Donald W. Evans, Jr.

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Donald W. Evans, Jr.
July 23, 1943(1943-07-23) – January 27, 1967 (aged 23)
Specialist Fourth Class Donald Evans
Specialist Fourth Class Donald Evans
Place of birth Covina, California
Place of death Tri Tam, Republic of Vietnam
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Specialist Fourth Class
Unit 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards Medal of Honor
Purple Heart

Donald W. Evans, Jr. (July 23, 1943–January 27, 1967) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Evans joined the Army from his birth city of Covina, California, and by January 27, 1967 was serving as a specialist fourth class in Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day, in Tri Tam, Republic of Vietnam, Evans repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to treat and evacuate wounded soldiers, even after being seriously wounded himself. He was killed during the battle and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. The army hospital at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado is nammed in his honor as Evans Army Community Hospital.

Evans, aged 23 at his death, was buried in Oakdale Memorial Park, Glendora, California.[1]

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Specialist Evans' official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. He left his position of relative safety with his platoon which had not yet been committed to the battle to answer the calls for medical aid from the wounded men of another platoon which was heavily engaged with the enemy force. Dashing across 100 meters of open area through a withering hail of enemy fire and exploding grenades, he administered lifesaving treatment to 1 individual and continued to expose himself to the deadly enemy fire as he moved to treat each of the other wounded men and to offer them encouragement. Realizing that the wounds of 1 man required immediate attention, Sp4c. Evans dragged the injured soldier back across the dangerous fire-swept area, to a secure position from which he could be further evacuated. Miraculously escaping the enemy fusillade, Sp4c. Evans returned to the forward location. As he continued the treatment of the wounded, he was struck by fragments from an enemy grenade. Despite his serious and painful injury he succeeded in evacuating another wounded comrade, rejoined his platoon as it was committed to battle and was soon treating other wounded soldiers. As he evacuated another wounded man across the fire covered field, he was severely wounded. Continuing to refuse medical attention and ignoring advice to remain behind, he managed with his waning strength to move yet another wounded comrade across the dangerous open area to safety. Disregarding his painful wounds and seriously weakened from profuse bleeding, he continued his lifesaving medical aid and was killed while treating another wounded comrade. Sp4c. Evan's extraordinary valor, dedication and indomitable spirit saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers, served as an inspiration to the men of his company, were instrumental in the success of their mission, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.[2]

[edit] See also

United States Army Portal

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Donald W. Evans, Jr. at Find A Grave Retrieved on 2007-07-29
  2. ^ Medal of Honor Recipients - Vietnam (A-L). Medal of Honor Citations. U.S. Army Center of Military History (July 16, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-07-29.

[edit] References