James H. Monroe
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| James H. Monroe | |
|---|---|
| October 17, 1944 – February 16, 1967 (aged 22) | |
  Private First Class James Monroe |
|
| Place of birth | Aurora, Illinois |
| Place of death | Bong Son, Hoai Nhon Province, Republic of Vietnam |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1966-1967 |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
James Howard Monroe (October 17, 1944–February 16, 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
Monroe joined the Army from Chicago, Illinois, and by February 16, 1967 was serving as a private first class in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On that day, in Bong Son, Hoai Nhon Province, Republic of Vietnam, Monroe smothered the blast of a grenade with his body, sacrificing his own life to protect those around him.
Monroe, aged 22 at his death, was buried in Wheaton Cemetery, Wheaton, Illinois.
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
Private First Class Monroe'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. 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.[1]
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- James H. Monroe at Find A Grave Retrieved on 2007-07-09
- Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipients (M-Z). Medal of Honor Citations. U.S. Army Center of Military History (October 3, 2003). Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
