Douglas B. Fournet

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Douglas B. Fournet
May 7, 1943(1943-05-07) – May 4, 1968

Army Medal of Honor
Place of birth Lake Charles, Louisiana
Place of death A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank First Lieutenant
Unit 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards Medal of Honor
Bronze Star
Purple Heart

Douglas B. Fournet (May 7, 1943 – May 4, 1968) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

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[edit] Biography

Fournet joined the Army from New Orleans, Louisiana, and by May 4, 1968 was serving as a first lieutenant in Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). During a firefight on that day, in the A Shau Valley of the Republic of Vietnam, Fournet was killed while attempting to disable an enemy Claymore mine. He had shielded his fellow soldiers from the blast with his body, preventing serious wounds to everyone but himself.

Fournet, killed three days before his 25th birthday, was buried in McGrill Cemetery, Kinder, Louisiana.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

First Lieutenant Fournet's 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. 1st Lt. Fournet, Infantry, distinguished himself in action while serving as rifle platoon leader of the 2d Platoon, Company B. While advancing uphill against fortified enemy positions in the A Shau Valley, the platoon encountered intense sniper fire, making movement very difficult. The right flank man suddenly discovered an enemy claymore mine covering the route of advance and shouted a warning to his comrades. Realizing that the enemy would also be alerted, 1st Lt. Fournet ordered his men to take cover and ran uphill toward the mine, drawing a sheath knife as he approached it. With complete disregard for his safety and realizing the imminent danger to members of his command, he used his body as a shield in front of the mine as he attempted to slash the control wires leading from the enemy positions to the mine. As he reached for the wire the mine was detonated, killing him instantly. Five men nearest the mine were slightly wounded, but 1st Lt. Fournet's heroic and unselfish act spared his men of serious injury or death. His gallantry and willing self-sacrifice are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

[edit] See also

United States Army Portal

[edit] References