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James Anderson Jr. was born on January 22, 1947, in Los Angeles, California. Following high school, he pursued his ambition to become a preacher at a local church while attending Los Angeles Harbor Junior College. However, after a year and a half, he changed course and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on February 17, 1966. After his training, he was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in December 1966, serving as a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division in Quang Tri Province. On February 28, 1967, during Operation Prairie II, Anderson and his platoon faced heavy enemy fire while attempting to rescue a besieged reconnaissance patrol in dense jungle northwest of Cam Lo. The platoon swiftly responded, returning fire. Anderson found himself lying on the ground among closely grouped Marines, about 21 yards of the enemy and began firing back at them. Suddenly, a grenade landed just a few feet from Anderson's head. Without hesitation, Anderson selflessly grabbed the grenade, pulled it into his chest and wrapped himself around it before it detonated. Anderson valiantly defended his comrades, even selflessly sacrificing himself by shielding them from an incoming grenade. Anderson's body absorbed the blast and He was immediately killed. His heroic act saved his fellow Marines, though it cost him his life. He was laid to rest at Lincoln Memorial Park in Carson, California. On August 21, 1968, Anderson posthumously received the Medal of Honor, which was accepted by his parents from Navy Secretary Paul R. Ignatius during a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington. This distinction made him the first Black Marine to be honored with the nation's highest award for valor. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Anderson was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with a bronze star, the Vietnamese Military Merit Medal, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Private First Class James Anderson Juniors legacy lives on through his name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, a US Navy ship named in his honor, a park dedicated to him, a Marine Base Hall bearing his name, and various highways and streets named after him.
#Distinguished #MetalOfHonor #USA #ArmedForces #Military #Marines #Army #Navy #AirForce #War #Hero
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Larry Taylor was born in 1942 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and grew up in a family with a strong military tradition. His great-great-grandfather fought in the Civil War, his great-uncle in World War I, and his father and uncles in World War II. He enlisted in the US Army Reserve on June 5, 1966. On August 14, 1966, he joined the Regular Army. After completing his training at the US Army Armor School, he attended the US Army Primary Helicopter School and qualified as an Army aviator in June 1967. Approximately two months later, Taylor found himself in Vietnam. On the night of June 18, 1968, a four-man Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol team was observing a village occupied by around 80 North Vietnamese soldiers. A firefight broke out, and the soldiers soon realized they were surrounded, prompting them to radio for air support. Taylor led a helicopter light-fire team and was dispatched to assist the four pinned-down American soldiers. Taylor flew over the firefight and provided air support until he ran out of rockets and ammunition. Taylor radioed the patrol team and requested the four soldiers to mark their location with flares. Despite facing intense ground fire, the two Cobra gunships continued to make low-level attack runs for the next 45 minutes. With both helicopters nearly out of ammunition and the enemy still closing in, Taylor learned that a plan to rescue the soldiers with a UH-1 Huey helicopter had been canceled due to the extreme danger. Running low on fuel and with the patrol team almost out of ammunition, Taylor decided to extract the team using his two-man Cobra helicopter, an unprecedented and daring feat. Taylor directed his wingman to fire his remaining minigun rounds along the eastern flank of the patrol team and then return to the base camp. Taylor himself fired his own minigun along the team's western flank, using his Cobra's landing lights to draw the enemy's attention while the patrol team moved to a nearby extraction point. Recognizing that the pinned-down soldiers had no other options, Taylor radioed the team leader and made an unconventional request. He asked the soldiers to create a diversion by running 100 yards from their position and lying down in the grass. The soldiers followed his orders and were astonished as they quickly realized that Taylor was landing his Cobra in the midst of the firefight, putting his life at great risk. Given that the Cobra Helicopter had no means of transporting troops, Taylor swiftly ordered the four soldiers to cling to the helicopter's skids and rocket pods as he lifted them out of the battle and transported them to a safer location several miles away. This courageous act saved their lives. The soldiers miraculously rescued that night were David Hill of Visalia California; Robert Eisner of New York City; Gerald Patty of Maryville Tennessee; and William P. Cohn of Norwich Connecticut. Taylor completed over 2,000 combat missions in UH-1 and Cobra helicopters. He faced enemy fire on 340 occasions and was forced to make emergency landings five times. Captain Taylor's selfless actions on that fateful night saved the lives of the surrounded patrol team, and his bravery continues to exemplify the highest traditions of military service. He was honorably discharged from active duty on August 31, 1970, having attained the rank of Captain, and was discharged from the US Army Reserve on October 17, 1973. For his conspicuous actions, the US Army awarded him a minimum of 50 combat decorations, including the Silver Star, 43 Air Medals, a Bronze Star, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He also received the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star. More than 55 years later, on September 5, 2023, during a ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden recognized 81 year old Captain Larry Taylor's heroism and awarded him the Medal of Honor.#distinguished #America #USA #military #armedforces #war #hero #sacrifice #medalofhonor #Army #Captain #LarryTaylor #Vietnam
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Ralph Dias, was born on July 15, 1950, in Indiana County Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on October 9, 1967, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. After completing his training, Dias was deployed to Vietnam in April 1969. He served as a rifleman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. On November 12, 1969, during combat, Dias was part of a reaction force that came under heavy enemy fire while assisting a pinned-down platoon. Observing the high casualties sustained by both units, Private First Class Dias displayed remarkable courage. He initiated a bold assault on an enemy machine-gun bunker, the primary source of hostile fire. Despite being severely wounded by enemy snipers while charging across an open area, he managed to drag himself to the safety of a nearby rock. Ignoring his own wounds, Dias bravely ventured out again, only to be wounded once more. Undeterred and unable to walk, he crawled over 15 yards to find cover near his target. With extraordinary bravery, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire, hurling multiple hand grenades at the machine-gun emplacement. Dias remained resolute in his determination to neutralize the emplacement. Despite being wounded by sniper fire for the third time, he pressed on. With a final grenade, Dias successfully destroyed the enemy position, saving the lives of numerous fellow comrades. Tragically, he sustained a mortal wound from another enemy round while accomplishing this heroic act. Dias paid the ultimate sacrifice, gallantly giving his life in service to his country. His valor did not go unnoticed. On July 17, 1974, Vice President Gerald R. Ford posthumously awarded him the Medal of Honor, which was presented to his family. This distinguished medal now resides at the Ohio Military Museum in Massillon, Ohio. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Dias received several other honors recognizing his service. These include the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Meritorious Unit Commendation with one bronze star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (Gallantry Cross Color) with palm and frame, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (Civil Action Medal, First Class Color) with palm and frame, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device. Private First Class Dias was laid to rest at Oakdale Cemetery in Leetonia, Ohio. His story stands as a testament to bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to duty.#distinguished #America #USA #military #armedforces #war #hero #army #navy #marines #sacrifice #medalofhonor #PurpleHeart #Leetonia #Massillon #Ohio #IndianaCounty #Pennsylvania #Vietnam
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Charles Joseph Berry was born in Lorain Ohio, on July 10, 1923. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Cleveland Ohio, on October 1, 1941 when he was 18 years old. During World War 2, he landed on Iwo Jima on D-Day, February 19, 1945. On March 3, 1945, Berry maintained a vigilant stance alongside his fellow gun crew during the perilous nighttime hours, remaining prepared at his weapon. Amidst this darkness, Japanese forces launched an unexpected attack, catching Berry by surprise as he manned a foxhole. The assault brought forth a barrage of live grenades, descending upon him and his comrades in the foxhole. Undaunted, he exhibited remarkable courage, swiftly returning the grenades one after another. However, as one grenade landed beyond his reach, Berry faced a critical moment. In a display of unselfish determination and a commitment to his fellow soldiers, Berry made an instantaneous decision. Without hesitation, he chose to jump onto the live grenade, absorbing the explosive impact within his own body. His selfless act of bravery shielded his comrades from severe harm and undoubtedly saved their lives. Charles Berry made the ultimate sacrifice and was killed in action on March 3, 1945 at the age of 21. Originally laid to rest in the 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Berry's remains were later relocated to Elmwood Cemetery in Lorain Ohio, in 1948. In recognition of his exceptional valor, Berry was posthumously bestowed with the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. In a lasting tribute, the Erie Avenue Bridge located in Lorain, Ohio, underwent a renaming in 1988 to become the Charles Berry Bridge, serving as a memorial to Corporal Berry's courage. Additionally, the destroyer escort USS Charles Berry was christened in his honor, further immortalizing his legacy.
#distinguished #America #USA #military #armedforces #war #hero #army #navy #marines #sacrifice #medalofhonor #PurpleHeart
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Gary Burnell Beikirch was born on August 29, 1947, in Rochester, New York. Beikirch enlisted in the United States Army on September 21, 1967, as a Green Beret. During his time in the army, Beikirch served with the 3rd, 5th and 10th Special Forces Groups as a Light Weapons and Medical Specialist. In July of 1969, He was sent to Vietnam. While serving as a sergeant with Company B of the 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, Beikirch was stationed at Dak Seang Camp, home to Montagnard villagers and fighters, in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum. On April 1, 1970, the camp was attacked by a numerically superior North Vietnamese force. While his Montagnard assistants treated the wounded, Beikirch fought back with a 4.2-inch mortar and, after that weapon was disabled by hostile fire, he used a machine gun. Learning that a fellow American soldier was wounded and lying in an exposed position, he ran through heavy fire to rescue the man. He was hit by shrapnel in the process, including one fragment which struck near his spine and partially paralyzed him. For the remainder of the battle he had his Montagnard assistants carry him from one position to another as he treated the injured. He was wounded in the side while giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a Montagnard fighter and was then shot in the stomach. Despite this, he continued to provide medical care and fire his weapon from his stretcher until losing consciousness. He was evacuated by helicopter and spent six months recovering at Valley Forge Medical Center. Beikirch repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to treat wounded soldiers. Despite sustaining serious wounds himself, he continued to provide medical aid, organize a defense, and coordinate the evacuation of wounded comrades. His selfless actions saved numerous lives and inspired those around him. On October 15, 1973, President Richard Nixon presented the Medal Of Honor to Beikirch, for his actions at Dak Seang. On September 22, 2012, the Second Battalion of the Fifth Special Forces Group named their new battalion operations building, "Beikirch Hall," in dedication to the former member of the unit.Aside from the medal of honor, Beikirch was also awarded:Distinguished Service CrossSilver StarBronze Star MedalPurple Heart with oak leaf clusterNational Defense Service MedalVietnam Service MedalVietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver StarRepublic of Vietnam Campaign MedalCombat Infantryman BadgeParachutist Badge and a Special Forces Tab.On December 26, 2021, Beikirch died in Rochester New York, at the age of 74. He was laid to rest at White Haven Memorial Park, in Pittsford New York.
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Joe Maddison Jackson was born on March 14, 1923, in Newnan, Georgia. He was an avid model aircraft enthusiast in his youth. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in March 1941, just a few days after his 18th birthday, in hopes of being an airplane mechanic. Jackson was the pilot of a C-123, a larger transport aircraft, primarily used to transport supplies and the wounded. On May 12, 1968, during the Battle of Kham Duc near Laos, Jackson volunteered to attempt the rescue of three Special Forces men, that were trapped near an airstrip, which had been taken over by Hostile enemy forces. They had established gun positions on the airstrip and were raking the camp with small-arms, mortars, light and heavy automatic-weapons, and recoilless-rifle fire. The camp was engulfed in flames, and ammunition dumps were continuously exploding and littering the runway with debris and other crashed aircraft. Eight other aircrafts had already been destroyed by the intense enemy fire and one aircraft remained on the runway reducing its usable length to only 2,200 feet. Which is much shorter than what a C-123 typically needs to land and take off. To further complicate the landing, the weather was deteriorating rapidly, thereby permitting only one air strike prior to his landing. Although fully aware of the extreme danger and likely failure of such an attempt, Jackson elected to land his aircraft and attempt to rescue. Displaying superb airmanship and extraordinary heroism, he successfully landed his aircraft, amid intense enemy fire and artillery, near the point where the combat control team was reported to be hiding. While on the ground, his aircraft was the target of intense hostile fire. A rocket landed in front of the nose of the aircraft but failed to explode. The trapped men ran from the jungle along the airstrip and launched themselves into the plane as Jackson turned the plane around and took off again. Once the combat control team was aboard, Lt. Col. Jackson succeeded in getting airborne despite the hostile fire directed across the runway in front of his aircraft. Jackson retired from the Air Force in 1973, and is remembered as the developer of several techniques still used by pilots. He fought in World War 2, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. On January 16, 1969, President Lyndon B. Johnson presented Jackson with the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony. Other than the Medal of Honor, Jackson earned the USAF Command Pilot badge, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with a bronze oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with a service star, the Korean Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with a bronze campaign star, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, the United Nations Korea Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Korean War Service Medal. Lieutenant Colonel Joe Jackson died on January 12, 2019, at his home in Orting, Washington, at the age of 95. He was laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Virginia.
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Paris D. Davis was born on May 13, 1939 in Cleveland Ohio. In 1959, he enlisted in to the Army and graduated from both Airborne and Ranger schools in 1960. In April of 1965, during his second tour in Vietnam, Davis took command of 5th Special Forces Group. During the late hours of June 17, 1965, the 26 year old Davis led his team in the dark back from a successful raid on a Viet Cong camp. As the sky began to lighten on the early hours of June 18, while returning from the mission, Davis’s Company was surrounded and ambushed by approximately 300 North Vietnamese enemy troops. Davis took part of a 19 hour battle where he was shot or took shrapnel eight different times, and personally shot or killed at least 20 enemies. He saved multiple lives while being the last American to be evacuated. Defending his positions and rushing forward to reach his wounded comrades, Davis engaged enemy soldiers with virtually every weapon and method a Green Beret might need in a full career: He fired his M16, his pistol, a heavy machine gun, and a heavy mortar, threw grenades and dropped them into hidden foxholes, helped pinpoint airstrikes, and killed at least one enemy soldier in a hand-to-hand fight. On March 3, 2023, Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Joe Biden at the White House. Davis was twice previously nominated for the Medal of Honor, but both times the paperwork relating to his nomination disappeared. For his actions, Davis earned the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. Davis also saved the life of a soldier who was stuck in a burning fuel truck and won the Soldier’s Medal. Davis is one of the first African American green berates to receive the award, and one of only four service members in the history of the US military to receive both the Medal of Honor, and the Soldier’s Medal. Colonel Paris D. Davis was honored with numerous awards, including the Combat Infantryman Badge; Expert Infantryman Badge; Medal of Honor; Soldier's Medal for Heroism; Bronze Star Medal with "V" device and 1 bronze oak leaf cluster; Purple Heart with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with 1 bronze oak leaf cluster; Air Medal with "V" device & award numerals 2; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal with "V" device and 3 oak leaf clusters; Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 3 service stars; Korea Defense Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Army Overseas Service Ribbon with bronze star; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Gold Star, Silver Star; Bronze Star; Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal First Class; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Special Forces Tab; Master Parachutist Badge; Ranger Tab; Republic of Vietnam Master Parachute Badge; Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge; Expert Marksmanship badge with rifle component bar; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation; Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal Unit Citation; and the Army Staff Identification Badge.
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John Henry Pruitt was born on October 4, 1896 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps on May 3, 1917, at the age of 20, shortly after the United States entered WW1. During the summer of 1918, Pruitt fought in some of the biggest battles of WW1. From June 1st through the 14th, he participated in battles at Chateau-Thierry, Bouresches and Belleau Wood. On June 14, he was gassed, and evacuated to the American Red Cross hospital to recover, returning to the front on July 22nd. From September 12th to the 15th, he was engaged in active operations against the enemy in St. Mihiel Sector. On August 15, Pruitt was promoted to Corporal. A month later, he was cited for bravery by General Pershing for distinguished and exceptional gallantry at Thiaucourt, France on September 15, 1918. On October 3, 1918, during the battle at Blanc Mont Ridge, Corporal Pruitt singlehandedly took out two enemy machine gun nests, killing the German operators, and then captured 40 more enemy soldiers hiding in trenches. Later that same day, he was assigned to sniper duty and was hit by intense enemy fire and gravely wounded. He died the next day on October 4, 1918, on his 22nd birthday. For his valor, Corporal John Henry Pruitt posthumously received two Medals of Honor, one from the Navy and one from the Army. He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre by France, and the Croce di Guerra by Italy, both medals are those countries equivalents to the American Medal of Honor. In addition, Pruitt received two purple hearts, four silver stars, four bronze stars, and several other combat and victory medals. General John J. Pershing included Corporal Pruitt on his list of 100 heroes of the war. Pruitt was originally buried in the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery in Romagne, France. His remains were later returned to the United States and interred in Arlington National Cemetery on October 13, 1921.#distinguished #America #USA #military #armedforces #war #hero #army #navy #marines #sacrifice #medalofhonor #PurpleHeart #fayetteville #arkansas #johnhenrypruitt
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Bennie G. Adkins was born on February 1, 1934, in Waurika, Oklahoma. He was drafted into the US Army on December 5, 1956, at the age of 22. When Camp A Shau was attacked by a large North Vietnamese force, in the early morning hours of March 9th, Adkins rushed through intense enemy fire and manned a mortar position defending the camp. He continued to mount a defense, even while incurring wounds from several direct hits from enemy mortars. Upon learning that several soldiers were wounded near the center of camp, he temporarily turned the mortar over to another soldier, ran through exploding mortar rounds and dragged several comrades to safety. As the hostile fire subsided, Adkins exposed himself to sporadic sniper fire, and carried his wounded comrades to a more secure position at the camp dispensary, and transporting a wounded casualty to an airstrip for evacuation. He and his group then came under heavy small arms fire from members of the Civilian Irregular Defense Group that had defected to fight with the North Vietnamese. Despite this overwhelming force, Adkins maneuvered outside the camp to evacuate a seriously wounded American, and draw fire away from the aircraft all the while successfully covering the rescue. Later, when a resupply air drop landed outside of the camp perimeter, Adkins again moved outside of the camp walls, to retrieve the much needed supplies. During the early morning hours of March 10th, enemy forces launched their main assault. Within two hours, Adkins was the only defender firing a mortar weapon. Adkins then single-handedly eliminated numerous insurgents with small arms fire, almost completely exhausting his supply of ammunition. Braving intense enemy fire, he returned to the mortar pit, gathered vital ammunition and evaded fire while returning to the bunker. After the order was given to evacuate the camp, Adkins and a small group of soldiers destroyed all signal equipment, and classified documents, dug their way out of the rear of the bunker, and fought their way out of the camp. Adkins then rallied the remaining survivors and led the group into the jungle, evading the enemy for 48 hours until they were rescued by helicopter on March 12th. During the 38-hour battle and 48-hours of escape and evasion, Adkins fought with mortars, machine guns, recoilless rifles, small arms, and hand grenades, killing an estimated 135 to 175 enemies, while sustaining 18 different wounds. As a member of Special Forces, Adkins served three non-consecutive tours in Vietnam during his 22-year career. He retired from the military on August 31, 1978. On September 15, 2014, Adkins was presented with the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama. Adkins was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and "V" Device, the Purple Heart with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasp and Five Loops, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star and one Bronze Service Star, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with "60" Device, the Republic of Vietnam Bravery Medal with Brass Star, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Special Forces Tab, the US Army Master Parachutist Badge, the Vietnamese Parachutist Badge - Two Awards, the Expert Badge with Rifle and Pistol Bars, the Sharpshooter Badge with Carbine Bar, and the Marksman Badge with Machinegun Bar. Sergeant First Class Bennie G. Adkins passed away on April 17, 2020, in Opelika, Alabama. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
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Private John Joseph Kelly was born on June 24, 1898, in Chicago Illinois. At 18 years old, He enlisted in the US Marine Corps on May 15, 1917. On January 19, 1918, his regiment embarked from Philadelphia Pennsylvania, on the USS Henderson, and arrived at St. Nazaire France, on February 5, 1918. Kelly fought in Chateau Thierry St. Mihiel, Blanc Mont, and the Meuse-Argonne during World War I. On October 3, 1918, At Blanc Mont Ridge, Private Kelly ran through our own barrage a hundred yards in advance of the front line, and attacked an enemy machine-gun nest, killing the gunner with a grenade, shooting another member of the crew with his pistol, and returning through the barrage with eight rescued prisoners of war. Kelly also participated in the march to the Rhine River and in the occupation of the Coblenz Bridgehead, from November 17 to December 12, 1918. On March 17, 1919, while he was still a teenager, Kelly was awarded Two separate Medals of Honor from both the Army and the Navy. General John J. Pershing personally draped the medal around his neck.Private Kelly was honored with several prestigious awards for his exceptional service and bravery. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, he was awarded: Medal of Honor from the Army, Medal of Honor from the Navy, Silver Star with four bronze oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, World War I Victory Medal with five bronze battle stars, Médaille militaire from the French Republic, Croix de Guerre from 1914 to 1918 with one bronze palm and one bronze star from the French Republic, Croce al Merito di Guerra from Italy, Silver Medal for Bravery from Kingdom of Montenegro, Unit Award And The French Fourragère. On August 14, 1919, Private Kelly was honorably discharged from the Army with excellent character. On November 20, 1957, Private Kelly passed away in Fort Lauderdale Florida, at the age of 59. Private Kelly was laid to rest in his hometown at the All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines Illinois. #distinguished #America #USA #military #armedforces #war #hero #army #navy #marines #sacrifice #medalofhonor #PurpleHeart #WW1
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Corporal Jason Dunham was born on November 10, 1981, in Scio, New York. At the age of 18, Dunham joined the United States Marine Corps on July 19, 2000. On April 14, 2004, Corporal Dunham and his squad heard explosions and advanced towards an ambush site. While in route they start to take enemy RPG fire. Corporal Dunham quickly stops the HUM-Vee’s and they take cover. Corporal Dunham led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. He notices seven Iraqi vehicles attempting to escape. Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. One particular white Toyota LandCruiser gets their attention and was stopped. Private Kelly Miller comes up along the passenger side and spots RPGs and AK 47s in the backseat. As he approached the S.U.V., the driver jumped out and attacked Dunham. To subdue the driver, Dunham knees the man in the chest and takes him to the ground for hand-to-hand combat. Privates Bill Hampton and Kelly Miller rush to aid Dunham. Miller places his left hand on Corporal Dunham’s back to keep his balance. Dunham sees something and immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat, by shouting, “No, no, watch his hand!” During the struggle, the insurgent released a live hand grenade. Miller and Hampton, unaware of the grenade, notice Corporal Dunham had his Kevlar helmet on the ground. In an act of extraordinary heroism, without hesitation, Dunham immediately covered the grenade with his helmet and threw himself on top of the live grenade, covering it with his own body. As the grenade explodes, it blows Hampton and Miller to the other side of the street. As a result of the explosion, Dunham absorbed the brunt of the explosion and shielded his Marines from the blast, Which saved the lives of Privates Bill Hampton and Kelly Miller. Due to the severity of his injuries from the grenade blast, Dunham was promptly evacuated and transported to the landing zone, where he is medevac’d to a field hospital in Al-Qa’im. Corporal Dunham is eventually airlifted to an Army hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, and then flown to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland. There, He remained in a coma, and despite the medical team's efforts, it was determined that he was unlikely to recover. On April 22, 2004, with his parents and General Michael Hagee, at his bedside, Corporal Dunham succumbed to his injuries. Jason Dunham was only 22 years old. Before his passing, Dunham was presented with the Purple Heart to honor his bravery and sacrifice. Dunham was laid to rest at the Bath National Cemetery in Bath, New York. On January 11, 2007, Corporal Jason Dunham was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He was the first soldier to receive the prestigious Medal during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the first marine, since Vietnam. President George W. Bush presented the Medal of Honor to Corporal Dunham's family in the East Room of the White House, commemorating his selfless acts of bravery and sacrifice. Corporal Jason Dunham received numerous other military honors and decorations, which reflect his exceptional service and dedication, as well as various military installations, facilities, and organizations have been named in his memory. In an ultimate act of selflessness, Corporal Jason Dunham sacrificed his life to save his fellow Marines. His courageous spirit and extraordinary bravery have left an indelible impact on the Marine Corps and the nation. As a result, he is honored with numerous accolades and commemorations, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered in the annals of American military history for generations to come.
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Vito Bertoldo was born on December 1, 1916, in Decatur, Illinois. He was ineligible for the World War 2 draft because of poor eyesight. But decided to enlist despite his draft exemption and joined the Army in 1942, at the age of 23. Approved for limited duty as a military policeman, Vito was able to make his way into training as an infantryman, and was assigned as a cook with Company A 1st Battalion 242nd Infantry Regiment 42nd Infantry Division. Bertoldo's regiment took part in combat in France, and he had attained the rank of private first class by January 1945. Allegedly, Vito did not get along with the company mess sergeant and was assigned to guard a command post during the German Operation Nordwind. On January 9, 1945, with the approach of enemy soldiers, he left the protection of the building he was guarding, and set up his gun in the street. He remained there for almost 12 hours, driving back attacks while in full view of his adversaries and completely exposed to heavy enemy fire. He then moved back inside the command post, strapped his machinegun to a table, and covered the main approach to the building by firing through a window, remaining steadfast even in the face of 88 M-M fire from tanks only 75 yards away. One shell blasted him across the room, but he returned to his weapon. When two enemy personnel carriers led by a tank moved toward his position, he calmly waited for the troops to dismount and then, with the tank firing directly at him, leaned out of the window and mowed down the entire group of more than 20 Germans. Sometime later, removal of the command post to another building was ordered. Bertoldo voluntarily remained behind, covering the withdrawal of his comrades, and maintaining his stand all night. The next morning on January 10, 1945, he moved his machine gun to an adjacent building, being used as a command post for another of the regiment's battalions. Here, he staged another day-long defense. He broke up a heavy attack, launched by a self-propelled 88 M-M gun covered by a tank and about 15 infantrymen. Soon afterward another 88 M-M gun moved up to within a few feet of his position, and placed the muzzle of its gun almost inside the building, then fired into the room knocking Vito down, and seriously wounding others. An American bazooka team set the German weapon afire, and Vito went back to his weapon and killed several of the hostile troops as they attempted to withdraw. It was decided to evacuate the command post under the cover of darkness, but before the plan could be put into operation, the enemy began an intensive assault supported by fire from their tanks, and heavy guns. Disregarding the devastating barrage, he remained at his post and hurled white phosphorous grenades into the advancing enemy troops until they broke and retreated. A tank less than 50 yards away fired at his stronghold, destroying his weapon and blowing him across the room again. But he returned to the bitter fight and with a rifle, singlehandedly covered the withdrawal of his fellow soldiers when the post was finally abandoned. Vito Bertoldo was a one man army for two days straight and his actions gave his fellow soldiers the time and opportunity to withdraw and reorganize as he held the position. Four months after the standoff in Hatten, the 42nd Infantry Division liberated the camps in Dachau and its 30,000 prisoners. On December 18th, 1945, Vito received the Medal of Honor, from President Harry S. Truman, in a ceremony at the White House. Vito was discharged from the Army in February of 1946. On July 23, 1966, Master Sergeant Vito Bertoldo passed away, at the age of 49. He was laid to rest in the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Vito was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, and french Croix de Guerre.
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Master Sergeant Roy Benevidez led an extraordinary life and career marked by resilience, bravery, and dedication to his comrades. Born on August 5, 1935, in Texas, he faced early adversity after losing both his parents by age seven. He enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard at 17 during the Korean War and later switched to Army active duty. Benevidez excelled in training, becoming a member of the elite Army Special Forces. In Vietnam, he served as a Special Forces advisor and demonstrated unparalleled courage during a harrowing rescue mission on May 2, 1968. Despite being severely wounded, he repeatedly risked his life to save his trapped comrades, carrying and dragging them to safety under intense enemy fire. His actions during the "Six Hours of Hell" saved at least eight lives. Even after sustaining multiple serious injuries, including broken bones and numerous gunshot wounds, Benevidez's unwavering determination and indomitable spirit shone through. He survived against all odds, earning prestigious decorations such as the Medal of Honor and five Purple Hearts with Oak Leaf Clusters. His life and career are a testament to the power of resilience, bravery, and selflessness in the face of adversity, leaving a lasting legacy of honor and sacrifice.
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First Lieutenant William D. Hawkins was born on April 19, 1914, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He joined the Marine Corps on January 5, 1942. On November 20, 1943, Hawkins and his platoon faced a daunting task of securing a beachhead on the heavily fortified island of Betio. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including a grave chest wound, Hawkins fearlessly led assaults on enemy positions, eliminating Japanese soldiers at close range with exceptional bravery. Even when his ammunition ran out, he continued using grenades and satchel charges to dismantle enemy defenses. Refusing to leave the battlefield despite orders, he declared his commitment to the cause. Tragically, he succumbed to his wounds on November 21, 1943, leaving behind a legacy of valor and selflessness at the age of 29. This is his story. #distinguished #America #USA #military #armedforces #War #hero #medalofhonor #sacrifice #marines #WilliamHawkins #WW2 #WWII #FortScott #Kansas #ElPaso #Texas
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Douglas Thomas Jacobson was born on November 25, 1925, in Rochester New York. He grew up in Port Washington Long Island and in January 1943, he joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17. By December 1943, he was assigned to the Pacific war zone as part of the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. On February 26, 1945, Jacobson participated in one of the bloodiest battles of World War 2 for the Marines. During the battle of Iwo Jima, in what Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith called ''the most savage and the most costly battle in the history of the Marine Corps,” Jacobson fearlessly led his unit's charge toward the summit of Hill three eighty-two, a location so violent it was known as, “the meat grinder”. Hill three eighty-two, was a crucial Japanese stronghold used for field artillery and anti-tank positions. As the battle raged on, his company's anti-tank gunner was killed. Jacobson grabbed the bazooka and a satchel of explosives from the fallen marine. The bazooka was designed to be wielded by two men, but Jacobson carried it alone. First, he destroyed a 20-millimeter aircraft gun and wiped out its crew. Then he knocked out two machine-gun positions, two large blockhouses and seven rifle emplacements. After that, he destroyed a tank and continued his attack on blockhouses. At only 19 years old, Jacobson singlehandedly neutralized 16 enemy positions and annihilated approximately 75 Japanese fighters. His fearless actions led to the capture of Hill three eighty-two, and proved instrumental in the allied victory of Iwo Jima. On October 5, 1945, Jacobson's bravery was recognized, when President Harry S. Truman, personally presented him with the prestigious Medal of Honor at the White House. Following World War II, Jacobson reenlisted in April 1946. He later earned a commission as an officer in March 1954. Jacobson retired in 1967, but remained active in the veteran community, speaking with schools and veterans' groups about his experiences. On August 20, 2000, Douglas Jacobson passed away in Port Charlotte, Florida, at the age of 74. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington Virginia. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Major Jacobson was decorated with several other honors, including the Presidential Unit Citation with two bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze stars, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, China Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star. His legacy lives on through the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans' Nursing Home ,in Port Charlotte Florida, which was named in his honor.
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William Henry Johnson was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on July 15, 1892. On June 5, 1917, he enlisted in the United States Army, joining the 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Harlem Hell-fighters”, an all-black regiment that paved the way for future African American soldiers.
During a combat operation on May 15, 1918, Johnson sustained 21 wounds and multiple gunshots, but continued to fight, using only the butt of his gun, his knife, and his bare hands.
Johnson single-handedly killed several enemy soldiers and saved his fellow wounded comrade who had been taken captive, earning the nickname of “Black Death”.
The remaining German soldiers fled, leaving behind a cache of weapons, equipment and valuable intelligence.
For his actions, in 1918, he was awarded the Croix de guerre with star and bronze palm by the French, becoming the first U.S. soldier in World War I to receive that honor. Posthumously, he received the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Medal of Honor.
In recognition of his heroism, Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana, was renamed Fort Johnson on June 5, 2023.
On July 1, 1929, at the age of 36, Henry Johnson passed away in New Lenox, Illinois and was laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
#distinguished #America #USA #military #armedforces #War #hero #army #purpleheart #medalofhonor #sacrifice #blackdeath
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On this audio only episode, we honor the legacy of staff sergeant Hammett Lee Bowen Jr. Hammett Lee Bowen Jr. was born on November 30, 1947 in LaGrange, Georgia. In February of 1968, Bowen joined the United States Army and received basic training at Fort Campbell Kentucky. In March of 1969, Bowen arrived in Vietnam, assigned to the 14th Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On June 27, 1969, he made the ultimate sacrifice, saving his fellow soldiers. He was only 21 years old. This is his story.
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Dale Eldon Christensen was born on May 31, 1920, in Cameron, Iowa. He joined the Army in October of 1940 and by July 16, 1944, he was serving as a second lieutenant in Troop E of the 112th Cavalry Regiment during the Battle of Driniumor River. On July 16-19, his platoon engaged in savage fire fights where they were pinned down. Christensen single handedly launched an attack and successfully took out four mortars and 10 machine guns and leaving many dead on the field. On August 4, 1944, he was killed in action. In May of 1945, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Christensen was also awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. He was laid to rest at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines. This is his story...
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Hershel "Woodie" Williams was born on October 2, 1923, in West Virginia. On May 26, 1943 he joined the United States Marine Corps. On December 3, 1943 he departed for the pacific and found himself in heavy combat in World War 2. On February 23, 1945, for four hours, he risked his life to clear the way for his fellow Marines and single-handedly neutralized multiple Japanese pillboxes with a flame-thrower. He was awarded the Medal of Honor and many other accolades. This is his story..
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