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The Vietnam War, (also known as the Second Indochina War, Vietnam Conflict, and in Vietnam as the American War), took place from 1959 to April 30, 1975. The war was fought between the Communist-supported Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the United States-supported Republic of Vietnam. It concluded with the defeat and failure of the United States foreign policy in Vietnam.[1]
The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. 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. Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously.[2]
During the Vietnam War, 246 Medals of Honor were received, 154 of them posthumously. Soldiers of the Army received the most with 160, followed by 57 to the Marines, 16 to the Navy and the remaining 13 to the Air Force.[3] The first medal of the war was presented to Roger Donlon for rescuing and administering first aid to several wounded soldiers and leading a group against an enemy force.[4] The first African American recipient of the war was Milton L. Olive, III who sacrificed himself to save others by smothering a grenade with his body.[5] Riley L. Pitts was killed after attacking an enemy force with rifle fire and grenades and was the first African American commissioned officer of the war to receive the medal.[6] Thomas Bennett was a conscientious objector who received the medal for his actions as a medic;[7] three chaplains received the medal, including Vincent R. Capodanno, who served with the Marine Corps and was known as the Grunt padre.[8]
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This with the * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously.
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Place of action | Date of action | Notes[9][10] |
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William E. Adams* | Army | Major | Kon Tum Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 25, 1971 | Killed while flying his helicopter in a rescue mission | |
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Lewis Albanese* | Army | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | December 1, 1966 | After participating in the defeat of an enemy assault he was killed in hand-to-hand combat |
James Anderson, Jr.* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | February 28, 1967 | For covering an enemy grenade with his body to protect fellow Marines | |
Richard A. Anderson* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | August 24, 1969 | For covering an enemy grenade with his body to protect fellow Marines on a recon mission. | |
Webster Anderson | Army | Staff Sergeant | Tam Kỳ, Republic of Vietnam | October 15, 1967 | Although wounded multiple times he continued to fight and refused medical aid until the enemy attack was over | |
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Eugene Ashley, Jr.* | Army | Sergeant First Class | Republic of Vietnam | near Lang Vei,February 6, 1968 – February 7, 1968 | Risked his life attempting to save the lives of his entrapped comrades and commanding officer |
Oscar P. Austin* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam | west ofFebruary 23, 1969 | Threw himself between enemy fire and an injured fellow Marine | |
John P. Baca | Army | Specialist Four | Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 10, 1970 | Covered a grenade with his helmet and body, saving eight men | |
Nicky D. Bacon | Army | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | west of Tam Kỳ,August 26, 1968 | Risked his life by repeatedly leading groups of men in fighting back an enemy attack | |
John F. Baker, Jr. | Army | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | November 5, 1966 | He was directly responsible for saving the lives of several of his comrades, and inflicting serious damage on the enemy. | |
Donald E. Ballard | Navy | Hospital Corpsman Second Class | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 16, 1968 | Risked his life by smothering a grenade with his own body | |
Jedh C. Barker* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Republic of Vietnam | near Con Thien,September 21, 1967 | Threw himself on a grenade to save fellow Marines | |
John A. Barnes, III* | Army | Private First Class | Đắk Tô, Republic of Vietnam | November 12, 1967 | Was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions | |
Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. | Marine Corps | Lieutenant | Ky Phu, Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam | December 18, 1965 | Assumed command of a rifle company upon death of the commander in an ambush, directed the counterattack | |
Gary B. Beikirch | Army | Sergeant | Kon Tum Province, Republic of Vietnam | April 1, 1970 | Endured hostile gunfire and serious injuries to save several wounded soldiers | |
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Ted Belcher* | Army | Sergeant | Plei Djerang, Republic of Vietnam | November 19, 1966 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
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Leslie A. Bellrichard* | Army | Private First Class | Kon Tum Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 20, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
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Roy P. Benavidez | Army | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | west of Lộc Ninh,May 2, 1968 | For a series of daring and valorous actions despite severe wounds |
Steven L. Bennett* | Air Force | Captain | Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam | June 29, 1972 | Sacrificed his life to save the life of his passenger | |
Thomas W. Bennett* | Army | Corporal | Chu Pa Region, Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 9, 1969 – February 11, 1969 | For saving many lives as a medic during a number of vicious firefights. Second conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. | |
Michael R. Blanchfield* | Army | Specialist Four | Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam | July 3, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
John P. Bobo* | Marine Corps | Second Lieutenant | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 30, 1967 | 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 | |
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James L. Bondsteel | Army | Staff Sergeant | An Loc, Bình Phước Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 24, 1969 | He destroyed 10 enemy bunkers and accounted for a large toll of the enemy, including two key enemy commanders |
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Hammett L. Bowen, Jr.* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam | June 27, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Patrick H. Brady | Army | Major | Republic of Vietnam | near Chu Lai,January 6, 1968 | Flew multiple missions against heavy fire to evacuate 51 wounded men | |
Daniel D. Bruce* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Fire Support Base Tomahawk, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 1, 1969 | Carried an explosive device away from three other Marines | |
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William M. Bryant* | Army | Sergeant First Class | Long Khánh District, Republic of Vietnam | March 24, 1969 | Showed conspicuous leadership while organizing his unit's defense during a 34-hour enemy attack |
Paul W. Bucha | Army | Captain | Republic of Vietnam | near Phuoc Vinh, Binh Duong Province,March 16, 1968 – March 19, 1968 | Led his company in the decimation of a superior enemy force which left 156 dead on the battlefield | |
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Brian L. Buker* | Army | Sergeant | Chau Doc Province, Republic of Vietnam | April 5, 1970 | Sacrificed his life to lead his men against the enemy and personally destroyed two enemy bunkers with hand grenades |
Robert C. Burke* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | southern Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 17, 1968 | After his unit was ambushed, he assaulted the enemy forces, allowing the remainder of the unit to recover wounded and continue their advance | |
Vincent R. Capodanno* | Navy | Lieutenant | Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam | September 4, 1967 | A Chaplain who was killed while attempting to rescue a wounded corpsman | |
Wayne M. Caron* | Navy | Hospital Corpsman Third Class | Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | July 28, 1968 | Was killed while providing medical attention to several wounded Marines | |
Bruce W. Carter* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | August 7, 1969 | Sacrificed his life to save several Marines by smothering a grenade with his body | |
Jon R. Cavaiani | Army | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | June 4, 1971 – June 5, 1971 | Risked his life by attacking a wave of enemy forces alone to allow the rest of his platoon to escape | |
Raymond M. Clausen, Jr. | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | January 31, 1970 | Risked his life to rescue several Marines and corpsman from a minefield | |
Ronald L. Coker* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 24, 1969 | For assaulting an enemy position and aiding a fallen Marine despite severe wounds to himself | |
Peter S. Connor* | Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant | Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 25, 1966 | For absorbing the blast of a malfunctioning grenade in order to protect his fellow Marines | |
Donald G. Cook* | Marine Corps | Captain | Vietnam | December 31, 1964 – December 8, 1967 | For assisting fellow prisoners while a prisoner of war | |
Bruce P. Crandall | Army | Major | Battle of Ia Drang | November 14, 1965 | For repeatedly flying into a landing zone under intense enemy fire to rescue and resupply ground troops | |
Thomas E. Creek* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Republic of Vietnam | near Cam Lộ,February 13, 1969 | Sacrificed his life to save five Marines by smothering a grenade with his body | |
Michael J. Crescenz* | Army | Corporal | Hiệp Đức Valley area, Republic of Vietnam | November 20, 1968 | For single-handedly destroying two bunkers while under fire from a third machine gun during an ambush | |
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Nicholas J. Cutinha* | Army | Specialist Four | Republic of Vietnam | near Gia Dinh,March 2, 1968 | Maintained his position, refused assistance, and provided defensive fire for his comrades until he fell mortally wounded. He was solely responsible for killing 15 enemy soldiers while saving the lives of at least nine members of his own unit. |
Larry G. Dahl* | Army | Specialist Four | An Khê, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 23, 1971 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
Rodney M. Davis* | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | September 6, 1967 | Sacrificed his life to save several of his fellow Marines by smothering a grenade with his body | |
Sammy L. Davis | Army | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | West of Cai Lay,November 18, 1967 | For defending his 42-man unit from hundreds of attacking Viet Cong | |
George E. Day | Air Force | Major | North Vietnam | August 26, 1967 | For actions as a prisoner of war from August 26, 1967–March 4, 1973 | |
Emilio A. De La Garza, Jr.* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam | nearApril 11, 1970 | Sacrificed his life and saved several Marines by blocking them from the blast of a grenade | |
Merlyn H. Dethlefsen | Air Force | Captain | North Vietnam | overMarch 10, 1967 | Flew repeated close range strikes to silence enemy defensive positions, ignoring overwhelming firepower and damage to his own aircraft | |
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Edward A. DeVore, Jr.* | Army | Specialist Four | Saigon, Republic of Vietnam | nearMarch 17, 1968 | Sacrificed his life to draw the enemy fire upon himself allowing a trapped squad to rejoin their platoon |
Ralph E. Dias* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quế Sơn Mountains, Republic of Vietnam | November 12, 1969 | Although severely wounded multiple times by enemy fire he continued to throw grenades at an enemy bunker until it was destroyed and he was killed by enemy gunfire. | |
Douglas E. Dickey* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | March 26, 1967 | Sacrificed his life to save several fellow Marines by diving on a grenade and absorbing the explosion with his body | |
Drew D. Dix | Army | Staff Sergeant | Chau Doc Province, Republic of Vietnam | January 31, 1968 – February 1, 1968 | 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 | |
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Stephen H. Doane* | Army | First Lieutenant | Hậu Nghĩa Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 25, 1969 | 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. |
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David C. Dolby | Army | Specialist Four | Republic of Vietnam | May 21, 1966 | For silencing three enemy positions and rescuing several wounded comrades |
Roger H. C. Donlon | Army | Captain | Republic of Vietnam | near Nam Dong,July 6, 1964 | 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. | |
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Kern W. Dunagan | Army | Captain | Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 13, 1969 | Although wounded he directed fire onto enemy positions and rescued several wounded soldiers |
Harold Bascom Durham, Jr.* | Army | Second Lieutenant | Republic of Vietnam | October 17, 1967 | Although wounded he directed fire on enemy positions and continued to fight until he died from his wounds | |
Glenn H. English, Jr.* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Phù Mỹ District, Republic of Vietnam | September 7, 1970 | Was killed while attempting to rescue a wounded soldier from a personnel carrier | |
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Michael J. Estocin* | Navy | Lieutenant Commander | Hai Phong, North Vietnam | April 20, 1967 and April 26, 1967 | Risked his life by attacking an enemy SAM site and other enemy targets multiple times |
Donald W. Evans, Jr.* | Army | Specialist Four | Tam Tri, Republic of Vietnam | January 27, 1967 | Evans Army Community Hospital, Ft Carson, was named after Evans. Was a medic who was killed while treating and rescuing members of his unit. | |
Rodney J. Evans* | Army | Sergeant | Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam | July 18, 1969 | Killed protecting others during an ambush | |
Frederick E. Ferguson | Army | Chief Warrant Officer | Huế, Republic of Vietnam | January 31, 1968 | Risked his life by flying his helicopter into heavy enemy fire to evacuate several wounded passengers and aircrew of a downed helicopter | |
Daniel Fernandez* | Army | Specialist Four | Củ Chi, Hậu Nghĩa Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 18, 1966 | Threw himself on an enemy grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of four comrades at the sacrifice of his life | |
Bernard F. Fisher | Air Force | Major | Biên Hòa and Pleiku, Vietnam | March 10, 1966 | For rescuing a downed airman despite heavy fire | |
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Michael J. Fitzmaurice | Army | Specialist Four | Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam | March 23, 1971 | For absorbing an explosive charge and continuing to fight with weapons and hand to hand before successfully defending a bunker. |
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Charles C. Fleek* | Army | Sergeant | Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 27, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
James P. Fleming | Air Force | First Lieutenant | Republic of Vietnam | near Duc Co,November 26, 1968 | For the rescue of a six-man special forces unit | |
Robert F. Foley | Army | Captain | Republic of Vietnam | near Quan Dau Tieng,November 5, 1966 | Despite his painful wounds he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. He led the assault on several enemy gun emplacements and, single-handedly, destroyed three such positions. | |
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Michael F. Folland* | Army | Corporal | Long Khánh Province, Republic of Vietnam | July 3, 1969 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body |
Paul H. Foster* | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Con Thien,October 14, 1967 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
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Douglas B. Fournet* | Army | First Lieutenant | A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam | May 4, 1968 | Sacrificed his life in an attempt to defuse a claymore mine |
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James W. Fous* | Army | Private First Class | Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 14, 1968 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Wesley L. Fox | Marine Corps | First Lieutenant | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 22, 1969 | Although wounded he directed fire on the enemy and led his platoon to drive the enemy back | |
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Frank R. Fratellenico* | Army | Corporal | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | August 19, 1970 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him. |
Ed Freeman | Army | Captain | Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam | November 14, 1965 | For gallantry conducted as a UH–1 Huey pilot at LZ X–Ray | |
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Harold A. Fritz | Army | First Lieutenant | Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam | January 11, 1969 | Despite his wounds he returned to his position, assisted his men, and refused medical attention until all of his wounded comrades had been treated and evacuated |
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James A. Gardner* | Army | First Lieutenant | My Canh, Vietnam | February 7, 1966 | Sacrificed his life by single-handedly destroying several enemy gun positions until he was killed |
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John G. Gertsch* | Army | Staff Sergeant | A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam | July 15, 1969 – July 19, 1969 | For providing covering fire for a medic working on a wounded soldier |
Alfredo C. Gonzalez* | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Thua Thien,February 4, 1968 | Although seriously wounded he destroyed an enemy bunker and fought back an enemy attack until he was killed | |
James A. Graham* | Marine Corps | Captain | Republic of Vietnam | June 2, 1967 | After fighting off the enemy he sacrificed his life allowing the rest of his company to return to friendly lines while he remained alone with an injured soldier who could not be moved due to his wounds. | |
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Bruce A. Grandstaff* | Army | Platoon Sergeant | Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 18, 1967 | Fought off an enemy attack until killed by an enemy rocket |
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Joseph X. Grant* | Army | First Lieutenant | Republic of Vietnam | November 13, 1966 | Killed by enemy mortar fire while attempting to rescue several injured Marines |
Terrence C. Graves* | Marine Corps | Second Lieutenant | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 16, 1968 | For courageous leadership on an eight man Marine recon patrol | |
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Peter M. Guenette* | Army | Specialist Four | Quan Tan Uyen Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 18, 1968 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body |
Charles C. Hagemeister | Army | Specialist Four | Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 20, 1967 | Risked his life to render medical aid to several injured soldiers and protected them until they could be evacuated | |
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Loren D. Hagen* | Army | First Lieutenant | A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam | August 7, 1971 | For attempting to aid a critically wounded Special reconnaissance team member Bruce Allen Berg during a massive North Vietnamese Army assault. |
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Robert W. Hartsock* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Hậu Nghĩa, Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 23, 1969 | For smothering an explosion with his body to protect those around him |
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Carmel B. Harvey, Jr.* | Army | Specialist Four | Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam | June 21, 1967 | Sacrificed his life and attacked an group of enemy soldiers so that several injured members of his squad could escape |
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Frank A. Herda | Army | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | near Đắk Tô, Quang Trang Province,June 29, 1968 | Risked his life to protect several wounded soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body |
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Robert J. Hibbs* | Army | Second Lieutenant | Don Dien Lo Ke, Republic of Vietnam | March 5, 1966 | 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. |
John N. Holcomb* | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Quan Loi,December 3, 1968 | Risked his life to lead his men to fight back an attacking enemy force three times | |
Joe R. Hooper | Army | Sergeant | Huế, Republic of Vietnam | nearFebruary 21, 1968 | Repeatedly risked his life to rescue wounded soldiers and attack groups of enemy soldiers, clearing multiple bunkers and houses sometimes single-handed. Refused medical treatment or evacuation until after action and his men were settled. Most decorated soldier during Vietnam War. Arguably the most decorated U.S. Army soldier in history (counting only U.S. citations). | |
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Charles E. Hosking, Jr.* | Army | Sergeant First Class | Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 21, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Jimmie E. Howard | Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | June 16, 1966 | Repeateadly repulsed enemy attacks and although severely wounded was able maintain control of his unit until help could arrive | |
Robert L. Howard | Army | Sergeant First Class | Republic of Vietnam | December 30, 1968 | For actions during a rescue mission in enemy territory | |
James D. Howe* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Republic of Vietnam | May 6, 1970 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
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George A. Ingalls* | Army | Specialist Four | Republic of Vietnam | near Duc Pho,April 16, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Robert R. Ingram | Navy | Hospital Corpsman Third Class | Quảng Ngãi Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 28, 1966 | 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 | |
Joe M. Jackson | Air Force | Lieutenant Colonel | Kham Duc, Republic of Vietnam | May 12, 1968 | For a daring airborne rescue of American special forces troops | |
Jack H. Jacobs | Army | First Lieutenant | Kien Phong Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 9, 1968 | Drove off squads of enemy soldiers on three occasions who were searching for allied wounded and weapons. He killed three and wounding several others | |
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Don J. Jenkins | Army | Private First Class | Kien Phong Province, Republic of Vietnam | January 6, 1969 | Repeatedly attacked the enemy and although severely wounded risked his life to rescue several wounded soldiers |
Robert H. Jenkins, Jr.* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Fire Support Base Argonne, Republic of Vietnam | March 5, 1969 | For using his body to shield a fellow Marine from a grenade blast | |
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Delbert O. Jennings | Army | Staff Sergeant | Kim Song Valley, Republic of Vietnam | December 27, 1966 | Repeatedly attacked and defended his unit from enemy fire and assisted 8 wounded men who where trapped behind enemy lines |
Jose F. Jimenez* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | August 28, 1969 | Killed while attacking a group of enemy soldiers | |
Lawrence Joel | Army | Specialist Five | Republic of Vietnam | November 8, 1965 | Provided medical treatment to fellow soldiers while under heavy fire, despite being wounded twice, during Operation Hump | |
Dwight H. Johnson | Army | Specialist Five | Republic of Vietnam | near Đắk Tô, Kontum Province,January 15, 1968 | Repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to man several different machine-guns until the enemy had been fought back | |
Ralph H. Johnson* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | near the Quan Duc Valley,March 5, 1968 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
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Donald R. Johnston* | Army | Specialist Four | Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 21, 1969 | For smothering explosive blasts with his body to protect those around him |
William A. Jones, III* | Air Force | Colonel | Đồng Hới, North Vietnam | nearSeptember 1, 1968 | Risked his life to fly his heavily damaged plane back to base to relay the location of a downed pilot | |
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Stephen E. Karopczyc* | Army | First Lieutenant | Kon Tum Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 12, 1967 | Sacrificed his life to save other soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body |
Terry T. Kawamura* | Army | Corporal | Camp Radcliff, Republic of Vietnam | March 20, 1969 | For smothering an explosive blast with his body to protect those around him | |
Kenneth M. Kays | Army | Private | Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 7, 1970 | Risked his life to assist several fallen comrades and although injured in the attempt as able to administer first aid to himself and several of the wounded and helped them to saftely. | |
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John J. Kedenburg* | Army | Specialist Five | Republic of Vietnam | June 13, 1968 | 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. |
Miguel Keith* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Quảng Ngãi Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 8, 1970 | Sacrificed his life to single-handedly eliminate a group of enemy soldiers | |
Leonard B. Keller | Army | Sergeant | Ap Bac Zone, Republic of Vietnam | May 2, 1967 | Assaulted an enemy platoon with another soldier preventing further casualties | |
Thomas G. Kelley | Navy | Lieutenant | Ong Muong Canal, Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam | June 15, 1969 | 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 | |
Allan J. Kellogg | Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant | Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 11, 1970 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
J. Robert Kerrey | Navy | Lieutenant, Junior Grade | Nha Trang Bay, Republic of Vietnam | nearMarch 14, 1969 | Led his SEAL team on a mission to capture important members of the enemy and although seriously injured in the battle they eliminated an enemy force and took several prisoners. Later became a U.S. Senator. | |
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Thomas J. Kinsman | Army | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | near Vĩnh Long,February 6, 1968 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
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Paul R. Lambers | Army | Sergeant | Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam | August 20, 1968 | For taking command of his platoon and exposing himself to enemy fire to reestablish communication, tend to wounded men, and continued fighting |
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George C. Lang | Army | Specialist Four | Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 22, 1969 | 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. |
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Garfield M. Langhorn* | Army | Private First Class | Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam | January 15, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Joseph G. Lapointe Jr* | Army | Specialist Four | Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam | June 2, 1969 | Sacrificed his life by using his own body as a shield in an attempt to save a wounded soldier | |
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Clyde E. Lassen | Navy | Lieutenant, Junior Grade | Republic of Vietnam | June 19, 1968 | For the rescue of two downed naval aviators |
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Billy L. Lauffer* | Army | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | near Bong Son, Binh Dinh Province,September 21, 1966 | Rushed an enemy machine gun to distract the enemy so that his wounded comrades could be moved to safety |
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Robert D. Law* | Army | Specialist Four | Phước Thành Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 22, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Howard V. Lee | Marine Corps | Captain | Republic of Vietnam | near Cam Lo,August 8, 1966 – August 9, 1966 | Volunteered to reinforce squad of Marines who were under heavy fire. He assumed command and directed the defense of their position and despite being wounded by a grenade, he continued to direct them, saving many lives. | |
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Milton A. Lee* | Army | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | near Phu Bai, Thua Thien Province,April 26, 1968 | 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. |
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Robert R. Leisy* | Army | Second Lieutenant | Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam | December 2, 1969 | Sacrificed his life to shield another soldier from a rocket blast, absorbing the full blast with his body. He continued to direct his men and refused treatment until his men were taken care of. |
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Peter C. Lemon | Army | Specialist Four | Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam | April 1, 1970 | The only Canadian recipient since World War II, and one of only four since 1900. He received it for exposing himself to enemy gunfire multiple times. While wounded he secured a machine gun and fired on the enemy refusing evacuation until his injured comrades were taken. |
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Matthew Leonard* | Army | Platoon Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Suoi Da,February 28, 1967 | After being shot in the hand by a sniper he exposed himself to enemy gunfire and charged a machine gun, killing the enemy there. He was shot multiple times and propped himself up against a tree and continued to fire until he succumbed to his injuries. |
John L. Levitow | Air Force | Airman First Class | Long Binh Army post, Republic of Vietnam | February 24, 1969 | For diving on top of a flare, to eject it from an aircraft, saving it and entire crew on board | |
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Angelo J. Liteky | Army | Captain | Republic of Vietnam | near Phuoc-Lac, Biên Hòa Province,December 6, 1967 | Was a Chaplain who carried 20 wounded men from the battlefield under heavy fire who later renounced his medal of honor |
Gary L. Littrell | Army | Sergeant First Class | Kon Tum Province, Republic of Vietnam | April 4, 1970 – April 8, 1970 | 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. | |
James E. Livingston | Marine Corps | Captain | Dai Do, Republic of Vietnam | May 2, 1968 | 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. Also while wounded an in the open, continued to give orders to his troops to repel the enemy. He refused to be evacuated until his men were safe. | |
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Donald R. Long* | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | June 30, 1966 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Carlos J. Lozada* | Army | Private First Class | Đắk Tô, Republic of Vietnam | November 20, 1967 | For providing covering fire at the cost of his own life during a withdrawal | |
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Andre C. Lucas* | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | Fire Support Base Ripcord, Republic of Vietnam | July 1, 1970 – July 23, 1970 | For extraordinary heroism while serving as the commanding officer of the 2d Battalion |
Allen J. Lynch | Army | Specialist Four | Republic of Vietnam | near Mỹ An (2), Binh Dinh Province,December 15, 1967 | For providing critical aid to wounded comrades under heavy fire | |
Walter J. Marm, Jr. | Army | Second Lieutenant | Republic of Vietnam | near Ia Drang Valley,November 14, 1965 | For actions in Ia Drang, in which he led a successful one man assault on an enemy hill | |
Gary W. Martini* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Binh Son, Republic of Vietnam | April 21, 1967 | Sacrificed his life to move a wounded comrade to safety | |
Larry L. Maxam* | Marine Corps | Corporal | Cam Lộ District, Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 2, 1968 | Sacrificed his life to single-handedly repel a large enemy force from attacking through a weakened perimeter for over 1 1/2 hours. | |
Finnis D. McCleery | Army | Platoon Sergeant | Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 14, 1968 | 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 | |
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Phill G. McDonald* | Army | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | near Kontum City,June 7, 1968 | Was killed after attacking the enemy multiple times with grenades and rifle fire |
John J. McGinty, III | Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | July 18, 1966 | Found a separated unit of twenty wounded men, reloaded their weapons and directed their fire at the enemy until they attempted a counter-attack. He then directed fire at the enemy and although wounded adjusted artillery and air strikes within fifty yards of his position until the enemy had been repelled. | |
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Ray McKibben* | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Song Mao,December 8, 1968 | Single-handedly destroyed an enemy bunker, rescued a wounded comrade from under heavy fire, and attacked and destroyed two more bunkers by himself before being mortally wounded while attacking a fourth bunker. |
Thomas J. McMahon* | Army | Specialist Four | Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 19, 1969 | 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. | |
David H. McNerney | Army | First Sergeant | Polei Doc, Republic of Vietnam | March 22, 1967 | 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. He refused his own medical evacuation and instead stayed with the company until a new commander arrived. | |
Edgar L. McWethy, Jr.* | Army | Specialist Five | Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam | June 21, 1967 | 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. | |
Don L. Michael* | Army | Specialist Four | Republic of Vietnam | April 8, 1967 | Single-handedly destroyed a Viet Cong bunker and was then killed while chasing the retreating enemy soldiers. | |
Franklin D. Miller | Army | Staff Sergeant | Kon Tum Province, Republic of Vietnam | January 5, 1970 | He single-handedly held off an enemy assault, arranged for a helicopter extraction of his unit, and again fought off the enemy alone until relief arrived, although wounded himself. | |
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Gary L. Miller* | Army | First Lieutenant | Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 16, 1969 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Robert J. Modrzejewski | Marine Corps | Captain | Republic of Vietnam | July 15, 1966 – July 18, 1966 | Led his men in the seizure of enemy ammunition and supplies and continued to counterattack the enemy using artillery fire and air support. | |
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Frankie Z. Molnar* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Kon Tum Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 20, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
James H. Monroe* | Army | Private First Class | Bong Son, Hoài Nhơn District, Republic of Vietnam | February 16, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him | |
William D. Morgan* | Marine Corps | Corporal | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 25, 1969 | For creating a diversion at the expense of his own life and providing his squad time to evacuate two wounded soldiers | |
Charles B. Morris | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | June 29, 1966 | Continued to lead his squad, fight the enemy, and help the wounded despite being wounded himself four separate times. | |
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Robert C. Murray* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Hiep Duc,June 7, 1970 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
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David P. Nash* | Army | Private First Class | Giao Duc District, Dinh Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam | December 29, 1968 | For covering a grenade with his body in order to protect those around him |
Melvin E. Newlin* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | July 4, 1967 | Killed while single-handedly attacking an enemy force breaking up and disorganizing the enemy | |
Thomas P. Noonan, Jr.* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Republic of Vietnam | near Vandergrift Combat Base, A Shau Valley,February 5, 1969 | Killed while attempting to rescue a wounded man | |
Thomas R. Norris | Navy | Lieutenant | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | April 10, 1972 – April 13, 1972 | Rescued two downed pilots deep within heavily controlled enemy territory | |
Michael J. Novosel | Army | Chief Warrant Officer | Kien Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam | October 2, 1969 | For the rescue of 29 American and South Vietnamese soldiers from a heavily fortified enemy training area without any cover or gunship support. | |
Milton L. Olive, III* | Army | Private First Class | Phu Cuong, Republic of Vietnam | October 22, 1965 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body. The first African American Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. | |
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Kenneth L. Olson* | Army | Specialist Four | Republic of Vietnam | May 13, 1968 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body |
Robert E. O'Malley | Marine Corps | Corporal | South Vietnam | near An Cu'ong 2,August 18, 1965 | 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. | |
David G. Ouellet* | Navy | Seaman | Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam | March 6, 1967 | Placed himself between an enemy grenade and his shipmates, absorbing most of the blast fragments with his own body in order to protect his shipmates from injury and death. | |
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Robert M. Patterson | Army | Specialist Four | Republic of Vietnam | near La Chu,May 6, 1968 | During a firefight he single-handedly destroyed a series of enemy bunkers |
Joe C. Paul* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Republic of Vietnam | near Chu Lai,August 18, 1965 | 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. | |
Richard A. Penry | Army | Sergeant | Binh Tuy Province, Republic of Vietnam | January 31, 1970 | Helped to organize defenses and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to retrieve supplies and return fire. Voluntarily left the perimeter, set up a guiding beacon, established the priorities for evacuation and successively carried 18 wounded men to the extraction site. After all wounded had been evacuated he joined another platoon and assisted in pursuing the enemy. | |
William T. Perkins, Jr.* | Marine Corps | Corporal | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | October 12, 1967 | 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. | |
Lawrence D. Peters* | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam | September 4, 1967 | 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. | |
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Danny J. Petersen* | Army | Specialist Four | Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam | January 9, 1970 | Repeatedly exposed himself and his armored personnel carrier to enemy fire in order to protect the other soldiers of his unit and after his vehicle was disabled, he stayed behind and was killed while providing covering fire so others could withdraw. |
Jimmy W. Phipps* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | near An Hoa,May 27, 1969 | Sacrificed himself to save others by smothering an enemy grenade with his body | |
Larry S. Pierce* | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Ben Cat,September 20, 1965 | Sacrificed himself to save others by smothering an enemy grenade with his body | |
William H. Pitsenbarger* | Air Force | Airman First Class | Republic of Vietnam | near Cam My,April 11, 1966 | For refusing evacuation while tending wounded and defending the unit's position | |
Richard A. Pittman | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Republic of Vietnam | near the Demilitarized Zone,July 24, 1966 | Risked his life to assist a group of Marines who had been attacked by a larger enemy force | |
Riley L. Pitts* | Army | Captain | Ap Dong, Republic of Vietnam | October 31, 1967 | Killed after attacking an enemy force with rifle fire and grenades. Was the first African American commissioned officer to be awarded the Medal of Honor. | |
Stephen W. Pless | Marine Corps | Captain | Republic of Vietnam | near Quang Nai,August 19, 1967 | For rescuing a group of surrounded American troops with his helicopter | |
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William D. Port* | Army | Private First Class | Que Son Valley, Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam | January 12, 1968 | Rescued a wounded comrade and then smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown grenade with his body to protect other soldiers. He survived the blast, but was seriously wounded and captured by the enemy dying while a prisoner of war ten months later. |
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Robert L. Poxon* | Army | First Lieutenant | Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam | June 2, 1969 | Was wounded when attempting to rescue a wounded soldier and dspite his injuries, led his platoon and succeeded in destroying an enemy bunker before being killed. |
William R. Prom* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Republic of Vietnam | near An Hoa,February 9, 1969 | Sacrificed his life to direct fire at the enemy at point blank range | |
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Robert J. Pruden* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Quang Nai, Republic of Vietnam | November 29, 1969 | Sacrificed himself to ensure evacuation helicopters were able to withdraw his team. |
Laszlo Rabel* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam | November 13, 1968 | For falling on a grenade to save his comrades | |
Alfred V. Rascon | Army | Specialist Four | Republic of Vietnam | March 16, 1966 | 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. | |
David R. Ray* | Navy | Hospital Corpsman Second Class | Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 19, 1969 | For gallantry and intrepidity in defending his position and giving aid to wounded Marines | |
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Ronald E. Ray | Army | First Lieutenant | Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam | June 19, 1966 | For eliminating enemy fire with available weapons and shielding his men from an enemy grenade |
Frank S. Reasoner* | Marine Corps | First Lieutenant | Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam | nearJuly 12, 1965 | For attempting to rescue one of his wounded men on a Marine recon patrol | |
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Anund C. Roark* | Army | Sergeant | Kon Tum Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 16, 1968 | Sacrificed his life to save his fellow soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body |
Gordon R. Roberts | Army | Specialist Four | Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam | July 11, 1969 | For efforts in retrieving wounded personnel and defending his platoon | |
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James W. Robinson, Jr.* | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | April 11, 1966 | Sacrificed his life to destroy an enemy bunker and protect several of his fellow soldiers |
Louis R. Rocco | Army | Sergeant First Class | northeast of Katum, Republic of Vietnam | May 24, 1970 | 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. | |
Charles C. Rogers | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | Fishhook, near Cambodian border, Republic of Vietnam | November 1, 1968 | Risked his life to repel the enemy and protect his soldiers during an enemy assault on his firebase. | |
Euripides Rubio* | Army | Captain | Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam | November 8, 1966 | For efforts in directing an air strike on enemy forces | |
Héctor Santiago-Colón* | Army | Specialist Four | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | June 28, 1968 | For falling on a grenade to save his comrades and is one of five Puerto Ricans who have been posthumously presented with the Medal of Honor. | |
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Ruppert L. Sargent* | Army | First Lieutenant | Hậu Nghĩa Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 15, 1967 | 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. |
Clarence E. Sasser | Army | Private First Class | Dinh Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam | January 10, 1968 | Risked his life to save several wounded soldiers and although severely wounded himself continued treating their wounds for five hours until the were rescued. | |
William W. Seay* | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Ap Nhi,August 25, 1968 | When his convoy came under attack that day, near Ap Nhi in the Republic of Vietnam, Seay twice left his protective cover to toss enemy-thrown hand grenades back at the North Vietnamese forces. Despite being wounded in the wrist, he again exposed himself to enemy fire and was fatally shot. | |
Daniel J. Shea* | Army | Private First Class | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 14, 1969 | Killed by enemy gunfire after assisting in the defeat of an attacking enemy force | |
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Marvin G. Shields* | Navy | Construction Mechanic Third Class | Đồng Xoài, Republic of Vietnam | June 10, 1965 | Killed after rescuing several wounded, assisting in destroying an enemy gun emplacement and resupplying ammunition to his unit |
Lance P. Sijan* | Air Force | Captain | North Vietnam | November 9, 1967 | For action as a prisoner of war | |
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Clifford C. Sims* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Hue, Republic of Vietnam | nearFebruary 21, 1968 | Sims threw himself onto a triggered booby-trap device. He was killed in the ensuing explosion, but was successful in protecting the members of his squad. |
Walter K. Singleton* | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Gio Linh District, Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 24, 1967 | Killed in an attack were he killed eight of the enemy and drove the remainder from away | |
George K. Sisler* | Army | First Lieutenant | Republic of Vietnam | February 7, 1967 | Organized the defense, rescued a wounded soldier, and single-handedly attacked an enemy position before being killed | |
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Donald S. Skidgel* | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Song Be,September 14, 1969 | Killed attempting to draw enemy fire away from his convoy after manning a machine gun in his vehicle |
Larry E. Smedley* | Marine Corps | Corporal | Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | December 21, 1967 | Assaulted the enemy with grenades and rifle fire until dying from his wounds | |
Elmelindo R. Smith* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | February 16, 1967 | Although wounded by a rocket he led his platoon in a patrol when enemy forces attacked with machine gun, mortars and rocket fire. | |
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James M. Sprayberry | Army | First Lieutenant | Republic of Vietnam | April 25, 1968 | Led a patrol which rescued men who had been wounded and cut off from the rest of the company and in the process destroyed several enemy bunkers and machine gun emplacements. |
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Russell A. Steindam* | Army | First Lieutenant | Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 1, 1970 | For defending company from an enemy grenade |
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Jimmy G. Stewart* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | May 18, 1966 | Sacrificed himself to hold his company's position against the enemy allowing others to come to his aid and repel the enemy force |
James B. Stockdale | Navy | Captain | Hoa Lo prison, Hanoi, North Vietnam | September 4, 1969 | For action as a prisoner of war | |
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Lester R. Stone, Jr.* | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | west of Landing Zone Liz,March 3, 1969 | Sacrificed his life by manning a machine gun in an exposed position during an enemy attack, allowing others to rescue a wounded comrade |
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Mitchell W. Stout* | Army | Sergeant | Khe Gio Bridge, Republic of Vietnam | March 12, 1970 | Sacrificed his life to save others by smothering a grenade with his body |
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Robert F. Stryker* | Army | Specialist Four | Republic of Vietnam | near Lộc Ninh,November 7, 1967 | Sacrificed his life to save several fellow soldiers by smothering a claymore mine with his body |
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Kenneth E. Stumpf | Army | Specialist Four | Republic of Vietnam | near Duc Pho,April 25, 1967 | Risked his life by rescuing three injured squad members and then led his squad to attack and destroy a heavily fortified enemy bunker complex. |
Jon E. Swanson* | Army | Captain | Cambodia | February 26, 1971 | Sacrificed his life by flying his aircraft dangerously slow and low to destroy enemy machine gun emplacements until his aircraft was shot down. | |
James A. Taylor | Army | First Lieutenant | Republic of Vietnam | west of Quế Sơn,November 9, 1967 | Risked his life to save the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers | |
Karl G. Taylor, Sr.* | Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | December 8, 1968 | Sacrificed his life to save the lives of several Marines by taking out an enemy bunker | |
Brian M. Thacker | Army | First Lieutenant | Kon Tum Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 31, 1971 | Risked his own life to allow his unit to escape | |
Michael E. Thornton | Navy | Engineman Second Class | Republic of Vietnam | October 31, 1972 | Saved the life of his superior officer and allowed the other members of his patrol to escape | |
Leo K. Thorsness | Air Force | Major | over North Vietnam | April 19, 1967 | Risked his life to assist in the rescue of three downed aviators | |
Jay R. Vargas | Marine Corps | Captain | Dai Do, Republic of Vietnam | April 30, 1968 – May 2, 1968 | Vargas requested that his mother's name, M. Sando Vargas, Jr., be engraved on the medal and added to the rolls. | |
Humbert R. Versace* | Army | Captain | Ca Mau, Republic of Vietnam | October 29, 1963 – September 26, 1965 | Was executed by the Vietcong while a prisoner of war after repeated escape attempts, torture and maltreatment | |
John E. Warren, Jr.* | Army | First Lieutenant | Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam | January 14, 1969 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
Charles J. Watters* | Army | Major | Battle of Dak To, Republic of Vietnam | November 19, 1967 | Was a chaplain who sacrificed himself to rescue several wounded men | |
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Dale E. Wayrynen* | Army | Specialist Four | Quảng Ngãi Province, Republic of Vietnam | May 18, 1967 | For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him |
Lester W. Weber* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 23, 1969 | After fighting back four enemy soldiers and causing 11 others to retreat was killed by a fifth enemy soldier | |
Gary G. Wetzel | Army | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | near Ap Dong An,January 8, 1968 | Although losing his arm and repeatedly losing consciousness from loss of blood after the helicopter he was on was shot down he fought back an enemy gun emplacement and assisted in the rescue of a fallen officer. | |
Roy M. Wheat* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Republic of Vietnam | August 11, 1967 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a mine with his body | |
Jerry W. Wickam* | Army | Corporal | Republic of Vietnam | near Lộc Ninh,January 6, 1968 | Killed after repeatedly attacking and defeating the enemy | |
Hilliard A. Wilbanks* | Air Force | Captain | Republic of Vietnam | near Da Lat,February 24, 1967 | Distinguished himself as a pilot | |
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Louis E. Willett* | Army | Private First Class | Kon Tum Province, Republic of Vietnam | February 15, 1967 | For twice providing covering fire for his squad's withdrawal despite heavy enemy fire |
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Charles Q. Williams | Army | Second Lieutenant | Đồng Xoài, Republic of Vietnam | June 9, 1965 – June 10, 1965 | After a group of enemy insurgents attacked he organized a defense and repelled the enemy throughout the night |
Dewayne T. Williams* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | September 18, 1968 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
James E. Williams | Navy | Boatswain's Mate First Class | Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam | October 31, 1966 | For leading an attack on Viet Cong shipping | |
Alfred M. Wilson* | Marine Corps | Private First Class | Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam | March 3, 1969 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
David F. Winder* | Army | Private First Class | Republic of Vietnam | May 13, 1970 | Sacrificed his life in an attempt to assist a wounded soldier | |
Kenneth L. Worley* | Marine Corps | Lance Corporal | Bo Ban, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam | August 12, 1968 | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
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Raymond R. Wright | Army | Specialist Four | Ap Bac Zone, Republic of Vietnam | May 2, 1967 | Along with another soldier attacked and defeated multiple enemy bunkers |
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Maximo Yabes* | Army | First Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Phu Hoa Dong,February 26, 1967 | 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. |
Rodney J. T. Yano* | Army | Sergeant First Class | Republic of Vietnam | near Bien Hoa,January 1, 1969 | For sacrificing his life to save the other members of his aircrew | |
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Gordon D. Yntema* | Army | Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Thang Binh,January 16, 1968 – January 18, 1968 | Defended several fallen comrades and forcing the Vietnamese to kill him rather than be captured. |
Gerald O. Young | Air Force | Captain | Khe Sanh | November 9, 1967 | Distinguished himself while serving as a helicopter rescue crew commander | |
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Marvin R. Young* | Army | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | near Ben Cui,August 21, 1968 | For Sacrificing his life so his unit could escape |
Fred W. Zabitosky | Army | Staff Sergeant | Republic of Vietnam | February 19, 1968 | Zabitosky directed the defense until rescue helicopters arrived, and when the helicopter that was to extract him from the battlefield crashed, he ignored his own injuries to save the downed craft's pilot. |
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 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. The Blassie family requested that the Medal of Honor be granted to him but the request was denied by the Department of Defense.[11]