VIETNAM WAR
MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
(M-N)
*N.B. An asterisk in the
citation indicates that the award was given posthumously.
MARM, WALTER JOSEPH, JR.
Rank and organization: First
Lieutenant (then 2d Lt.), U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion,
7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). place and date:
Vicinity of la Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 14 November
1965. Entered service at: pittsburgh, pa. Born: 20 November
1941, Washington, pa. G.O. No.: 7, 15 February 1967. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life
above and beyond the call of duty. As a platoon leader in the
1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), 1st Lt. Marm demonstrated
indomitable courage during a combat operation. His company was
moving through the valley to relieve a friendly unit surrounded
by an enemy force of estimated regimental size. 1st Lt. Marm led
his platoon through withering fire until they were finally
forced to take cover. Realizing that his platoon could not hold
very long, and seeing four enemy soldiers moving into his
position, he moved quickly under heavy fire and annihilated all
4. Then, seeing that his platoon was receiving intense fire from
a concealed machine gun, he deliberately exposed himself to draw
its fire. Thus locating its position, he attempted to destroy it
with an antitank weapon. Although he inflicted casualties, the
weapon did not silence the enemy fire. Quickly, disregarding the
intense fire directed on him and his platoon, he charged 30
meters across open ground, and hurled grenades into the enemy
position, killing some of the 8 insurgents manning it. Although
severely wounded, when his grenades were expended, armed with
only a rifle, he continued the momentum of his assault on the
position and killed the remainder of the enemy. 1st Lt. Marm's
selfless actions reduced the fire on his platoon, broke the
enemy assault, and rallied his unit to continue toward the
accomplishment of this mission. 1st Lt. Marm's gallantry on the
battlefield and his extraordinary intrepidity at the risk of his
life are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect
great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
*MARTINI, GARY W.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines,
1st Marine Division. place and date: Binh Son, Republic of
Vietnam, 21 April 1967. Entered service at: portland, Oreg.
Born: 21 September 1948, Lexington, Va. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. On 21 April 1967, during
Operation UNION* elements of Company F, conducting offensive
operations at Binh Son, encountered a firmly entrenched enemy
force and immediately deployed to engage them. The marines in
Pfc. Martini's platoon assaulted across an open rice paddy to
within 20 meters of the enemy trench line where they were
suddenly struck by hand grenades, intense small arms, automatic
weapons, and mortar fire. The enemy onslaught killed 14 and
wounded 18 marines, pinning the remainder of the platoon down
behind a low paddy dike. In the face of imminent danger, Pfc.
Martini immediately crawled over the dike to a forward open area
within 15 meters of the enemy position where, continuously
exposed to the hostile fire, he hurled hand grenades, killing
several of the enemy. Crawling back through the intense fire, he
rejoined his platoon which had moved to the relative safety of a
trench line. From this position he observed several of his
wounded comrades Lying helpless in the fire-swept paddy.
Although he knew that 1 man had been killed attempting to assist
the wounded, Pfc. Martini raced through the open area and
dragged a comrade back to a friendly position. In spite of a
serious wound received during this first daring rescue, he again
braved the unrelenting fury of the enemy fire to aid another
companion Lying wounded only 20 meters in front of the enemy
trench line. As he reached the fallen marine, he received a
mortal wound, but disregarding his own condition, he began to
drag the marine toward his platoon's position. Observing men
from his unit attempting to leave the security of their position
to aid him, concerned only for their safety, he called to them
to remain under cover, and through a final supreme effort, moved
his injured comrade to where he could be pulled to safety,
before he fell, succumbing to his wounds. Stouthearted and
indomitable, Pfc. Martini unhesitatingly yielded his life to
save 2 of his comrades and insure the safety of the remainder of
his platoon. His outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit
and selfless devotion to duty reflected the highest credit upon
himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
*MAXAM, LARRY LEONARD
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company D, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine
Division (Rein), FMF. place and date: Cam Lo District, Quang Tri
province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 February 1968. Entered service
at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 9 January 1948, Glendale, Calif.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a
fire team leader with Company D. The Cam Lo District
Headquarters came under extremely heavy rocket, artillery,
mortar, and recoilless rifle fire from a numerically superior
enemy force, destroying a portion of the defensive perimeter.
Cpl. Maxam, observing the enemy massing for an assault into the
compound across the remaining defensive wire, instructed his
assistant fire team leader to take charge of the fire team, and
unhesitatingly proceeded to the weakened section of the
perimeter. Completely exposed to the concentrated enemy fire, he
sustained multiple fragmentation wounds from exploding grenades
as he ran to an abandoned machine gun position. Reaching the
emplacement, he grasped the machine gun and commenced to deliver
effective fire on the advancing enemy. As the enemy directed
maximum firepower against the determined marine, Cpl. Maxam's
position received a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade,
knocking him backwards and inflicting severe fragmentation
wounds to his face and right eye. Although momentarily stunned
and in intense pain, Cpl. Maxam courageously resumed his firing
position and subsequently was struck again by small-arms fire.
With resolute determination, he gallantly continued to deliver
intense machine gun fire, causing the enemy to retreat through
the defensive wire to positions of cover. In a desperate attempt
to silence his weapon, the North Vietnamese threw hand grenades
and directed recoilless rifle fire against him inflicting 2
additional wounds. Too weak to reload his machine gun, Cpl.
Maxam fell to a prone position and valiantly continued to
deliver effective fire with his rifle. After 11/2 hours, during
which he was hit repeatedly by fragments from exploding grenades
and concentrated small-arms fire, he succumbed to his wounds,
having successfully defended nearly half of the perimeter
single-handedly. Cpl. Maxam's aggressive fighting spirit,
inspiring valor and selfless devotion to duty reflected great
credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country.
McCLEERY, FINNIS D.
Rank and organization: platoon
Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th U.S.
Infantry. place and date: Quang Tin province, Republic of
Vietnam, 14 May 1968. Entered service at: San Angelo, Tex. Born:
25 December 1927, Stephenville, Tex. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. P/Sgt. McCleery, U.S. Army,
distinguished himself while serving as platoon leader of the 1st
platoon of Company A. A combined force was assigned the mission
of assaulting a reinforced company of North Vietnamese Army
regulars, well entrenched on Hill 352, 17 miles west of Tam Ky.
As P/Sgt. McCleery led his men up the hill and across an open
area to close with the enemy, his platoon and other friendly
elements were pinned down by tremendously heavy fire coming from
the fortified enemy positions. Realizing the severe damage that
the enemy could inflict on the combined force in the event that
their attack was completely halted, P/Sgt. McCleery rose from
his sheltered position and began a 1-man assault on the bunker
complex. With extraordinary courage, he moved across 60 meters
of open ground as bullets struck all around him and rockets and
grenades literally exploded at his feet. As he came within 30
meters of the key enemy bunker, P/Sgt. McCleery began firing
furiously from the hip and throwing hand grenades. At this point
in his assault, he was painfully wounded by shrapnel, but, with
complete disregard for his wound, he continued his advance on
the key bunker and killed all of its occupants. Having
successfully and single-handedly breached the enemy perimeter,
he climbed to the top of the bunker he had just captured and, in
full view of the enemy, shouted encouragement to his men to
follow his assault. As the friendly forces moved forward, P/Sgt.
McCleery began a lateral assault on the enemy bunker line. He
continued to expose himself to the intense enemy fire as he
moved from bunker to bunker, destroying each in turn. He was
wounded a second time by shrapnel as he destroyed and routed the
enemy from the hill. P/Sgt. McCleery is personally credited with
eliminating several key enemy positions and inspiring the
assault that resulted in gaining control of Hill 352. His
extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life, above and beyond
the call of duty, was in keeping with the highest standards of
the military service, and reflects great credit on him, the
Americal Division, and the U.S. Army.
*McDONALD, PHILL G.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 4th
Infantry Division. place and date: Near Kontum City, Republic of
Vietnam, 7 June 1968. Entered service at: Beckley, W . Va. Born:
13 September 1941. Avondale, W. Va. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. McDonald distinguished
himself while serving as a team leader with the 1st platoon of
Company A. While on a combat mission his platoon came under
heavy barrage of automatic weapons fire from a well concealed
company-size enemy force. Volunteering to escort 2 wounded
comrades to an evacuation point, Pfc. McDonald crawled through
intense fire to destroy with a grenade an enemy automatic weapon
threatening the safety of the evacuation. Returning to his
platoon, he again volunteered to provide covering fire for the
maneuver of the platoon from its exposed position. Realizing the
threat he posed, enemy gunners concentrated their fire on Pfc.
McDonald's position, seriously wounding him. Despite his painful
wounds, Pfc. McDonald recovered the weapon of a wounded machine
gunner to provide accurate covering fire for the gunner's
evacuation. When other soldiers were pinned down by a heavy
volume of fire from a hostile machine gun to his front, Pfc.
McDonald crawled toward the enemy position to destroy it with
grenades. He was mortally wounded in this intrepid action. Pfc.
McDonald's gallantry at the risk of his life which resulted in
the saving of the lives of his comrades, is in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflects great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
McGINTY, JOHN J. III
Rank and organization: Second
Lieutenant (then S/Sgt.), U.S. Marine Corps, Company K, 3d
Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force.
place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 18 July 1966. Entered
service at: Laurel Bay, S.C. Born: 2 1 January 1940, Boston,
Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 2d Lt.
McGinty's platoon, which was providing rear security to protect
the withdrawal of the battalion from a position which had been
under attack for 3 days, came under heavy small arms, automatic
weapons and mortar fire from an estimated enemy regiment. With
each successive human wave which assaulted his 32-man platoon
during the 4-hour battle, 2d Lt. McGinty rallied his men to beat
off the enemy. In 1 bitter assault, 2 of the squads became
separated from the remainder of the platoon. With complete
disregard for his safety, 2d Lt. McGinty charged through intense
automatic weapons and mortar fire to their position. Finding 20
men wounded and the medical corpsman killed, he quickly reloaded
ammunition magazines and weapons for the wounded men and
directed their fire upon the enemy. Although he was painfully
wounded as he moved to care for the disabled men, he continued
to shout encouragement to his troops and to direct their fire so
effectively that the attacking hordes were beaten off. When the
enemy tried to out-flank his position, he killed 5 of them at
point-blank range with his pistol. When they again seemed on the
verge of overrunning the small force, he skillfully adjusted
artillery and air strikes within 50 yards of his position. This
destructive firepower routed the enemy, who left an estimated
500 bodies on the battlefield. 2d Lt. McGinty's personal
heroism, indomitable leadership, selfless devotion to duty, and
bold fighting spirit inspired his men to resist the repeated
attacks by a fanatical enemy, reflected great credit upon
himself, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps
and the U.S. Naval Service.
McGONAGLE, WILLIAM L.
Rank and organization: Captain (then
Comdr.) U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Liberty (AGTR-5). place and date:
International waters, Eastern Mediterranean, 8-9 June 1967.
Entered service at: Thermal, Calif. Born: 19 November 1925,
Wichita, Kans. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Sailing in international waters, the Liberty was attacked
without warning by jet fighter aircraft and motor torpedo boats
which inflicted many casualties among the crew and caused
extreme damage to the ship. Although severely wounded during the
first air attack, Capt. McGonagle remained at his battle station
on the badly damaged bridge and, with full knowledge of the
seriousness of his wounds, subordinated his own welfare to the
safety and survival of his command. Steadfastly refusing any
treatment which would take him away from his post, he calmly
continued to exercise firm command of his ship. Despite
continuous exposure to fire, he maneuvered his ship, directed
its defense, supervised the control of flooding and fire, and
saw to the care of the casualties. Capt. McGonagle's
extraordinary valor under these conditions inspired the
surviving members of the Liberty's crew, many of them seriously
wounded, to heroic efforts to overcome the battle damage and
keep the ship afloat. Subsequent to the attack, although in
great pain and weak from the loss of blood, Captain McGonagle
remained at his battle station and continued to command his ship
for more than 17 hours. It was only after rendezvous with a U.S.
destroyer that he relinquished personal control of the Liberty
and permitted himself to be removed from the bridge. Even then,
he refused much needed medical attention until convinced that
the seriously wounded among his crew had been treated. Capt.
McGonagle's superb professionalism, courageous fighting spirit,
and valiant leadership saved his ship and many lives. His
actions sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S.
Naval Service. (Captain McGonagle earned the Medal of Honor for
actions that took place in international waters in the Eastern
Mediterranean rather than in Vietnam.)
*McKlBBEN, RAY
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S.
Army, Troop B, 7th Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry. place and
date: Near Song Mao, Republic of Vietnam, 8 December 1968.
Entered service at: Atlanta, Ga. Born: 27 October 1945. Felton,
Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty, Sgt. McKibben distinguished himself in action while
serving as team leader of the point element of a reconnaissance
patrol of Troop B, operating in enemy territory. Sgt. McKibben
was leading his point element in a movement to contact along a
well-traveled trail when the lead element came under heavy
automatic weapons fire from a fortified bunker position, forcing
the patrol to take cover. Sgt. McKibben, appraising the
situation and without regard for his own safety, charged through
bamboo and heavy brush to the fortified position, killed the
enemy gunner, secured the weapon and directed his patrol element
forward. As the patrol moved out, Sgt. McKibben observed enemy
movement to the flank of the patrol. Fire support from
helicopter gunships was requested and the area was effectively
neutralized. The patrol again continued its mission and as the
lead element rounded the bend of a river it came under heavy
automatic weapons fire from camouflaged bunkers. As Sgt.
McKibben was deploying his men to covered positions, he observed
one of his men fall wounded. Although bullets were hitting all
around the wounded man, Sgt. McKibben, with complete disregard
for his safety, sprang to his comrade's side and under heavy
enemy fire pulled him to safety behind the cover of a rock
emplacement where he administered hasty first aid. Sgt. McKibben,
seeing that his comrades were pinned down and were unable to
deliver effective fire against the enemy bunkers, again
undertook a single-handed assault of the enemy defenses. He
charged through the brush and hail of automatic weapons fire
closing on the first bunker, killing the enemy with accurate
rifle fire and securing the enemy's weapon. He continued his
assault against the next bunker, firing his rifle as he charged.
As he approached the second bunker his rifle ran out of
ammunition; however, he used the captured enemy weapon until it
too was empty, at that time he silenced the bunker with well
placed hand grenades. He reloaded his weapon and covered the
advance of his men as they moved forward. Observing the fire of
another bunker impeding the patrol's advance, Sgt. McKibben
again single-handedly assaulted the new position. As he neared
the bunker he was mortally wounded but was able to fire a final
burst from his weapon killing the enemy and enabling the patrol
to continue the assault. Sgt. McKibben's indomitable courage,
extraordinary heroism, profound concern for the welfare of his
fellow soldiers and disregard for his personal safety saved the
lives of his comrades and enabled the patrol to accomplish its
mission. Sgt. McKibben's gallantry in action at the cost of his
life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*McMAHON, THOMAS J.
Rank and organization: Specialist
Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry,
196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. place and date: Quang
Tin province, Republic of Vietnam, 19 March 1969. Entered
service at: portland, Maine. Born: 24 June 1948, Washington,
D.C. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Sp4c. McMahon distinguished himself while serving as
medical aid man with Company A. When the lead elements of his
company came under heavy fire from well-fortified enemy
positions, 3 soldiers fell seriously wounded. Sp4c. McMahon,
with complete disregard for his safety, left his covered
position and ran through intense enemy fire to the side of 1 of
the wounded, administered first aid and then carried him to
safety. He returned through the hail of fire to the side of a
second wounded man. Although painfully wounded by an exploding
mortar round while returning the wounded man to a secure
position, Sp4c. McMahon refused medical attention and heroically
ran back through the heavy enemy fire toward his remaining
wounded comrade. He fell mortally wounded before he could rescue
the last man. Sp4c. McMahon's undaunted concern for the welfare
of his comrades at the cost of his life are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
McNERNEY, DAVID H.
Rank and organization: First
Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th
Infantry Division. place and date: polei Doc, Republic of
Vietnam, 22 March 1967. Entered service at: Fort Bliss, Tex.
Born: 2 June 1931, Lowell, Mass. Citation: 1st Sgt. McNerney
distinguished himself when his unit was attacked by a North
Vietnamese battalion near polei Doc. Running through the hail of
enemy fire to the area of heaviest contact, he was assisting in
the development of a defensive perimeter when he encountered
several enemy at close range. He killed the enemy but was
painfully injured when blown from his feet by a grenade. In
spite of this injury, he assaulted and destroyed an enemy
machinegun position that had pinned down 5 of his comrades
beyond the defensive line. Upon learning his commander and
artillery forward observer had been killed, he assumed command
of the company. He adjusted artillery fire to within 20 meters
of the position in a daring measure to repulse ??enemy assaults.
When the smoke grenades used to mark the position were gone, he
moved into a nearby clearing to designate the location to
friendly aircraft. In spite of enemy fire he remained exposed
until he was certain the position was spotted and then climbed
into a tree and tied the identification panel to its highest
branches. Then he moved among his men readjusting their
position, encouraging the defenders and checking the wounded. As
the hostile assaults slackened, he began clearing a helicopter
landing site to evacuate the wounded. When explosives were
needed to remove large trees, he crawled outside the relative
safety of his perimeter to collect demolition material from
abandoned rucksacks. Moving through a fusillade of fire he
returned with the explosives that were vital to the clearing of
the landing zone. Disregarding the pain of his injury and
refusing medical evacuation 1st Sgt. McNerney remained with his
unit until the next day when the new commander arrived. First
Sgt. McNerney's outstanding heroism and leadership were
inspirational to his comrades. His actions were in keeping with
the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit
upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
*MCWETHY, EDGAR LEE, JR.
Rank and organization: Specialist
Fifth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry,
1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). place and date: Binh Dinh
province, Republic of Vietnam, 21 June 1967. Entered service at:
Denver, Colo. Born: 22 November 1944, Leadville, Colo. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Serving as a
medical aidman with Company B, Sp5c. McWethy accompanied his
platoon to the site of a downed helicopter. Shortly after the
platoon established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft, a
large enemy force attacked the position from 3 sides with a
heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and grenades. The platoon
leader and his radio operator were wounded almost immediately,
and Sp5c. McWethy rushed across the fire-swept area to their
assistance. Although he could not help the mortally wounded
radio operator, Sp5c. McWethy's timely first aid enabled the
platoon leader to retain command during this critical period.
Hearing a call for aid, Sp5c. McWethy started across the open
toward the injured men, but was wounded in the head and knocked
to the ground. He regained his feet and continued on but was hit
again, this time in the leg. Struggling onward despite his
wounds, he gained the side of his comrades and treated their
injuries. Observing another fallen rifleman Lying in an exposed
position raked by enemy fire, Sp5c. McWethy moved toward him
without hesitation. Although the enemy fire wounded him a third
time, Sp5c. McWethy reached his fallen companion. Though
weakened and in extreme pain, Sp5c. McWethy gave the wounded man
artificial respiration but suffered a fourth and fatal wound.
Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his
safety, and demonstrated concern for his fellow soldiers, Sp5c.
McWethy inspired the members of his platoon and contributed in
great measure to their successful defense of the position and
the ultimate rout of the enemy force. Sp5c. McWethy's profound
sense of duty, bravery, and his willingness to accept
extraordinary risks in order to help the men of his unit are
characteristic of the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
*MICHAEL, DON LESLIE
Rank and organization: Specialist
Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 4th Battalion, 503d
Infantry, 1 73d Airborne Brigade. place and date: Republic of
Vietnam, 8 April 1967. Entered service at: Montgomery, Ala.
Born: 31 July 1947, Florence, Ala. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Michael, U.S. Army, distinguished
himself while serving with Company C. Sp4c. Michael was part of
a platoon which was moving through an area of suspected enemy
activity. While the rest of the platoon stopped to provide
security, the squad to which Sp4c. Michael was assigned moved
forward to investigate signs of recent enemy activity. After
moving approximately 125 meters, the squad encountered a single
Viet Cong soldier. When he was fired upon by the squad's machine
gunner, other Viet Cong opened fire with automatic weapons from
a well-concealed bunker to the squad's right front. The volume
of enemy fire was so withering as to pin down the entire squad
and halt all forward movement. Realizing the gravity of the
situation, Sp4c. Michael exposed himself to throw 2 grenades,
but failed to eliminate the enemy position. From his position on
the left flank, Sp4c. Michael maneuvered forward with 2 more
grenades until he was within 20 meters of the enemy bunkers,
when he again exposed himself to throw 2 grenades, which failed
to detonate. Undaunted, Sp4c. Michael made his way back to the
friendly positions to obtain more grenades. With 2 grenades in
hand, he again started his perilous move towards the enemy
bunker, which by this time was under intense artillery fire from
friendly positions. As he neared the bunker, an enemy soldier
attacked him from a concealed position. Sp4c. Michael killed him
with his rifle and, in spite of the enemy fire and the exploding
artillery rounds, was successful in destroying the enemy
positions. Sp4c. Michael took up pursuit of the remnants of the
retreating enemy. When his comrades reached Sp4c. Michael, he
had been mortally wounded. His inspiring display of
determination and courage saved the lives of many of his
comrades and successfully eliminated a destructive enemy force.
Sp4c. Michael's actions were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect the utmost credit
upon himself and the U.S. Army.
MILLER, FRANKLIN D.
Rank and organization: Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special
Forces. place and date: Kontum province, Republic of Vietnam, 5
January 1970. Entered service at: Albuquerque, N. Mex. Born: 27
January 1945, Elizabeth City, N.C. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Miller, 5th Special
Forces Group, distinguished himself while serving as team leader
of an American-Vietnamese long-range reconnaissance patrol
operating deep within enemy controlled territory. Leaving the
helicopter insertion point, the patrol moved forward on its
mission. Suddenly, 1 of the team members tripped a hostile booby
trap which wounded 4 soldiers. S/Sgt. Miller, knowing that the
explosion would alert the enemy, quickly administered first aid
to the wounded and directed the team into positions across a
small stream bed at the base of a steep hill. Within a few
minutes, S/Sgt. Miller saw the lead element of what he estimated
to be a platoon-size enemy force moving toward his location.
Concerned for the safety of his men, he directed the small team
to move up the hill to a more secure position. He remained
alone, separated from the patrol, to meet the attack. S/Sgt.
Miller single-handedly repulsed 2 determined attacks by the
numerically superior enemy force and caused them to withdraw in
disorder. He rejoined his team, established contact with a
forward air controller and arranged the evacuation of his
patrol. However, the only suitable extraction location in the
heavy jungle was a bomb crater some 150 meters from the team
location. S/Sgt. Miller reconnoitered the route to the crater
and led his men through the enemy controlled jungle to the
extraction site. As the evacuation helicopter hovered over the
crater to pick up the patrol, the enemy launched a savage
automatic weapon and rocket-propelled grenade attack against the
beleaguered team, driving off the rescue helicopter. S/Sgt.
Miller led the team in a valiant defense which drove back the
enemy in its attempt to overrun the small patrol. Although
seriously wounded and with every man in his patrol a casualty,
S/Sgt. Miller moved forward to again single-handedly meet the
hostile attackers. From his forward exposed position, S/Sgt.
Miller gallantly repelled 2 attacks by the enemy before a
friendly relief force reached the patrol location. S/Sgt.
Miller's gallantry, intrepidity in action, and selfless devotion
to the welfare of his comrades are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on
him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*MILLER, GARY L.
Rank and organization: First
Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry,
1st Infantry Division. place and date: Binh Duong province,
Republic of Vietnam, 16 February 1969. Entered service at:
Roanoke, Va. Born: 19 March 1947, Covington, Va. Citation: For
conspicuous intrepidity and gallantry in action at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty. First Lt. Miller,
Infantry, Company A, was serving as a platoon leader at night
when his company ambushed a hostile force infiltrating from
Cambodian sanctuaries. After contact with the enemy was broken,
1st Lt. Miller led a reconnaissance patrol from their prepared
positions through the early evening darkness and dense tropical
growth to search the area for enemy casualties. As the group
advanced they were suddenly attacked. First Lt. Miller was
seriously wounded. However, the group fought back with telling
effect on the hostile force. An enemy grenade was thrown into
the midst of the friendly patrol group and all took cover except
1st Lt. Miller. who in the dim light located the grenade and
threw himself on it, absorbing the force of the explosion with
his body. His action saved nearby members of his patrol from
almost certain serious injury. The extraordinary courage and
selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to
his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
MODRZEJEWSKI, ROBERT J.
Rank and organization: Major (then
Capt.), U.S. Marine Corps, Company K, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines,
3d Marine Division, FMF. place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 15
to 18 July 1966. Entered service at: Milwaukee, Wis. Born: 3
July 1934, Milwaukee, Wis. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty. On 15 July, during Operation HASTINGS, Company K
was landed in an enemy-infested jungle area to establish a
blocking position at a major enemy trail network. Shortly after
landing, the company encountered a reinforced enemy platoon in a
well-organized, defensive position. Maj. Modrzejewski led his
men in the successful seizure of the enemy redoubt, which
contained large quantities of ammunition and supplies. That
evening, a numerically superior enemy force counterattacked in
an effort to retake the vital supply area, thus setting the
pattern of activity for the next 2 1/2 days. In the first series
of attacks, the enemy assaulted repeatedly in overwhelming
numbers but each time was repulsed by the gallant marines. The
second night, the enemy struck in battalion strength, and Maj.
Modrzejewski was wounded in this intensive action which was
fought at close quarters. Although exposed to enemy fire, and
despite his painful wounds, he crawled 200 meters to provide
critically needed ammunition to an exposed element of his
command and was constantly present wherever the fighting was
heaviest, despite numerous casualties, a dwindling supply of
ammunition and the knowledge that they were surrounded, he
skillfully directed artillery fire to within a few meter* of his
position and courageously inspired the efforts of his company in
repelling the aggressive enemy attack. On 18 July, Company K was
attacked by a regimental-size enemy force. Although his unit was
vastly outnumbered and weakened by the previous fighting, Maj.
Modrzejewski reorganized his men and calmly moved among them to
encourage and direct their efforts to heroic limits as they
fought to overcome the vicious enemy onslaught. Again he called
in air and artillery strikes at close range with devastating
effect on the enemy, which together with the bold and determined
fighting of the men of Company K, repulsed the fanatical attack
of the larger North Vietnamese force. His unparalleled personal
heroism and indomitable leadership inspired his men to a
significant victory over the enemy force and reflected great
credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval
Service.
*MOLNAR, FRANKIE ZOLY
Rank and organization: Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th
Infantry Division. place and date: Kontum Province, Republic of
Vietnam, 20 May 1967. Entered service at: Fresno, Calif. Born:
14 February 1943, Logan, W. Va. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Molnar distinguished
himself while serving as a squad leader with Company B, during
combat operations. Shortly after the battalion's defensive
perimeter was established, it was hit by intense mortar fire as
the prelude to a massive enemy night attack. S/Sgt. Molnar
immediately left his sheltered location to insure the readiness
of his squad to meet the attack. As he crawled through the
position, he discovered a group of enemy soldiers closing in on
his squad area. His accurate rifle fire killed 5 of the enemy
and forced the remainder to flee. When the mortar fire stopped,
the enemy attacked in a human wave supported by grenades,
rockets, automatic weapons, and small-arms fire. After assisting
to repel the first enemy assault, S/Sgt. Molnar found that his
squad's ammunition and grenade supply was nearly expended. Again
leaving the relative safety of his position, he crawled through
intense enemy fire to secure additional ammunition and
distribute it to his squad. He rejoined his men to beat back the
renewed enemy onslaught, and he moved about his area providing
medical aid and assisting in the evacuation of the wounded. With
the help of several men, he was preparing to move a severely
wounded soldier when an enemy hand grenade was thrown into the
group. The first to see the grenade, S/Sgt. Molnar threw himself
on it and absorbed the deadly blast to save his comrades. His
demonstrated selflessness and inspirational leadership on the
battlefield were a major factor in the successful defense of the
American position and are in keeping with the finest traditions
of the U.S. Army. S/Sgt. Molnar's actions reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*MONROE, JAMES H.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st
Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place
and date: Bong Son, Hoai Nhon Province, Republic of Vietnam, 16
February 1967. Entered service at: Chicago, Ill. Born: 17
October 1944, Aurora, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty. His platoon was deployed in a night
ambush when the position was suddenly subjected to an intense
and accurate grenade attack, and 1 foxhole was hit immediately.
Responding without hesitation to the calls for help from the
wounded men Pfc. Monroe moved forward through heavy small-arms
fire to the foxhole but found that all of the men had expired.
He turned immediately and crawled back through the deadly hail
of fire toward other calls for aid. He moved to the platoon
sergeant's position where he found the radio operator bleeding
profusely from fragmentation and bullet wounds. Ignoring the
continuing enemy attack, Pfc. Monroe began treating the wounded
man when he saw a live grenade fall directly in front of the
position. He shouted a warning to all those nearby, pushed the
wounded radio operator and the platoon sergeant to one side, and
lunged forward to smother the grenade's blast with his body.
Through his valorous actions, performed in a flash of inspired
selflessness, Pfc. Monroe saved the lives of 2 of his comrades
and prevented the probable injury of several others. His
gallantry and intrepidity were in the highest traditions of the
U.S. Army, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed
Forces of his country.
*MORGAN, WILLIAM D.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S.
Marine Corps. Company H, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine
Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of
Vietnam, 25 February 1969. Entered service at: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Born: 17 September 1947, Pittsburgh, Pa. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad
leader with Company H, in operations against the enemy. While
participating in Operation DEWEY CANYON southeast of Vandergrift
Combat Base, 1 of the squads of Cpl. Morgan's platoon was
temporarily pinned down and sustained several casualties while
attacking a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a heavily
fortified bunker complex. Observing that 2 of the wounded
marines had fallen in a position dangerously exposed to the
enemy fire and that all attempts to evacuate them were halted by
a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and rocket-propelled
grenades. Cpl. Morgan unhesitatingly maneuvered through the
dense jungle undergrowth to a road that passed in front of a
hostile emplacement which was the principal source of enemy
fire. Fully aware of the possible consequences of his valiant
action, but thinking only of the welfare of his injured
companions, Cpl. Morgan shouted words of encouragement to them
as he initiated an aggressive assault against the hostile
bunker. While charging across the open road, he was clearly
visible to the hostile soldiers who turned their fire in his
direction and mortally wounded him, but his diversionary tactic
enabled the remainder of his squad to retrieve their casualties
and overrun the North Vietnamese Army position. His heroic and
determined actions saved the lives of 2 fellow marines and were
instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the enemy. Cpl.
Morgan's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless
devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine
Corps and of the U.S. Naval Services. He gallantly gave his life
for his country.
MORRIS, CHARLES B.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant
(then Sgt.), U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d
Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Place and date:
Republic of Vietnam, 29 June 1966. Entered service at: Roanoke,
Va. Born: 29 December 1931, Carroll County, Va. C.O. No.: 51, 14
December 1967. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Seeing indications of the enemy's presence in the area,
S/Sgt. Morris deployed his squad and continued forward alone to
make a reconnaissance. He unknowingly crawled within 20 meters
of an enemy machinegun, whereupon the gunner fired, wounding him
in the chest. S/Sgt. Morris instantly returned the fire and
killed the gunner. Continuing to crawl within a few feet of the
gun, he hurled a grenade and killed the remainder of the enemy
crew. Although in pain and bleeding profusely, S/Sgt. Morris
continued his reconnaissance. Returning to the platoon area, he
reported the results of his reconnaissance to the platoon
leader. As he spoke, the platoon came under heavy fire. Refusing
medical attention for himself, he deployed his men in better
firing positions confronting the entrenched enemy to his front.
Then for 8 hours the platoon engaged the numerically superior
enemy force. Withdrawal was impossible without abandoning many
wounded and dead. Finding the platoon medic dead, S/Sgt. Morris
administered first aid to himself and was returning to treat the
wounded members of his squad with the medic's first aid kit when
he was again wounded. Knocked down and stunned, he regained
consciousness and continued to treat the wounded, reposition his
men, and inspire and encourage their efforts. Wounded again when
an enemy grenade shattered his left hand, nonetheless he
personally took up the fight and armed and threw several
grenades which killed a number of enemy soldiers. Seeing that an
enemy machinegun had maneuvered behind his platoon and was
delivering the fire upon his men, S/Sgt. Morris and another man
crawled toward the gun to knock it out. His comrade was killed
and S/Sgt. Morris sustained another wound, but, firing his rifle
with 1 hand, he silenced the enemy machinegun. Returning to the
platoon, he courageously exposed himself to the devastating
enemy fire to drag the wounded to a protected area, and with
utter disregard for his personal safety and the pain he
suffered, he continued to lead and direct the efforts of his men
until relief arrived. Upon termination of the battle, important
documents were found among the enemy dead revealing a planned
ambush of a Republic of Vietnam battalion. Use of this
information prevented the ambush and saved many lives. S/Sgt.
Morris' gallantry was instrumental in the successful defeat of
the enemy, saved many lives, and was in the highest traditions
of the U.S. Army.
*MURRAY, ROBERT C.
Rank and organization: Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry,
196th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near the village of Hiep Duc, Republic of Vietnam, 7 June 1970.
Entered service at: New York, N.Y. Born: 10 December 1946,
Bronx, N.Y. Citation: S/Sgt. Murray distinguished himself while
serving as a squad leader with Company B. S/Sgt. Murray's squad
was searching for an enemy mortar that had been threatening
friendly positions when a member of the squad tripped an enemy
grenade rigged as a booby trap. Realizing that he had activated
the enemy booby trap, the soldier shouted for everybody to take
cover. Instantly assessing the danger to the men of his squad,
S/Sgt. Murray unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his
own safety, threw himself on the grenade absorbing the full and
fatal impact of the explosion. By his gallant action and self
sacrifice, he prevented the death or injury of the other members
of his squad. S/Sgt. Murray's extraordinary courage and
gallantry, at the cost of his life above and beyond the call of
duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S.
Army.
*NASH, DAVID P.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Giao Duc District, Dinh Tuong
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 29 December 1968. Entered service
at: Louisville, Ky. Born: 3 November 1947, Whitesville, Ky.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc.
Nash distinguished himself while serving as a grenadier with
Company B, in Giao Duc District. When an ambush patrol of which
he was a member suddenly came under intense attack before
reaching its destination, he was the first to return the enemy
fire. Taking an exposed location, Pfc. Nash suppressed the
hostile fusillade with a rapid series of rounds from his grenade
launcher, enabling artillery fire to be adjusted on the enemy.
After the foe had been routed, his small element continued to
the ambush site where he established a position with 3 fellow
soldiers on a narrow dike. Shortly past midnight, while Pfc.
Nash and a comrade kept watch and the 2 other men took their
turn sleeping, an enemy grenade wounded 2 soldiers in the
adjacent position. Seconds later, Pfc. Nash saw another grenade
land only a few feet from his own position. Although he could
have escaped harm by rolling down the other side of the dike, he
shouted a warning to his comrades and leaped upon the lethal
explosive. Absorbing the blast with his body, he saved the lives
of the 3 men in the area at the sacrifice of his life. By his
gallantry at the cost of his life are in the highest traditions
of the military service, Pfc. Nash has reflected great credit on
himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*NEWLIN, MELVIN EARL
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine
Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Quang Nam Province,
Republic of Vietnam, 4 July 1967. Entered service at: Cleveland,
Ohio. Born: 27 September 1948, Wellsville, Ohio. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine
gunner attached to the 1st Platoon, Company F, 2d Battalion, on
3 and 4 July 1967. Pfc. Newlin, with 4 other marines, was
manning a key position on the perimeter of the Nong Son outpost
when the enemy launched a savage and well coordinated mortar and
infantry assault, seriously wounding him and killing his 4
comrades. Propping himself against his machinegun, he poured a
deadly accurate stream of fire into the charging ranks of the
Viet Cong. Though repeatedly hit by small-arms fire, he twice
repelled enemy attempts to overrun his position. During the
third attempt, a grenade explosion wounded him again and knocked
him to the ground unconscious. The Viet Cong guerrillas,
believing him dead, bypassed him and continued their assault on
the main force. Meanwhile, Pfc. Newlin regained consciousness,
crawled back to his weapon, and brought it to bear on the rear
of the enemy, causing havoc and confusion among them. Spotting
the enemy attempting to bring a captured 106 recoilless weapon
to bear on other marine positions, he shifted his fire,
inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and preventing them
from firing the captured weapon. He then shifted his fire back
to the primary enemy force, causing the enemy to stop their
assault on the marine bunkers and to once again attack his
machinegun position. Valiantly fighting off 2 more enemy
assaults, he firmly held his ground until mortally wounded. Pfc.
Newlin had single-handedly broken up and disorganized the entire
enemy assault force, causing them to lose momentum and delaying
them long enough for his fellow marines to organize a defense
and beat off their secondary attack. His indomitable courage,
fortitude, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of almost
certain death reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine
Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
*NOONAN, THOMAS P., JR.
Rank and organization: Lance
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company G, 2d Battalion, 9th
Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Near Vandergrift
Combat Base, A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 5 February
1969. Entered service at: Brooklyn, N.Y. Born: 18 November 1943,
Brooklyn, N.Y. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as a fire team leader with Company G, in
operations against the enemy in Quang Tri Province. Company G
was directed to move from a position which they had been holding
southeast of the Vandergrift Combat Base to an alternate
location. As the marines commenced a slow and difficult descent
down the side of the hill made extremely slippery by the heavy
rains, the leading element came under a heavy fire from a North
Vietnamese Army unit occupying well concealed positions in the
rocky terrain. Four men were wounded, and repeated attempts to
recover them failed because of the intense hostile fire. L/Cpl.
Noonan moved from his position of relative security and,
maneuvering down the treacherous slope to a location near the
injured men, took cover behind some rocks. Shouting words of
encouragement to the wounded men to restore their confidence, he
dashed across the hazardous terrain and commenced dragging the
most seriously wounded man away from the fire-swept area.
Although wounded and knocked to the ground by an enemy round,
L/Cpl. Noonan recovered rapidly and resumed dragging the man
toward the marginal security of a rock. He was, however,
mortally wounded before he could reach his destination. His
heroic actions inspired his fellow marines to such
aggressiveness that they initiated a spirited assault which
forced the enemy soldiers to withdraw. L/Cpl. Noonan's
indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion
to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and
the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country.
NORRIS, THOMAS R.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant,
U.S. Navy, SEAL Advisor, Strategic Technical Directorate
Assistance Team, Headquarters, U.S. Military Assistance Command.
Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 10 to
13 April 1972. Entered service at: Silver Spring, Md. Born: 14
January 1944, Jacksonville, Fla. Citation: Lt. Norris completed
an unprecedented ground rescue of 2 downed pilots deep within
heavily controlled enemy territory in Quang Tri Province. Lt.
Norris, on the night of 10 April, led a 5-man patrol through
2,000 meters of heavily controlled enemy territory, located 1 of
the downed pilots at daybreak, and returned to the Forward
Operating Base (FOB). On 11 April, after a devastating mortar
and rocket attack on the small FOB, Lt. Norris led a 3-man team
on 2 unsuccessful rescue attempts for the second pilot. On the
afternoon of the 12th, a forward air controller located the
pilot and notified Lt. Norris. Dressed in fishermen disguises
and using a sampan, Lt. Norris and 1 Vietnamese traveled
throughout that night and found the injured pilot at dawn.
Covering the pilot with bamboo and vegetation, they began the
return journey, successfully evading a North Vietnamese patrol.
Approaching the FOB, they came under heavy machinegun fire. Lt.
Norris called in an air strike which provided suppression fire
and a smoke screen, allowing the rescue party to reach the FOB.
By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, undaunted
courage, and selfless dedication in the face of extreme danger,
Lt. Norris enhanced the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
NOVOSEL, MICHAEL J.
Rank and organization: Chief Warrant
Officer, U.S. Army, 82d Medical Detachment, 45th Medical
Company, 68th Medical Group. Place and date: Kien Tuong
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 October 1969. Entered service
at: Kenner, La. Born: 3 September 1922, Etna, Pa. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty. CWO Novosel, 82d
Medical Detachment, distinguished himself while serving as
commander of a medical evacuation helicopter. He unhesitatingly
maneuvered his helicopter into a heavily fortified and defended
enemy training area where a group of wounded Vietnamese soldiers
were pinned down by a large enemy force. Flying without gunship
or other cover and exposed to intense machinegun fire, CWO
Novosel was able to locate and rescue a wounded soldier. Since
all communications with the beleaguered troops had been lost, he
repeatedly circled the battle area, flying at low level under
continuous heavy fire, to attract the attention of the scattered
friendly troops. This display of courage visibly raised their
morale, as they recognized this as a signal to assemble for
evacuation. On 6 occasions he and his crew were forced out of
the battle area by the intense enemy fire, only to circle and
return from another direction to land and extract additional
troops. Near the end of the mission, a wounded soldier was
spotted close to an enemy bunker. Fully realizing that he would
attract a hail of enemy fire, CWO Novosel nevertheless attempted
the extraction by hovering the helicopter backward. As the man
was pulled on aboard, enemy automatic weapons opened fire at
close range, damaged the aircraft and wounded CWO Novosel. He
momentarily lost control of the aircraft, but quickly recovered
and departed under the withering enemy fire. In all, 15
extremely hazardous extractions were performed in order to
remove wounded personnel. As a direct result of his selfless
conduct, the lives of 29 soldiers were saved. The extraordinary
heroism displayed by CWO Novosel was an inspiration to his
comrades in arms and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and
the U.S. Army.
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