Risked his life and led his men to repeatedly attack the enemy, assist another Marine unit that had inflicted heavy casualties and led his unit to a helicopter for evacuation. Rescued and administered first aid to several wounded soldiers and led a group to defeat an enemy force causing them to retreat leaving behind 54 of their dead, many weapons, and grenades. Distinguished himself while serving as a helicopter rescue crew commander, For Sacrificing his life so his unit could escape. Despite his painful wounds he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. Exposed himself to enemy fire in order to place his three surviving wounded comrades in rescue slings permitting them to be airlifted to safety. Sacrificed his life to save several fellow Marines by diving on a grenade and absorbing the explosion with his body, His actions resulted in 14 confirmed Viet Cong killed in action and possibly 25 more, the capture of 20 prisoners, 15 weapons, and the rescue of the 14 United States and free world civilians. Despite being wounded in the wrist, he again exposed himself to enemy fire and was fatally shot. Sacrificed his life to single-handedly eliminate a group of enemy soldiers, Assaulted an enemy platoon with another soldier preventing further casualties, Ong Muong Canal, Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, Successfully relayed commands through one of his men until an enemy attack was silenced and the boats he was leading were able to move to safety. Medal of Honor Action Place: west of Loc Ninh, Cambodia Citation M/Sgt. Risked his life to save the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers, Sacrificed his life to save the lives of several Marines by taking out an enemy bunker, Risked his own life to allow his unit to escape, Saved the life of his superior officer and allowed the other members of his patrol to escape, Risked his life to assist in the rescue of three downed aviators. Distinguished himself while serving as a helicopter rescue crew commander, For Sacrificing his life so his unit could escape. Found a separated unit of twenty wounded men, reloaded their weapons and directed their fire at the enemy until they attempted a counter-attack. Distinguished himself by realizing that Army Rangers were walking into an ambush and, with no air support close by and no radio communication with the Rangers, he sacrificed his life to alert the Rangers of the danger. Killed in an attack where he killed eight of the enemy and drove the remainder away, Organized the defense, rescued a wounded soldier, and single-handedly attacked an enemy position before being killed, Killed attempting to draw enemy fire away from his convoy after manning a machine gun in his vehicle, Assaulted the enemy with grenades and rifle fire until dying from his wounds. The United States’ highest military honor, the Medal of Honor is a reminder of the extraordinary feats of courage and self … For twice providing covering fire for his squad's withdrawal despite heavy enemy fire, After a group of enemy insurgents attacked he organized a defense and repelled the enemy throughout the night. Exposed himself to enemy fire and overran an enemy squad continuing to provide cover fire until the lead element had overrun a second enemy squad and he fell mortally wounded. Sacrificed himself to save others by smothering an enemy grenade with his body, For refusing evacuation while tending wounded and defending the unit's position, Risked his life to assist a group of Marines who had been attacked by a larger enemy force. For gallantry and intrepidity in defending his position and giving aid to wounded Marines, For eliminating enemy fire with available weapons and shielding his men from an enemy grenade, For attempting to rescue one of his wounded men on a Marine recon patrol, Sacrificed his life to save his fellow soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body, For efforts in retrieving wounded personnel and defending his platoon, Sacrificed his life to destroy an enemy bunker and protect several of his fellow soldiers. Despite his painful wounds he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. Sacrificed his life to shield another soldier from a rocket blast, absorbing the full blast with his body. Killed while defending his wounded comrades from the enemy and delivered effective suppressive fire in order to divert the Viet Cong long enough to allow the casualties to be evacuated. Voluntarily left the perimeter, set up a guiding beacon, established the priorities for evacuation and successively carried 18 wounded men to the extraction site. For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him. While attempting to rescue three wounded soldiers despite heavy enemy fire, he was able to carry two of the men to safety but was killed while trying to rescue the third. After being shot in the hand by a sniper he exposed himself to enemy gunfire and charged a machine gun, killing the enemy there. It is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. $29.95 + $7.99 shipping . Distinguished himself when he volunteered to accompany a medical evacuation team on an urgent mission to evacuate eight critically wounded Army of the Republic of Vietnam personnel. Repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to treat his wounded comrades despite being wounded three times himself and continued to help his fellow soldiers until suffering a fourth and fatal wound. For the rescue of a six-man special forces unit. For absorbing an explosive charge and continuing to fight with weapons and hand to hand before successfully defending a bunker. Repeateadly repulsed enemy attacks and although severely wounded was able maintain control of his unit until help could arrive, For actions during a rescue mission in enemy territory, Although badly wounded he continued to assist and treat the injuries of the Marines around him who had been hurt in combat with the enemy, For a daring airborne rescue of American special forces troops, Drove off squads of enemy soldiers on three occasions who were searching for allied wounded and weapons. For providing covering fire at the cost of his own life during a withdrawal, For extraordinary heroism while serving as the commanding officer of the 2d Battalion, For providing critical aid to wounded comrades under heavy fire, For actions in Ia Drang, in which he led a successful one man assault on an enemy hill, Sacrificed his life to move a wounded comrade to safety. Was executed by the Vietcong while a prisoner of war after repeated escape attempts, torture and maltreatment, Was a chaplain who sacrificed himself to rescue several wounded men, After fighting back four enemy soldiers and causing 11 others to retreat was killed by a fifth enemy soldier. Killed after attacking an enemy force with rifle fire and grenades. He survived the blast, but was seriously wounded and captured by the enemy dying while a prisoner of war ten months later. Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously. Sacrificed his life to save several of his fellow Marines by smothering a grenade with his body, For defending his 42-man unit from hundreds of attacking Viet Cong, For actions as a prisoner of war from August 26, 1967 – March 4, 1973, Sacrificed his life and saved several Marines by blocking them from the blast of a grenade, Flew repeated close range strikes to silence enemy defensive positions, ignoring overwhelming firepower and damage to his own aircraft, Sacrificed his life to draw the enemy fire upon himself allowing a trapped squad to rejoin their platoon. Held his position in the face of enemy ambush despite having his lower leg blown off allowing the remainder of his outnumbered unit to move to safety, He destroyed 10 enemy bunkers and accounted for a large toll of the enemy, including two key enemy commanders, Flew multiple missions against heavy fire to evacuate 51 wounded men, Carried an explosive device away from three other Marines, Showed conspicuous leadership while organizing his unit's defense during a 34-hour enemy attack, Led his company in the decimation of a superior enemy force which left 156 dead on the battlefield, Sacrificed his life to lead his men against the enemy and personally destroyed two enemy bunkers with hand grenades, After his unit was ambushed, he assaulted the enemy forces, allowing the remainder of the unit to recover wounded and continue their advance, A Chaplain who was killed while attempting to rescue a wounded corpsman, Was killed while providing medical attention to several wounded Marines, Sacrificed his life to save several Marines by smothering a grenade with his body, Risked his life by attacking a wave of enemy forces alone to allow the rest of his platoon to escape, Risked his life to rescue several Marines and corpsman from a minefield, For assaulting an enemy position and aiding a fallen Marine despite severe wounds to himself, For absorbing the blast of a malfunctioning grenade in order to protect his fellow Marines, For assisting fellow prisoners while a prisoner of war, For repeatedly flying into a landing zone under intense enemy fire to rescue and resupply ground troops, Sacrificed his life to save five Marines by smothering a grenade with his body, For single-handedly destroying two bunkers while under fire from a third machine gun during an ambush. Despite being wounded after his unit was attacked, he assumed command of the unit when the company commander was killed, organized the defense, and helped arrange a helicopter evacuation of the wounded. Was wounded when attempting to rescue a wounded soldier and despite his injuries, led his platoon and succeeded in destroying an enemy bunker before being killed. Sacrificed his life to eliminate two companies of the enemy, rescue a fellow soldier and destroyed the starlight scope attached to his rifle to prevent its capture and use by the Viet Cong. Rescued a wounded comrade and then smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown grenade with his body to protect other soldiers. It took an act of Congress for Etchberger to be reconsidered for this 2010 Medal of Honor, since the existence of Lima Site 85 had to be kept secret in 1968. Soldiers of the Army received the most with 161, followed by 57 to the Marines, 16 to the Navy and the remaining 14 to the Air Force.[3]. For their acts of valor during the Vietnam War, more than 250 individuals have been awarded this medal. [1], The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War. Risked his life to direct artillery and air support by day and marked the unit's location by night, despite enemy fire he led his men against the enemy until help arrived. For the rescue of 29 American and South Vietnamese soldiers from a heavily fortified enemy training area without any cover or gunship support. For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him. [8], Lavender background and  † indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously, The unknown soldier from the Vietnam War who was buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns was authorized a Medal of Honor and in 1998 was identified as 1st Lieutenant Michael Blassie. After all wounded had been evacuated he joined another platoon and assisted in pursuing the enemy. For letting a Vietnamese soldier take his spot in a helicopter rescue, while he stayed behind to attempt to hold off advancing Viet Cong by which he was overrun. He was solely responsible for killing 15 enemy soldiers while saving the lives of at least nine members of his own unit. For heroic action when his platoon was ambushed by North Vietnamese forces near the village of Se San in eastern Cambodia. Adkins received the Medal of Honor in 2014, for his actions 48 years earlier in the 1966 Battle of Camp A Shau, during the Vietnam War. After being struck by enemy mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire he continuously fought and led his men against the enemy until dying from his wounds. On that day, while in Hau Nghia Province in the Republic of Vietnam, Sargent threw himself on two enemy hand grenades, sacrificing himself but saving the lives of two men nearby. Although twice painfully wounded by grenade fragments, he refused medical treatment and courageously led his men in the destruction of over 100 mutually supporting bunkers, driving the remaining enemy from their positions, and relieving the pressure on the stranded Marine company. Vietnam War drama "The Last Full Measure" is an inspiring story that will remind you of the best qualities an American can display. Second conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. After DNA testing confirmed his identity, the remains were removed from the tomb and returned to Blassie's family, but the Medal of Honor remained as a tribute to those veterans still unknown. Vietnam veteran Charles Kettles will be awarded the Medal of Honor next month for his heroic actions as a helicopter pilot nearly 50 years ago. The Blassie family requested that the Medal of Honor be granted to him but the request was denied by the Department of Defense. Sacrificed his life to single-handedly repel a large enemy force from attacking through a weakened perimeter for over 1½ hours. Exposed himself to enemy fire in order to place his three surviving wounded comrades in rescue slings permitting them to be airlifted to safety. During a firefight he single-handedly destroyed a series of enemy bunkers. For covering a grenade with his body in order to protect those around him, Killed while single-handedly attacking an enemy force breaking up and disorganizing the enemy, Killed while attempting to rescue a wounded man, Rescued two downed pilots deep within heavily controlled enemy territory. For covering an enemy grenade with his body to protect fellow Marines on a recon mission. Fought off an enemy attack until killed by an enemy rocket, Killed by enemy mortar fire while attempting to rescue several injured Marines, For courageous leadership on an eight man Marine recon patrol, Risked his life to render medical aid to several injured soldiers and protected them until they could be evacuated, For attempting to aid a critically wounded, For smothering an explosion with his body to protect those around him, Sacrificed his life and attacked a group of enemy soldiers so that several injured members of his squad could escape, Risked his life to protect several wounded soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body. Sacrificed his life in an attempt to assist a wounded soldier, Along with another soldier attacked and defeated multiple enemy bunkers. Risked his life by attacking an enemy SAM site and other enemy targets multiple times. Although wounded in an assault on a bunker complex he continued attacking until wounded a second time by shrapnel eliminating the enemy from the hill, Was killed after attacking the enemy multiple times with grenades and rifle fire. The recipients must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Special Forces Gen. John W. Brennan Jr. recalled meeting Adkins at the ceremony in 2014 where Adkins was presented with the nation’s highest military honor for heroism during the Vietnam War. He was shot multiple times and propped himself up against a tree and continued to fire until he succumbed to his injuries. Risked his life by rescuing three injured squad members and then led his squad to attack and destroy a heavily fortified enemy bunker complex. Prior to becoming a senator, he served as the governor from 1983 to 1987. For falling on a grenade to save his comrades. Killed while defending his wounded comrades from the enemy and delivered effective suppressive fire in order to divert the Viet Cong long enough to allow the casualties to be evacuated. For saving many lives as a medic during a number of vicious firefights. Although wounded in an assault on a bunker complex he continued attacking until wounded a second time by shrapnel eliminating the enemy from the hill, Was killed after attacking the enemy multiple times with grenades and rifle fire. U.S. Army First Lieutenant Jack H. Jacobs was presented the Medal of Honor for military valor during the Vietnam War. Although wounded multiple times he continued to fight and refused medical aid until the enemy attack was over, Risked his life attempting to save the lives of his entrapped comrades and commanding officer, Threw himself between enemy fire and an injured fellow Marine, Covered a grenade with his helmet and body, saving eight men, Risked his life by repeatedly leading groups of men in fighting back an enemy attack. Used his body as a shield to protect others in a bunker, moved two wounded men to a safer position where they could be given medical treatment and destroyed an enemy machine gun position before being killed. For absorbing an explosive charge and continuing to fight with weapons and hand to hand before successfully defending a bunker. [1], The Vietnam War, (also known as the Second Indochina War, Vietnam Conflict, and in Vietnam as the American War), took place from 1955 to 1975. For smothering a grenade blast with his body. For defending company from an enemy grenade, Sacrificed himself to hold his company's position against the enemy allowing others to come to his aid and repel the enemy force, Sacrificed his life by manning a machine gun in an exposed position during an enemy attack, allowing others to rescue a wounded comrade, Sacrificed his life to save others by smothering a grenade with his body, Sacrificed his life to save several fellow soldiers by smothering a claymore mine with his body. Risked his life to repel the enemy and protect his soldiers during an enemy assault on his firebase. Specialist Rascon's showed extraordinary valor in the face of deadly enemy fire, heroism in rescuing the wounded, and gallantry by repeatedly risking his own life for his fellow soldiers. Although already wounded, he sacrificed his life to save other soldiers who were pinned down by silencing two enemy gun emplacements and diving into a third with a grenade. Vargas requested that his mother's name, M. Sando Vargas, Jr., be engraved on the medal and added to the rolls. Sacrificed himself by smothering an enemy grenade with his body to save the lives of three fellow Marines and is the only combat photographer to have received the Medal of Honor. He continued to direct his men and refused treatment until his men were taken care of. The unknown soldier from the Vietnam War who was buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns … For defending company from an enemy grenade, Sacrificed himself to hold his company's position against the enemy allowing others to come to his aid and repel the enemy force, Sacrificed his life by manning a machine gun in an exposed position during an enemy attack, allowing others to rescue a wounded comrade, Sacrificed his life to save others by smothering a grenade with his body, Sacrificed his life to save several fellow soldiers by smothering a claymore mine with his body. The Blassie family requested that the Medal of Honor be granted to him but the request was denied by the Department of Defense. Continued to lead his squad, fight the enemy, and help the wounded despite being wounded himself four separate times. Maj. Bennie Adkins … For destroying three enemy bunkers with grenades and rifle fire, helping to secure an enemy supply cache and directing his men after being seriously wounded. Sacrificed his life in an attempt to assist a wounded soldier, Along with another soldier attacked and defeated multiple enemy bunkers. After attacking an enemy assault on several enemy gun emplacements and, single-handedly, destroyed three such positions were posthumously. Were under heavy fire Army first Lieutenant Jack H. Jacobs was presented the Medal Honor. He survived the blast, but was seriously wounded and in the seizure of enemy ammunition and supplies continued! 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