslaught,
he
adjusted
artillery
to
within
45
meters
of
his
position.
When
helicopter
gunships
arrived,
he
crawled
outside
the
defensive
position
to
mark
the
location
with
smoke
grenades.
Realizing
his
first
marker
was
probably
ineffective,
he
crawled
to
another
location
and
threw
his
last
smoke
grenade
but
the
smoke
did
not
penetrate
the
jungle
foliage.
Seriously
wounded
in
the
leg
during
this
effort
he
returned
to
his
radio
and,
refusing
medical
aid,
adjusted
the
artillery
even
closer
as
the
enemy
advanced
on
his
position.
Recognizing
the
need
for
additional
firepower,
he
again
braved
the
enemy
fusillade,
crawled
to
the
edge
of
his
position
and
fired
several
magazines
of
tracer
ammunition
through
the
jungle
canopy.
He
succeeded
in
designating
the
location
to
the
gunships
but
this
action
again
drew
the
enemy
fire
and
he
was
wounded
in
the
other
leg.
Now
enduring
intense
pain
and
bleeding
profusely,
he
crawled
to
within
10
meters
of
an
enemy
machine
gun
which
had
caused
many
casualties
among
his
men.
He
destroyed
the
position
with
hand
grenades
but
received
additional
wounds.
Rallying
his
remaining
men
to
withstand
the
enemy
assaults,
he
realized
his
position
was
being
overrun
and
asked
for
artillery
directly
on
his
location.
He
fought
until
mortally
wounded
by
an
enemy
rocket.
Although
every
man
in
the
platoon
was
a
casualty,
survivors
attest
to
the
indomitable
spirit
and
exceptional
courage
of
this
outstanding
combat
leader
who
inspired
his
men
to
fight
courageously
against
overwhelming
odds
and
cost
the
enemy
heavy
casualties.
P/Sgt.
Grandstaff's
selfless
gallantry,
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.
*GRANT,
JOSEPH
XAVIER
Rank
and
organization:
Captain
(then
1st
Lt.),
U.S.
Army,
Company
A,
1st
Battalion,
14th
Infantry,
25th
Infantry
Division.
Place
and
date:
Republic
of
Vietnam,
13
November
1966.
Entered
service
at:
Boston,
Mass.
Born:
28
March
1940,
Cambridge,
Mass.
G.O.
No.:
4,
29
January
1968.
Citation:
For
conspicuous
gallantry
and
intrepidity
in
action
at
the
risk
of
his
life
above
and
beyond
the
call
of
duty.
Company
A
was
participating
in
a
search
and
destroy
operation
when
the
leading
platoon
made
contact
with
the
enemy
and
a
fierce
fire-fight
ensued.
Capt.
Grant
was
ordered
to
disengage
the
2
remaining
platoons
and
to
maneuver
them
to
envelop
and
destroy
the
enemy.
After
beginning
their
movement,
the
platoons
encountered
intense
enemy
automatic
weapons
and
mortar
fire
from
the
front
and
flank.
Capt.
Grant
was
ordered
to
deploy
the
platoons
in
a
defensive
position.
As
this
action
was
underway,
the
enemy
attacked,
using
"human
wave''
assaults,
in
an
attempt
to
literally
overwhelm
Capt.
Grant's
force.
In
a
magnificent
display
of
courage
and
leadership,
Capt.
Grant
moved
under
intense
fire
along
the
hastily
formed
defensive
line
repositioning
soldiers
to
fill
gaps
created
by
the
mounting
casualties
and
inspiring
and
directing
the
efforts
of
his
men
to
successfully
repel
the
determined
enemy
onslaught.
Seeing
a
platoon
leader
wounded,
Capt.
Grant
hastened
to
his
aid,
in
the
face
of
the
mass
of
fire
of
the
entire
enemy
force,
and
moved
him
to
a
more
secure
position.
During
this
action,
Capt.
Grant
was
wounded
in
the
shoulder.
Refusing
medical
treatment,
he
returned
to
the
forward
part
of
the
perimeter,
where
he
continued
to
lead
and
to
inspire
his
men
by
his
own
indomitable
example.
While
attempting
to
evacuate
a
wounded
soldier,
he
was
pinned
down
by
fire
from
an
enemy
machine
gun.
With
a
supply
of
hand
grenades,
he
crawled
forward
under
a
withering
hail
of
fire
and
knocked
out
the
machine
gun,
killing
the
crew,
after
which
he
moved
the
wounded
man
to
safety.
Learning
that
several
other
wounded
men
were
pinned
down
by
enemy
fire
forward
of
his
position,
Capt.
Grant
disregarded
his
painful
wound
and
led
5
men
across
the
fire-swept
open
ground
to
effect
a
rescue.
Following
return
of
the
wounded
men
to
the
perimeter,
a
concentration
of
mortar
fire
landed
in
their
midst
and
Capt.
Grant
was
killed
instantly.
His
heroic
actions
saved
the
lives
of
a
number
of
his
comrades
and
enabled
the
task
force
to
repulse
the
vicious
assaults
and
defeat
the
enemy.
Capt.
Grant's
actions
reflect
great
credit
upon
himself
and
were
in
keeping
with
the
finest
traditions
of
the
U.S.
Army.
*GRAVES,
TERRENCE
COLLINSON
Rank
and
organization:
Second
Lieutenant,
U.S.
Marine
Corps,
3d
Force
Reconnaissance
Company,
3d
Reconnaissance
Battalion,
3d
Marine
Division
(Rein),
FMF.
Place
and
date:
Quang
Tri
Province,
Republic
of
Vietnam,
16
February
1968.
Entered
service
at:
New
York
Born:
6
July
1945,
Corpus
Christi,
Tex.
Citation:
For
conspicuous
gallantry
and
intrepidity
at
the
risk
of
his
life
above
and
beyond
the
call
of
duty
as
a
platoon
commander
with
the
3d
Force
Reconnaissance
Company.
While
on
a
long-range
reconnaissance
mission,
2d
Lt.
Graves'
8-man
patrol
observed
7
enemy
soldiers
approaching
their
position.
Reacting
instantly,
he
deployed
his
men
and
directed
their
fire
on
the
approaching
enemy.
After
the
fire
had
ceased,
he
and
2
patrol
members
commenced
a
search
of
the
area,
and
suddenly
came
under
a
heavy
volume
of
hostile
small
arms
and
automatic
weapons
fire
from
a
numerically
superior
enemy
force.
When
1
of
his
men
was
hit
by
the
enemy
fire,
2d
Lt.
Graves
moved
through
the
fire-swept
area
to
his
radio
and,
while
directing
suppressive
fire
from
his
men,
requested
air
support
and
adjusted
a
heavy
volume
of
artillery
and
helicopter
gunship
fire
upon
the
enemy.
After
attending
the
wounded,
2d
Lt.
Graves,
accompanied
by
another
marine,
moved
from
his
relatively
safe
position
to
confirm
the
results
of
the
earlier
engagement.
Observing
that
several
of
the
enemy
were
still
alive,
he
launched
a
determined
assault,
eliminating
the
remaining
enemy
troops.
He
then
began
moving
the
patrol
to
a
landing
zone
for
extraction,
when
the
unit
again
came
under
intense
fire
which
wounded
2
more
marines
and
2d
Lt.
Graves.
Refusing
medical
attention,
he
once
more
adjusted
air
strikes
and
artillery
fire
upon
the
enemy
while
directing
the
fire
of
his
men.
He
led
his
men
to
a
new
landing
site
into
which
he
skillfully
guided
the
incoming
aircraft
and
boarded
his
men
while
remaining
exposed
to
the
hostile
fire.
Realizing
that
1
of
the
wounded
had
not
em
barked,
he
directed
the
aircraft
to
depart
and,
along
with
another
marine,
moved
to
the
side
of
the
casualty.
Confronted
with
a
shortage
of
ammunition,
2d
Lt.
Graves
utilized
supporting
arms
and
directed
fire
until
a
second
helicopter
arrived.
At
this
point,
the
volume
of
enemy
fire
intensified,
hitting
the
helicopter
and
causing
it
to
crash
shortly
after
liftoff.
All
aboard
were
killed.
2d
Lt.
Graves'
outstanding
courage,
superb
leadership
and
indomitable
fighting
spirit
throughout
the
day
were
in
keeping
with
the
highest
traditions
of
the
Marine
Corps
and
the
U.S.
Naval
Service.
He
gallantly
gave
his
life
for
his
country
.
*GUENETTE,
PETER
M.
Rank
and
organization:
Specialist
Fourth
Class,
U.S.
Army,
Company
D,
2d
Battalion
(Airborne),
506th
Infantry,
101st
Airborne
Division
(Airmobile).
Place
and
date:
Quan
Tan
Uyen
Province,
Republic
of
Vietnam,
18
May
1968.
Entered
service
at:
Albany,
N.Y.
Born:
4
January
1948,
Troy,
N.Y.
Citation:
For
conspicuous
gallantry
and
intrepidity
in
action
at
the
risk
of
his
life
above
and
beyond
the
call
of
duty.
Sp4c.
Guenette
distinguished
himself
while
serving
as
a
machine
gunner
with
Company
D,
during
combat
operations.
While
Sp4c.
Guenette's
platoon
was
sweeping
a
suspected
enemy
base
camp,
it
came
under
light
harassing
fire
from
a
well
equipped
and
firmly
entrenched
squad
of
North
Vietnamese
Army
regulars
which
was
serving
as
a
delaying
force
at
the
entrance
to
their
base
camp.
As
the
platoon
moved
within
10
meters
of
the
fortified
positions,
the
enemy
fire
became
intense.
Sp4c.
Guenette
and
his
assistant
gunner
immediately
began
to
provide
a
base
of
suppressive
fire,
ceasing
momentarily
to
allow
the
assistant
gunner
time
to
throw
a
grenade
into
a
bunker.
Seconds
later,
an
enemy
grenade
was
thrown
to
Sp4c.
Guenette's
right
flank.
Realizing
that
the
grenade
would
kill
or
wound
at
least
4
men
and
destroy
the
machine
gun,
he
shouted
a
warning
and
smothered
the
grenade
with
his
body,
absorbing
its
blast.
Through
his
actions,
he
prevented
loss
of
life
or
injury
to
at
least
3
men
and
enabled
his
comrades
to
maintain
their
fire
superiority.
By
his
gallantry
at
the
cost
of
his
life
in
keeping
with
the
highest
traditions
of
the
military
service,
Sp4c.
Guenette
has
reflected
great
credit
on
himself,
his
unit,
and
the
U.S.
Army.
HAGEMEISTER,
CHARLES
CHRIS
Rank
and
organization:
Specialist
Fifth
Class
(then
Sp4c.)
U
.S.
Army,
Headquarters
and
Headquarters
Company,
1st
Battalion,
5th
Cavalry,
1st
Cavalry
Division
(Airmobile).
Place
and
date:
Binh
Dinh
Province,
Republic
of
Vietnam,
20
March
1967.
Entered
service
at:
Lincoln,
Nebr.
Born:
21
August
1946,
Lincoln,
Nebr.
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.
*HAGEN,
LOREN
D.
Rank
and
organization:
First
Lieutenant,
U.S.
Army,
Infantry,
U.S.
Army
Training
Advisory
Group.
Place
and
date:
Republic
of
Vietnam,
7
August
1971.
Entered
service
at:
Fargo,
N.
Dak.
Born:
25
February
1946,
Fargo,
N.
Dak.
Citation:
1st
Lt.
Hagen
distinguished
himself
in
action
while
serving
as
the
team
leader
of
a
small
reconnaissance
team
operating
deep
within
enemy-held
territory.
At
approximately
0630
hours
on
the
morning
of
7
August
1971
the
small
team
came
under
a
fierce
assault
by
a
superior-sized
enemy
force
using
heavy
small
arms,
automatic
weapons,
mortar,
and
rocket
fire.
1st
Lt.
Hagen
immediately
began
returning
small-arms
fire
upon
the
attackers
and
successfully
led
this
team
in
repelling
the
first
enemy
onslaught.
He
then
quickly
deployed
his
men
into
more
strategic
defense
locations
before
the
enemy
struck
again
in
an
attempt
to
overrun
and
annihilate
the
beleaguered
team's
members.
1st
Lt.
Hagen
repeatedly
exposed
himself
to-
the
enemy
fire
directed
at
him
as
he
constantly
moved
about
the
team's
perimeter,
directing
fire,
rallying
the
members,
and
resupplying
the
team
with
ammunition,
while
courageously
returning
small
arms
and
hand
grenade
fire
in
a
valorous
attempt
to
repel
the
advancing
enemy
force.
The
courageous
actions
and
expert
leadership
abilities
of
1st
Lt.
Hagen
were
a
great
source
of
inspiration
and
instilled
confidence
in
the
team
members.
After
observing
an
enemy
rocket
make
a
direct
hit
on
and
destroy
1
of
the
team's
bunkers,
1st
Lt.
Hagen
moved
toward
the
wrecked
bunker
in
search
for
team
members
despite
the
fact
that
the
enemy
force
now
controlled
the
bunker
area.
With
total
disregard
for
his
own
personal
safety,
he
crawled
through
the
enemy
fire
while
returning
small-arms
fire
upon
the
enemy
force.
Undaunted
by
the
enemy
rockets
and
grenades
impacting
all
around
him,
1st
Lt.
Hagen
desperately
advanced
upon
the
destroyed
bunker
until
he
was
fatally
wounded
by
enemy
small
arms
and
automatic
weapons
fire.
With
complete
disregard
for
his
personal
safety,
1st
Lt.
Hagen's
courageous
gallantry,
extraordinary
heroism,
and
intrepidity
above
and
beyond
the
call
of
duty,
at
the
cost
of
his
own
life,
were
in
keeping
with
the
highest
traditions
of
the
military
service
and
reflect
great
credit
upon
him
and
the
U.S.
Army.
*HARTSOCK,
ROBERT
W.
Rank
and
organization:
Staff
Sergeant,
U.S.
Army,
44th
Infantry
Platoon,
3d
Brigade,
25th
Infantry
Division.
Place
and
date:
Hau
Nghia,
Province,
Republic
of
Vietnam,
23
February
1969.
Entered
service
at:
Fairmont,
W.
Va.
Born:
24
January
1945,
Cumberland,
Md.
Citation:
For
conspicuous
gallantry
and
intrepidity
in
action
at
the
risk
of
his
life
above
and
beyond
the
call
of
duty.
S/Sgt.
Hartsock,
distinguished
himself
in
action
while
serving
as
section
leader
with
the
44th
Infantry
Platoon.
When
the
Dau
Tieng
Base
Camp
came
under
a
heavy
enemy
rocket
and
mortar
attack,
S/Sgt.
Hartsock
and
his
platoon
commander
spotted
an
enemy
sapper
squad
which
had
infiltrated
the
camp
undetected.
Realizing
the
enemy
squad
was
heading
for
the
brigade
tactical
operations
center
and
nearby
prisoner
compound,
they
concealed
themselves
and,
although
heavily
outnumbered,
awaited
the
approach
of
the
hostile
soldiers.
When
the
enemy
was
almost
upon
them,
S/Sgt.
Hartsock
and
his
platoon
commander
opened
fire
on
the
squad.
As
a
wounded
enemy
soldier
fell,
he
managed
to
detonate
a
satchel
charge
he
was
carrying.
S/Sgt.
Hartsock,
with
complete
disregard
for
his
life,
threw
himself
on
the
charge
and
was
gravely
wounded.
In
spite
of
his
wounds,
S/Sgt.
Hartsock
crawled
about
5
meters
to
a
ditch
and
provided
heavy
suppressive
fire,
completely
pinning
down
the
enemy
and
allowing
his
commander
to
seek
shelter.
S/Sgt.
Hartsock
continued
his
deadly
stream
of
fire
until
he
succumbed
to
his
wounds.
S/Sgt.
Hartsock's
extraordinary
heroism
and
profound
concern
for
the
lives
of
his
fellow
soldiers
were
in
keeping
with
the
highest
traditions
of
the
military
service
and
reflect
great
credit
on
him,
his
unit,
and
the
U.S.
Army.
*HARVEY,
CARMEL
BERNON,
JR.
Rank
and
organization:
Specialist
Fourth
Class,
U.S.
Army,
Company
B,
1st
Battalion,
5th
Cavalry,
1st
Cavalry
Division
(Airmobile).
Place
and
date:
Binh
Dinh
Province,
Republic
of
Vietnam,
21
June
1967.
Entered
service
at:
Chicago,
Ill.
Born:
6
October
1946,
Montgomery,
W.
Va.
Citation:
For
conspicuous
gallantry
and
intrepidity
in
action
at
the
risk
of
his
life
above
and
beyond
the
call
of
duty.
Sp4c.
Harvey
distinguished
himself
as
a
fire
team
leader
with
Company
B,
during
combat
operations.
Ordered
to
secure
a
downed
helicopter,
his
platoon
established
a
defensive
perimeter
around
the
aircraft,
but
shortly
thereafter
a
large
enemy
force
attacked
the
position
from
3
sides.
Sp4c.
Harvey
and
2
members
of
his
squad
were
in
a
position
directly
in
the
path
of
the
enemy
onslaught,
and
their
location
received
the
brunt
of
the
fire
from
an
enemy
machine
gun.
In
short
order,
both
of
his
companions
were
wounded,
but
Sp4c.
Harvey
covered
this
loss
by
increasing
his
deliberate
rifle
fire
at
the
foe.
The
enemy
machine
gun
seemed
to
concentrate
on
him
and
the
bullets
struck
the
ground
all
around
his
position.
One
round
hit
and
armed
a
grenade
attached
to
his
belt.
Quickly,
he
tried
to
remove
the
grenade
but
was
unsuccessful.
Realizing
the
danger
to
his
comrades
if
he
remained
and
despite
the
hail
of
enemy
fire,
he
jumped
to
his
feet,
shouted
a
challenge
at
the
enemy,
and
raced
toward
the
deadly
machine
gun.
He
nearly
reached
the
enemy
|
