VIETNAM WAR
MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
(K-L)
*N.B. An asterisk in the
citation indicates that the award was given posthumously.
*KAROPCZYC, STEPHEN EDWARD
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d
Battalion, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Kontum
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 12 March 1967. Entered service at: Bethpage,
N.Y. Born: 5 March 1944, New York, N.Y. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty. While leading the 3d Platoon, Company A, on a flanking maneuver
against a superior enemy force, 1st Lt. Karopczyc observed that his lead
element was engaged with a small enemy unit along his route. Aware of the
importance of quickly pushing through to the main enemy force in order to
provide relief for a hard-pressed friendly platoon, he dashed through the
intense enemy fire into the open and hurled colored smoke grenades to
designate the foe for attack by helicopter gunships. He moved among his men
to embolden their advance, and he guided their attack by marking enemy
locations with bursts of fire from his own weapon. His forceful leadership
quickened the advance, forced the enemy to retreat, and allowed his unit to
close with the main hostile force. Continuing the deployment of his platoon,
he constantly exposed himself as he ran from man to man to give
encouragement and to direct their efforts. A shot from an enemy sniper
struck him above the heart but he refused aid for this serious injury,
plugging the bleeding wound with his finger until it could be properly
dressed. As the enemy strength mounted, he ordered his men to organize a
defensive position in and around some abandoned bunkers where he conducted a
defense against the increasingly strong enemy attacks. After several hours,
a North Vietnamese soldier hurled a hand grenade to within a few feet of 1st
Lt. Karopczyc and 2 other wounded men. Although his position protected him,
he leaped up to cover the deadly grenade with a steel helmet. It exploded to
drive fragments into 1st Lt. Karopczyc's legs, but his action prevented
further injury to the 2 wounded men. Severely weakened by his multiple
wounds, he continued to direct the actions of his men until he succumbed 2
hours later. 1st Lt. Karopczyc's heroic leadership, unyielding perseverance,
and selfless devotion to his men were directly responsible for the
successful and spirited action of his platoon throughout the battle and are
in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
*KAWAMURA, TERRY TERUO
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, 173d Engineer Company, 173d
Airborne Brigade, Republic of Vietnam. Place and date: Camp Radcliff,
Republic of Vietnam, 20 March 1969. Entered service at: Oahu, Hawaii. Born.
10 December 1949, Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty. Cpl. Kawamura distinguished himself by heroic action while serving
as a member of the 173d Engineer Company. An enemy demolition team
infiltrated the unit quarters area and opened fire with automatic weapons.
Disregarding the intense fire, Cpl. Kawamura ran for his weapon. At that
moment, a violent explosion tore a hole in the roof and stunned the
occupants of the room. Cpl. Kawamura jumped to his feet, secured his weapon
and, as he ran toward the door to return the enemy fire, he observed that
another explosive charge had been thrown through the hole in the roof to the
floor. He immediately realized that 2 stunned fellow soldiers were in great
peril and shouted a warning. Although in a position to escape, Cpl. Kawamura
unhesitatingly wheeled around and threw himself on the charge. In completely
disregarding his safety, Cpl. Kawamura prevented serious injury or death to
several members of his unit. The extraordinary courage and selflessness
displayed by Cpl. Kawamura are in the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
KAYS, KENNETH MICHAEL
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne
Division. place and date: Thua Thien province, Republic of Vietnam, 7 May
1970. Entered service at: Fairfield, Ill. Born: 22 September 1949, Mount
Vernon, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry intrepidity in action at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. (then Pvt.)
Kays distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman with Company D,
1st Battalion, 101st Airborne Division near Fire Support Base Maureen. A
heavily armed force of enemy sappers and infantrymen assaulted Company D's
night defensive position, wounding and killing a number of its members.
Disregarding the intense enemy fire and ground assault, Pfc. Kays began
moving toward the perimeter to assist his fallen comrades. In doing so he
became the target of concentrated enemy fire and explosive charges, 1 of
which severed the lower portion of his left leg. After applying a tourniquet
to his leg, Pfc. Kays moved to the fire-swept perimeter, administered
medical aid to 1 of the wounded, and helped move him to an area of relative
safety. Despite his severe wound and excruciating pain, Pfc. Kays returned
to the perimeter in search of other wounded men. He treated another wounded
comrade, and, using his own body as a shield against enemy bullets and
fragments, moved him to safety. Although weakened from a great loss of
blood, Pfc. Kays resumed his heroic lifesaving efforts by moving beyond the
company's perimeter into enemy held territory to treat a wounded American
lying there. Only after his fellow wounded soldiers had been treated and
evacuated did Pfc. Kays allow his own wounds to be treated. These courageous
acts by Pfc. Kays resulted in the saving of numerous lives and inspired
others in his company to repel the enemy. Pfc. Kays' heroism at the risk of
his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and
reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
* KEDENBURG, JOHN J.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, 5th Special
Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. place and date: Republic of
Vietnam, 13 June 1968. Entered service at: Brooklyn, N.Y. Born: 31 July
1946, Brooklyn, N.Y. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp5c.
Kedenburg, U.S. Army, Command and Control Detachment North, Forward
Operating Base 2, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), distinguished himself
while serving as advisor to a long-range reconnaissance team of South
Vietnamese irregular troops. The team's mission was to conduct
counter-guerrilla operations deep within enemy-held territory. prior to
reaching the day's objective, the team was attacked and encircled by a
battalion-size North Vietnamese Army force. Sp5c. Kedenburg assumed
immediate command of the team which succeeded, after a fierce fight, in
breaking out of the encirclement. As the team moved through thick jungle to
a position from which it could be extracted by helicopter, Sp5c. Kedenburg
conducted a gallant rear guard fight against the pursuing enemy and called
for tactical air support and rescue helicopters. His withering fire against
the enemy permitted the team to reach a preselected landing zone with the
loss of only 1 man, who was unaccounted for. Once in the landing zone, Sp5c.
Kedenburg deployed the team into a perimeter defense against the numerically
superior enemy force. When tactical air support arrived, he skillfully
directed air strikes against the enemy, suppressing their fire so that
helicopters could hover over the area and drop slings to be used in the
extraction of the team. After half of the team was extracted by helicopter,
Sp5c. Kedenburg and the remaining 3 members of the team harnessed themselves
to the sling on a second hovering helicopter. Just as the helicopter was to
lift them out of the area, the South Vietnamese team member who had been
unaccounted for after the initial encounter with the enemy appeared in the
landing zone. Sp5c. Kedenburg unhesitatingly gave up his place in the sling
to the man and directed the helicopter pilot to leave the area. He then
continued to engage the enemy who were swarming into the landing zone,
killing 6 enemy soldiers before he was overpowered. Sp5c. Kedenburg's
inspiring leadership, consummate courage and willing self-sacrifice
permitted his small team to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy and escape
almost certain annihilation. His actions reflect great credit upon himself
and the U.S. Army.
*KEITH, MIGUEL
Rank and organization: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Combined Action
platoon 1-3-2, 111 Marine Amphibious Force. place and date: Quang Ngai
province, Republic of Vietnam, 8 May 1970. Entered service at: Omaha, Nebr.
Born: 2 June 1951, San Antonio, Tex. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a machine gunner with Combined Action platoon 1-3-2. During the
early morning L/Cpl. Keith was seriously wounded when his platoon was
subjected to a heavy ground attack by a greatly outnumbering enemy force.
Despite his painful wounds, he ran across the fire-swept terrain to check
the security of vital defensive positions and then, while completely exposed
to view, proceeded to deliver a hail of devastating machine gun fire against
the enemy. Determined to stop 5 of the enemy soldiers approaching the
command post, he rushed forward, firing as he advanced. He succeeded in
disposing of 3 of the attackers and in dispersing the remaining 2. At this
point, a grenade detonated near L/Cpl. Keith, knocking him to the ground and
inflicting further severe wounds. Fighting pain and weakness from loss of
blood, he again braved the concentrated hostile fire to charge an estimated
25 enemy soldiers who were massing to attack. The vigor of his assault and
his well-placed fire eliminated 4 of the enemy soldiers while the remainder
fled for cover. During this valiant effort, he was mortally wounded by an
enemy soldier. By his courageous and inspiring performance in the face of
almost overwhelming odds, L/Cpl. Keith contributed in large measure to the
success of his platoon in routing a numerically superior enemy force, and
upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval
Service.
KELLER, LEONARD B.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 3d Battalion, 60th
Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. place and date: Ap Bac Zone, Republic of
Vietnam, 2 May 1967. Entered service at: Chicago, Ill. Born: 25 February
1947, Rockford, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sweeping
through an area where an enemy ambush had occurred earlier, Sgt. Keller's
unit suddenly came under Intense automatic weapons and small-arms fire from
a number of enemy bunkers and numerous snipers in nearby trees. Sgt. Keller
quickly moved to a position where he could fire at a bunker from which
automatic fire was received, killing 1 Viet Cong who attempted to escape.
Leaping to the top of a dike, he and a comrade charged the enemy bunkers,
dangerously exposing themselves to the enemy fire. Armed with a light
machine gun, Sgt. Keller and his comrade began a systematic assault on the
enemy bunkers. While Sgt. Keller neutralized the fire from the first bunker
with his machine gun, the other soldier threw in a hand grenade killing its
occupant. Then he and the other soldier charged a second bunker, killing its
occupant. A third bunker contained an automatic rifleman who had pinned down
much of the friendly platoon. Again, with utter disregard for the fire
directed to them, the 2 men charged, killing the enemy within. Continuing
their attack, Sgt. Keller and his comrade assaulted 4 more bunkers, killing
the enemy within. During their furious assault, Sgt. Keller and his comrade
had been almost continuously exposed to intense sniper fire as the enemy
desperately sought to stop their attack. The ferocity of their assault had
carried the soldiers beyond the line of bunkers into the treeline, forcing
snipers to flee. The 2 men gave immediate chase, driving the enemy away from
the friendly unit. When his ammunition was exhausted, Sgt. Keller returned
to the platoon to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. The 2-man assault
had driven an enemy platoon from a well prepared position, accounted for
numerous enemy dead, and prevented further friendly casualties. Sgt.
Keller's selfless heroism and indomitable fighting spirit saved the lives of
many of his comrades and inflicted serious damage on the enemy. His acts
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
KELLEY, THOMAS G.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, River Assault
Division 152. place and date: Ong Muong Canal, Kien Hoa province, Republic
of Vietnam, 15 June 1969. Entered service at: Boston, Mass. Born: 13 May
1939, Boston, Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in the afternoon
while serving as commander of River Assault Division 152 during combat
operations against enemy aggressor forces. Lt. Comdr. (then Lt.) Kelley was
in charge of a column of 8 river assault craft which were extracting 1
company of U.S. Army infantry troops on the east bank of the Ong Muong Canal
in Kien Hoa province, when 1 of the armored troop carriers reported a
mechanical failure of a loading ramp. At approximately the same time, Viet
Cong forces opened fire from the opposite bank of the canal. After issuing
orders for the crippled troop carrier to raise its ramp manually, and for
the remaining boats to form a protective cordon around the disabled craft,
Lt. Comdr. Kelley realizing the extreme danger to his column and its
inability to clear the ambush site until the crippled unit was repaired,
boldly maneuvered the monitor in which he was embarked to the exposed side
of the protective cordon in direct line with the enemy's fire, and ordered
the monitor to commence firing. Suddenly, an enemy rocket scored a direct
hit on the coxswain's flat, the shell penetrating the thick armor plate, and
the explosion spraying shrapnel in all directions. Sustaining serious head
wounds from the blast, which hurled him to the deck of the monitor, Lt.
Cmdr. Kelley disregarded his severe injuries and attempted to continue
directing the other boats. Although unable to move from the deck or to speak
clearly into the radio, he succeeded in relaying his commands through 1 of
his men until the enemy attack was silenced and the boats were able to move
to an area of safety. Lt. Comdr. Kelley's brilliant leadership, bold
initiative, and resolute determination served to inspire his men and provide
the impetus needed to carry out the mission after he was medically evacuated
by helicopter. His extraordinary courage under fire, and his selfless
devotion to duty sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
KELLOGG, ALLAN JAY, JR.
Rank and organization: Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (then S/Sgt.),
Company G, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. place and date:
Quang Nam province, Republic of Vietnam, 11 March 1970. Entered service at:
Bridgeport, Conn. Born: 1 October 1943, Bethel, Conn. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company G,
in connection with combat operations against the enemy on the night of 11
March 1970. Under the leadership of G/Sgt. Kellogg, a small unit from
Company G was evacuating a fallen comrade when the unit came under a heavy
volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior
enemy force occupying well-concealed emplacements in the surrounding jungle.
During the ensuing fierce engagement, an enemy soldier managed to maneuver
through the dense foliage to a position near the marines, and hurled a hand
grenade into their midst which glanced off the chest of G/Sgt. Kellogg.
Quick to act, he forced the grenade into the mud in which he was standing,
threw himself over the lethal weapon and absorbed the full effects of its
detonation with his body thereby preventing serious injury or possible death
to several of his fellow marines. Although suffering multiple injuries to
his chest and his right shoulder and arm, G/Sgt. Kellogg resolutely
continued to direct the efforts of his men until all were able to maneuver
to the relative safety of the company perimeter. By his heroic and decisive
action in risking his life to save the lives of his comrades, G/Sgt. Kellogg
reflected the highest credit upon himself and upheld the finest traditions
of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.
KERREY, JOSEPH R.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Naval Reserve, Sea,
Air, and Land Team (SEAL). place and date: Near Nha Trang Bay, Republic of
Vietnam, 14 March 1969. Entered service at: Omaha, Nebr. Born: 27 August
1943, Lincoln, Nebr. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a
SEAL team leader during action against enemy aggressor (Viet Cong) forces.
Acting in response to reliable intelligence, Lt. (J.G..) Kerrey led his SEAL
team on a mission to capture important members of the enemy's area political
cadre known to be located on an island in the bay of Nha Trang. In order to
surprise the enemy, he and his team scaled a 350-foot sheer cliff to place
themselves above the ledge on which the enemy was located. Splitting his
team in 2 elements and coordinating both, Lt. (J.G..) Kerrey led his men in
the treacherous downward descent to the enemy's camp. Just as they neared
the end of their descent, intense enemy fire was directed at them, and Lt. (J.G.)
Kerrey received massive injuries from a grenade which exploded at his feet
and threw him backward onto the jagged rocks. Although bleeding profusely
and suffering great pain, he displayed outstanding courage and presence of
mind in immediately directing his element's fire into the heart of the enemy
camp. Utilizing his radioman, Lt. (J.G.) Kerrey called in the second
element's fire support which caught the confused Viet Cong in a devastating
crossfire. After successfully suppressing the enemy's fire, and although
immobilized by his multiple wounds, he continued to maintain calm,
superlative control as he ordered his team to secure and defend an
extraction site. Lt. (J.G.) Kerrey resolutely directed his men, despite his
near unconscious state, until he was eventually evacuated by helicopter. The
havoc brought to the enemy by this very successful mission cannot be
over-estimated. The enemy soldiers who were captured provided critical
intelligence to the allied effort. Lt. (J.G.) Kerrey's courageous and
inspiring leadership, valiant fighting spirit, and tenacious devotion to
duty in the face of almost overwhelming opposition sustain and enhance the
finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
KINSMAN, THOMAS JAMES
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 3d
Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. place and date: Near Vinh
Long, Republic of Vietnam, 6 February 1968. Entered service at: Seattle,
Wash. Born: 4 March 1945, Renton, Wash. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty Sp4c. Kinsman (then Pfc.) distinguished himself in action in the
afternoon while serving as a rifleman with Company B, on a
reconnaissance-in-force mission. As his company was proceeding up a narrow
canal in armored troops carriers, it came under sudden and intense rocket,
automatic weapons and small-arms fire from a well entrenched Viet Cong
force. The company immediately beached and began assaulting the enemy bunker
complex. Hampered by exceedingly dense undergrowth which limited visibility
to 10 meters, a group of 8 men became cut off from the main body of the
company. As they were moving through heavy enemy fire to effect a link-up,
an enemy soldier in a concealed position hurled a grenade into their midst.
Sp4c. Kinsman immediately alerted his comrades of the danger, then
unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade and blocked the explosion with
his body. As a result of his courageous action, he received severe head and
chest wounds. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his
personal safety and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, Sp4c. Kinsman
averted loss of life and injury to the other 7 men of his element. Sp4c.
Kinsman's extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life, above and beyond
the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
LAMBERS, PAUL RONALD
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d
Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. place and date: Tay Ninh
province, Republic of Vietnam, 20 August 1968. Entered service at: Holland,
Mich. Born: 25 June 1942, Holland, Mich. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty. S/Sgt. (then Sgt.) Lambers distinguished himself in action while
serving with the 3d platoon, Company A. The unit had established a night
defensive position astride a suspected enemy infiltration route, when it was
attacked by an estimated Viet Cong battalion. During the initial enemy
onslaught, the platoon leader fell seriously wounded and S/Sgt. Lambers
assumed command of the platoon. Disregarding the intense enemy fire, S/Sgt.
Lambers left his covered position, secured the platoon radio and moved to
the command post to direct the defense. When his radio became inoperative
due to enemy action, S/Sgt. Lambers crossed the fire swept position to
secure the 90mm recoilless rifle crew's radio in order to re-establish
communications. Upon discovering that the 90mm recoilless rifle was not
functioning, S/Sgt. Lambers assisted in the repair of the weapon and
directed canister fire at point-blank range against the attacking enemy who
had breached the defensive wire of the position. When the weapon was knocked
out by enemy fire, he single-handedly repulsed a penetration of the position
by detonating claymore mines and throwing grenades into the midst of the
attackers, killing 4 more of the Viet Cong with well aimed hand grenades.
S/Sgt. Lambers maintained command of the platoon elements by moving from
position to position under the hail of enemy fire, providing assistance
where the assault was the heaviest and by his outstanding example inspiring
his men to the utmost efforts of courage. He displayed great skill and valor
throughout the 5-hour battle by personally directing artillery and
helicopter fire, placing them at times within 5 meters of the defensive
position. He repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire at great risk to his
own life in order to redistribute ammunition and to care for seriously
wounded comrades and to move them to sheltered positions. S/Sgt. Lambers'
superb leadership, professional skill and magnificent courage saved the
lives of his comrades, resulted in the virtual annihilation of a vastly
superior enemy force and were largely instrumental in thwarting an enemy
offensive against Tay Ninh City. His gallantry at the risk of his life is in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects
great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
LANG, GEORGE C.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 4th
Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. place and date: Kien Hoa
province, Republic of Vietnam, 22 February 1969. Entered service at:
Brooklyn, N.Y. Born: 20 April 1947, Flushing, N.Y . Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Lang, Company A, was serving as a
squad leader when his unit, on a reconnaissance-in-force mission,
encountered intense fire from a well fortified enemy bunker complex. Sp4c.
Lang observed an emplacement from which heavy fire was coming.
Unhesitatingly, he assaulted the position and destroyed it with hand
grenades and rifle fire. Observing another emplacement approximately 15
meters to his front, Sp4c. Lang jumped across a canal, moved through heavy
enemy fire to within a few feet of the position, and eliminated it, again
using hand grenades and rifle fire. Nearby, he discovered a large cache of
enemy ammunition. As he maneuvered his squad forward to secure the cache,
they came under fire from yet a third bunker. Sp4c. Lang immediately
reacted, assaulted his position, and destroyed it with the remainder of his
grenades. After returning to the area of the arms cache, his squad again
came under heavy enemy rocket and automatic weapons fire from 3 sides and
suffered 6 casualties. Sp4c. Lang was 1 of those seriously wounded. Although
immobilized and in great pain, he continued to direct his men until his
evacuation was ordered over his protests. The sustained extraordinary
courage and selflessness exhibited by this soldier over an extended period
of time were an inspiration to his comrades and are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
*LANGHORN, GARFIELD M.
Rank and organization: Private First class, U.S. Army, Troop C, 7th
Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade. place and date:
Pleiku province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 January 1969. Entered service at:
Brooklyn, N.Y. Born: 10 September 1948, Cumberland, Va. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Langhorn distinguished himself while
serving as a radio operator with Troop C, near Plei Djereng in Pleiku
province. Pfc. Langhorn's platoon was inserted into a landing zone to rescue
2 pilots of a Cobra helicopter shot down by enemy fire on a heavily timbered
slope. He provided radio coordination with the command-and-control aircraft
overhead while the troops hacked their way through dense undergrowth to the
wreckage, where both aviators were found dead. As the men were taking the
bodies to a pickup site, they suddenly came under intense fire from North
Vietnamese soldiers in camouflaged bunkers to the front and right flank, and
within minutes they were surrounded. Pfc. Langhorn immediately radioed for
help from the orbiting gunships, which began to place minigun and rocket
fire on the aggressors. He then lay between the platoon leader and another
man, operating the radio and providing covering fire for the wounded who had
been moved to the center of the small perimeter. Darkness soon fell, making
it impossible for the gunships to give accurate support, and the aggressors
began to probe the perimeter. An enemy hand grenade landed in front of Pfc.
Langhorn and a few feet from personnel who had become casualties. Choosing
to protect these wounded, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade,
scooped it beneath his body and absorbed the blast. By sacrificing himself,
he saved the lives of his comrades. Pfc. Langhorn's extraordinary heroism at
the cost of his life was in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S.
Army.
*LAPOINTE, JOSEPH G., JR.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, 2d Squadron,
17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division . place and date: Quang Tin province,
Republic of Vietnam, 2 June 1969. Entered service at: Cincinnati, Ohio.
Born: 2 July 1948, Dayton, Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Sp4c. Lapointe, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron,
distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman during a combat
helicopter assault mission. Sp4c. Lapointe's patrol was advancing from the
landing zone through an adjoining valley when it suddenly encountered heavy
automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force entrenched in well fortified
bunker positions. In the initial hail of fire, 2 soldiers in the formation
vanguard were seriously wounded. Hearing a call for aid from 1 of the
wounded, Sp4c. Lapointe ran forward through heavy fire to assist his fallen
comrades. To reach the wounded men, he was forced to crawl directly in view
of an enemy bunker. As members of his unit attempted to provide covering
fire, he administered first aid to 1 man, shielding the other with his body.
He was hit by a burst of fire from the bunker while attending the wounded
soldier. In spite of his painful wounds, Sp4c. Lapointe continued his
lifesaving duties until he was again wounded and knocked to the ground.
Making strenuous efforts, he moved back again into a shielding position to
continue administering first aid. An exploding enemy grenade mortally
wounded all 3 men. Sp4c. Lapointe's courageous actions at the cost of his
life were an inspiration to his comrades. His gallantry and selflessness are
in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
LASSEN, CLYDE EVERETT
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, Helicopter Support Squadron
7, Detachment 104, embarked in U.S.S. Preble (DLG-15). place and date:
Republic of Vietnam, 19 June 1968. Entered service at: Jacksonville, Fla.
Born: 14 March 1942, Fort Myers, Fla. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as
pilot and aircraft commander of a search and rescue helicopter, attached to
Helicopter Support Squadron 7, during operations against enemy forces in
North Vietnam. Launched shortly after midnight to attempt the rescue of 2
downed aviators, Lt. (then Lt. (J.G.)) Lassen skillfully piloted his
aircraft over unknown and hostile terrain to a steep, tree-covered hill on
which the survivors had been located. Although enemy fire was being directed
at the helicopter, he initially landed in a clear area near the base of the
hill, but, due to the dense undergrowth, the survivors could not reach the
helicopter. With the aid of flare illumination, Lt. Lassen successfully
accomplished a hover between 2 trees at the survivors' position Illumination
was abruptly lost as the last of the flares were expended, and the
helicopter collided with a tree, commencing a sharp descent. Expertly
righting his aircraft and maneuvering clear, Lt. Lassen remained in the
area, determined to make another rescue attempt, and encouraged the downed
aviators while awaiting resumption of flare illumination. After another
unsuccessful, illuminated rescue attempt, and with his fuel dangerously low
and his aircraft significantly damaged, he launched again and commenced
another approach in the face of the continuing enemy opposition. When flare
illumination was again lost, Lt. Lassen, fully aware of the dangers in
clearly revealing his position to the enemy, turned on his landing lights
and completed the landing. On this attempt, the survivors were able to make
their way to the helicopter. En route to the coast he encountered and
successfully evaded additional hostile antiaircraft fire and, with fuel for
only 5 minutes of flight remaining, landed safely aboard U.S.S. Jouett
(DLG-29) .
*LAUFFER, BILLY LANE
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 2d
Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division. place and date: Near Bon
Son in Binh Dinh province, Republic of Vietnam, 21 September 1966. Entered
service at: phoenix, Ariz. Born: 20 October 1945, Murray, Ky. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Lauffer's squad, a part of Company
C, was suddenly struck at close range by an intense machine gun crossfire
from 2 concealed bunkers astride the squad's route. Pfc. Lauffer, the second
man in the column, saw the lead man fall and noted that the remainder of the
squad was unable to move. Two comrades, previously wounded and being carried
on litters, were Lying helpless in the beaten zone of the enemy fire.
Reacting instinctively, Pfc. Lauffer quickly engaged both bunkers with fire
from his rifle, but when the other squad members attempted to maneuver under
his covering fire, the enemy fusillade increased in volume and thwarted
every attempt to move. Seeing this and his wounded comrades helpless in the
open, Pfc. Lauffer rose to his feet and charged the enemy machine gun
positions, firing his weapon and drawing the enemy's attention. Keeping the
enemy confused and off balance, his 1-man assault provided the crucial
moments for the wounded point man to crawl to a covered position, the squad
to move the exposed litter patients to safety, and his comrades to gain more
advantageous positions. Pfc. Lauffer was fatally wounded during his selfless
act of courage and devotion to his fellow soldiers. His gallantry at the
cost of his life served as an inspiration to his comrades and saved the
lives of an untold number of his companions. His actions are in keeping with
the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*LAW, ROBERT D.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company 1
(Ranger), 75th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. place and date: Tinh Phuoc
Thanh province, Republic of Vietnam, 22 February 1969. Entered service at:
Dallas, Tex. Born: 15 September 1944, Fort Worth, Tex. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Law distinguished himself while
serving with Company 1. While on a long-range reconnaissance patrol in Tinh
Phuoc Thanh province, Sp4c. Law and 5 comrades made contact with a small
enemy patrol. As the opposing elements exchanged intense fire, he maneuvered
to a perilously exposed position flanking his comrades and began placing
suppressive fire on the hostile troops. Although his team was hindered by a
low supply of ammunition and suffered from an unidentified irritating gas in
the air, Sp4c. Law's spirited defense and challenging counterassault rallied
his fellow soldiers against the well-equipped hostile troops. When an enemy
grenade landed in his team's position, Sp4c. Law, instead of diving into the
safety of a stream behind him, threw himself on the grenade to save the
lives of his comrades. Sp4c. Law's extraordinary courage and profound
concern for his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and
the U.S. Army.
LEE, HOWARD V.
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion,
4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein). place and date: Near Cam Lo,
Republic of Vietnam, 8 and 9 August 1966. Entered service at: Dumfries, Va.
Born: 1 August 1933, New York, N.Y. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. A
platoon of Maj. (then Capt.) Lee's company, while on an operation deep in
enemy territory, was attacked and surrounded by a large Vietnamese force.
Realizing that the unit had suffered numerous casualties, depriving it of
effective leadership, and fully aware that the platoon was even then under
heavy attack by the enemy, Maj Lee took 7 men and proceeded by helicopter to
reinforce the beleaguered platoon. Maj. Lee disembarked from the helicopter
with 2 of his men and, braving withering enemy fire, led them into the
perimeter, where he fearlessly moved from position to position, directing
and encouraging the overtaxed troops. The enemy then launched a massive
attack with the full might of their forces. Although painfully wounded by
fragments from an enemy grenade in several areas of his body, including his
eye, Maj. Lee continued undauntedly throughout the night to direct the
valiant defense, coordinate supporting fire, and apprise higher headquarters
of the plight of the platoon. The next morning he collapsed from his wounds
and was forced to relinquish command. However the small band of marines had
held their position and repeatedly fought off many vicious enemy attacks for
a grueling 6 hours until their evacuation was effected the following
morning. Maj. Lee's actions saved his men from capture, minimized the loss
of lives, and dealt the enemy a severe defeat. His indomitable fighting
spirit, superb leadership, and great personal valor in the face of
tremendous odds, reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with
the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.
*LEE, MILTON A.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d
Battalion, 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile).
place and date: Near Phu Bai, Thua Thien province, Republic of Vietnam, 26
April 1968. Entered service at: San Antonio, Tex. Born: 28 February 1949,
Shreveport, La. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Lee
distinguished himself near the city of Phu Bai in the province of Thua Thien.
Pfc. Lee was serving as the radio telephone operator with the 3d platoon,
Company B. As lead element for the company, the 3d platoon received intense
surprise hostile fire from a force of North Vietnamese Army regulars in
well-concealed bunkers. With 50 percent casualties, the platoon maneuvered
to a position of cover to treat their wounded and reorganize, while Pfc. Lee
moved through the heavy enemy fire giving lifesaving first aid to his
wounded comrades. During the subsequent assault on the enemy defensive
positions, Pfc. Lee continuously kept close radio contact with the company
commander, relaying precise and understandable orders to his platoon leader.
While advancing with the front rank toward the objective, Pfc. Lee observed
4 North Vietnamese soldiers with automatic weapons and a rocket launcher
Lying in wait for the lead element of the platoon. As the element moved
forward, unaware of the concealed danger, Pfc. Lee immediately and with
utter disregard for his own personal safety, passed his radio to another
soldier and charged through the murderous fire. Without hesitation he
continued his assault, overrunning the enemy position, killing all occupants
and capturing 4 automatic weapons and a rocket launcher. Pfc. Lee continued
his 1-man assault on the second position through a heavy barrage of enemy
automatic weapons fire. Grievously wounded, he continued to press the
attack, crawling forward into a firing position and delivering accurate
covering fire to enable his platoon to maneuver and destroy the position.
Not until the position was overrun did Pfc. Lee falter in his steady volume
of fire and succumb to his wounds. Pfc. Lee's heroic actions saved the lives
of the lead element and were instrumental in the destruction of the key
position of the enemy defense. Pfc. Lee's gallantry at the risk of life
above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, the 502d
Infantry, and the U.S. Army.
*LEISY, ROBERT RONALD
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Infantry, Company B,
1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. place and date: Phuoc Long
province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 December 1969. Entered service at: Seattle,
Wash. Born: 1 March 1945, Stockton, Calif. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty. 2d Lt. Leisy, Infantry, Company B, distinguished himself
while serving as platoon leader during a reconnaissance mission. One of his
patrols became heavily engaged by fire from a numerically superior enemy
force located in a well-entrenched bunker complex. As 2d Lt. Leisy deployed
the remainder of his platoon to rescue the beleaguered patrol, the platoon
also came under intense enemy fire from the front and both flanks. In
complete disregard for his safety, 2d Lt. Leisy moved from position to
position deploying his men to effectively engage the enemy. Accompanied by
his radio operator he moved to the front and spotted an enemy sniper in a
tree in the act of firing a rocket-propelled grenade at them. Realizing
there was neither time to escape the grenade nor shout a warning, 2d Lt.
Leisy unhesitatingly, and with full knowledge of the consequences, shielded
the radio operator with his body and absorbed the full impact of the
explosion. This valorous act saved the life of the radio operator and
protected other men of his platoon who were nearby from serious injury.
Despite his mortal wounds, 2d Lt. Leisy calmly and confidently continued to
direct the platoon's fire. When medical aid arrived, 2d Lt. Leisy valiantly
refused attention until the other seriously wounded were treated. His
display of extraordinary courage and exemplary devotion to duty provided the
inspiration and leadership that enabled his platoon to successfully withdraw
without further casualties. 2d Lt. Leisy's gallantry at the cost of his life
are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
LEMON, PETER C.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company E, 2d Battalion, 8th
Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. place and date: Tay Ninh province, Republic
of Vietnam, 1 April 1970. Entered service at: Tawas City, Mich. Born: 5 June
1950, Toronto, Canada. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt.
Lemon (then Sp4c.), Company E, distinguished himself while serving as an
assistant machine gunner during the defense of Fire Support Base Illingworth.
When the base came under heavy enemy attack, Sgt. Lemon engaged a
numerically superior enemy with machine gun and rifle fire from his
defensive position until both weapons malfunctioned. He then used hand
grenades to fend off the intensified enemy attack launched in his direction.
After eliminating all but 1 of the enemy soldiers in the immediate vicinity,
he pursued and disposed of the remaining soldier in hand-to-hand combat.
Despite fragment wounds from an exploding grenade, Sgt. Lemon regained his
position, carried a more seriously wounded comrade to an aid station, and,
as he returned, was wounded a second time by enemy fire. Disregarding his
personal injuries, he moved to his position through a hail of small arms and
grenade fire. Sgt. Lemon immediately realized that the defensive sector was
in danger of being overrun by the enemy and unhesitatingly assaulted the
enemy soldiers by throwing hand grenades and engaging in hand-to-hand
combat. He was wounded yet a third time, but his determined efforts
successfully drove the enemy from the position. Securing an operable machine
gun, Sgt. Lemon stood atop an embankment fully exposed to enemy fire, and
placed effective fire upon the enemy until he collapsed from his multiple
wounds and exhaustion. After regaining consciousness at the aid station, he
refused medical evacuation until his more seriously wounded comrades had
been evacuated. Sgt. Lemon's gallantry and extraordinary heroism, are in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect
great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*LEONARD, MATTHEW
Rank and organization: platoon Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. place and date: Near Suoi
Da, Republic of Vietnam, 28 February 1967. Entered service at: Birmingham,
Ala. Born: 26 November 1929, Eutaw, Ala. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty. His platoon was suddenly attacked by a large enemy force employing
small arms, automatic weapons, and hand grenades. Although the platoon
leader and several other key leaders were among the first wounded, P/Sgt.
Leonard quickly rallied his men to throw back the initial enemy assaults.
During the short pause that followed, he organized a defensive perimeter,
redistributed ammunition, and inspired his comrades through his forceful
leadership and words of encouragement. Noticing a wounded companion outside
the perimeter, he dragged the man to safety but was struck by a sniper's
bullet which shattered his left hand. Refusing medical attention and
continuously exposing himself to the increasing fire as the enemy again
assaulted the perimeter, P/Sgt. Leonard moved from position to position to
direct the fire of his men against the well camouflaged foe. Under the cover
of the main attack, the enemy moved a machine gun into a location where it
could sweep the entire perimeter. This threat was magnified when the platoon
machine gun in this area malfunctioned. P/Sgt. Leonard quickly crawled to
the gun position and was helping to clear the malfunction when the gunner
and other men in the vicinity were wounded by fire from the enemy machine
gun. P/Sgt. Leonard rose to his feet, charged the enemy gun and destroyed
the hostile crew despite being hit several times by enemy fire. He moved to
a tree, propped himself against it, and continued to engage the enemy until
he succumbed to his many wounds. His fighting spirit, heroic leadership, and
valiant acts inspired the remaining members of his platoon to hold back the
enemy until assistance arrived. P/Sgt. Leonard's profound courage and
devotion to his men are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service, and his gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself
and the U.S. Army.
LEVITOW, JOHN L.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, 3d Special Operations
Squadron. place and date: Long Binh Army post, Republic of Vietnam, 24
February 1969. Entered service at: New Haven, Conn. Born: 1 November 1945,
Hartford, Conn. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt.
Levitow (then A1c.), U.S. Air Force, distinguished himself by exceptional
heroism while assigned as a loadmaster aboard an AC-47 aircraft flying a
night mission in support of Long Binh Army post. Sgt. Levitow's aircraft was
struck by a hostile mortar round. The resulting explosion ripped a hole 2
feet in diameter through the wing and fragments made over 3,500 holes in the
fuselage. All occupants of the cargo compartment were wounded and helplessly
slammed against the floor and fuselage. The explosion tore an activated
flare from the grasp of a crewmember who had been launching flares to
provide illumination for Army ground troops engaged in combat. Sgt. Levitow,
though stunned by the concussion of the blast and suffering from over 40
fragment wounds in the back and legs, staggered to his feet and turned to
assist the man nearest to him who had been knocked down and was bleeding
heavily. As he was moving his wounded comrade forward and away from the
opened cargo compartment door, he saw the smoking flare ahead of him in the
aisle. Realizing the danger involved and completely disregarding his own
wounds, Sgt. Levitow started toward the burning flare. The aircraft was
partially out of control and the flare was rolling wildly from side to side.
Sgt. Levitow struggled forward despite the loss of blood from his many
wounds and the partial loss of feeling in his right leg. Unable to grasp the
rolling flare with his hands, he threw himself bodily upon the burning
flare. Hugging the deadly device to his body, he dragged himself back to the
rear of the aircraft and hurled the flare through the open cargo door. At
that instant the flare separated and ignited in the air, but clear of the
aircraft. Sgt. Levitow, by his selfless and heroic actions, saved the
aircraft and its entire crew from certain death and destruction. Sgt.
Levitow's gallantry, his profound concern for his fellowmen, at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and
the Armed Forces of his country.
LITEKY, ANGELO J.
Rank and organization: Chaplain (Capt.), U.S. Army, Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 199th Infantry Brigade. place and date: Near Phuoc-Lac,
Bien Hoa province, Republic of Vietnam, 6 December 1967 . Entered service
at: Fort Hamilton, N.Y. Born: 14 February 1931, Washington, D.C. Citation:
Chaplain Liteky distinguished himself by exceptional heroism while serving
with Company A, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.
He was participating in a search and destroy operation when Company A came
under intense fire from a battalion size enemy force. Momentarily stunned
from the immediate encounter that ensued, the men hugged the ground for
cover. Observing 2 wounded men, Chaplain Liteky moved to within 15 meters of
an enemy machine gun position to reach them, placing himself between the
enemy and the wounded men. When there was a brief respite in the fighting,
he managed to drag them to the relative safety of the landing zone. Inspired
by his courageous actions, the company rallied and began placing a heavy
volume of fire upon the enemy's positions. In a magnificent display of
courage and leadership, Chaplain Liteky began moving upright through the
enemy fire, administering last rites to the dying and evacuating the
wounded. Noticing another trapped and seriously wounded man, Chaplain Liteky
crawled to his aid. Realizing that the wounded man was too heavy to carry,
he rolled on his back, placed the man on his chest and through sheer
determination and fortitude crawled back to the landing zone using his
elbows and heels to push himself along. pausing for breath momentarily, he
returned to the action and came upon a man entangled in the dense, thorny
underbrush. Once more intense enemy fire was directed at him, but Chaplain
Liteky stood his ground and calmly broke the vines and carried the man to
the landing zone for evacuation. On several occasions when the landing zone
was under small arms and rocket fire, Chaplain Liteky stood up in the face
of hostile fire and personally directed the medivac helicopters into and out
of the area. With the wounded safely evacuated, Chaplain Liteky returned to
the perimeter, constantly encouraging and inspiring the men. Upon the unit's
relief on the morning of 7 December 1967, it was discovered that despite
painful wounds in the neck and foot, Chaplain Liteky had personally carried
over 20 men to the landing zone for evacuation during the savage fighting.
Through his indomitable inspiration and heroic actions, Chaplain Liteky
saved the lives of a number of his comrades and enabled the company to
repulse the enemy. Chaplain Liteky's actions reflect great credit upon
himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
LITTRELL, GARY LEE
Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Advisory Team 21,
11 Corps Advisory Group. place and date: Kontum province, Republic of
Vietnam, 4-8 April 1970. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 26
October 1944, Henderson, Ky. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Sfc. Littrell, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Advisory
Team 21, distinguished himself while serving as a Light Weapons Infantry
Advisor with the 23d Battalion, 2d Ranger Group, Republic of Vietnam Army,
near Dak Seang. After establishing a defensive perimeter on a hill on April
4, the battalion was subjected to an intense enemy mortar attack which
killed the Vietnamese commander, 1 advisor, and seriously wounded all the
advisors except Sfc. Littrell. During the ensuing 4 days, Sfc Littrell
exhibited near superhuman endurance as he single-handedly bolstered the
besieged battalion. Repeatedly abandoning positions of relative safety, he
directed artillery and air support by day and marked the unit's location by
night, despite the heavy, concentrated enemy fire. His dauntless will
instilled in the men of the 23d Battalion a deep desire to resist. Assault
after assault was repulsed as the battalion responded to the extraordinary
leadership and personal example exhibited by Sfc. Littrell as he
continuously moved to those points most seriously threatened by the enemy,
redistributed ammunition, strengthened faltering defenses, cared for the
wounded and shouted encouragement to the Vietnamese in their own language.
When the beleaguered battalion was finally ordered to withdraw, numerous
ambushes were encountered. Sfc. Littrell repeatedly prevented widespread
disorder by directing air strikes to within 50 meters of their position.
Through his indomitable courage and complete disregard for his safety, he
averted excessive loss of life and injury to the members of the battalion.
The sustained extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sfc.
Littrell over an extended period of time were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the
U.S. Army.
LIVINGSTON, JAMES E.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d
Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade. place and date: Dai
Do, Republic of Vietnam, 2 May 1968. Entered service at: McRae, Ga. Born: 12
January 1940, Towns, Telfair County, Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
while serving as Commanding Officer, Company E, in action against enemy
forces. Company E launched a determined assault on the heavily fortified
village of Dai Do, which had been seized by the enemy on the preceding
evening isolating a marine company from the remainder of the battalion.
Skillfully employing screening agents, Capt. Livingston maneuvered his men
to assault positions across 500 meters of dangerous open rice paddy while
under intense enemy fire. Ignoring hostile rounds impacting near him, he
fearlessly led his men in a savage assault against enemy emplacements within
the village. While adjusting supporting arms fire, Capt. Livingston moved to
the points of heaviest resistance, shouting words of encouragement to his
marines, directing their fire, and spurring the dwindling momentum of the
attack on repeated occasions. 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. As the 2 companies consolidated positions and evacuated
casualties, a third company passed through the friendly lines launching an
assault on the adjacent village of Dinh To, only to be halted by a furious
counterattack of an enemy battalion. Swiftly assessing the situation and
disregarding the heavy volume of enemy fire, Capt. Livingston boldly
maneuvered the remaining effective men of his company forward, joined forces
with the heavily engaged marines, and halted the enemy's counterattack
Wounded a third time and unable to walk, he steadfastly remained in the
dangerously exposed area, deploying his men to more tenable positions and
supervising the evacuation of casualties. Only when assured of the safety of
his men did he allow himself to be evacuated. Capt. Livingston's gallant
actions uphold the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval
Service.
*LONG, DONALD RUSSELL
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th
Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 30 June
1966. Entered service at: Ashland, Ky. Born: 27 August 1939, Blackfork,
Ohio. G.O. No.: 13, 4 April 1968. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Troops B and C, while conducting a reconnaissance mission along a road
were suddenly attacked by a Viet Cong regiment, supported by mortars,
recoilless rifles and machine guns, from concealed positions astride the
road. Sgt. Long abandoned the relative safety of his armored personnel
carrier and braved a withering hail of enemy fire to carry wounded men to
evacuation helicopters. As the platoon fought its way forward to resupply
advanced elements, Sgt. Long repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire at
point blank range to provide the needed supplies. While assaulting the Viet
Cong position, Sgt. Long inspired his comrades by fearlessly standing
unprotected to repel the enemy with rifle fire and grenades as they
attempted to mount his carrier. When the enemy threatened to overrun a
disabled carrier nearby, Sgt. Long again disregarded his own safety to help
the severely wounded crew to safety. As he was handing arms to the less
seriously wounded and reorganizing them to press the attack, an enemy
grenade was hurled onto the carrier deck. Immediately recognizing the
imminent danger, he instinctively shouted a warning to the crew and pushed
to safety one man who had not heard his warning over the roar of battle.
Realizing that these actions would not fully protect the exposed crewmen
from the deadly explosion, he threw himself over the grenade to absorb the
blast and thereby saved the lives of 8 of his comrades at the expense of his
life. Throughout the battle, Sgt. Long's extraordinary heroism, courage and
supreme devotion to his men were in the finest tradition of the military
service, and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
*LOZADA, CARLOS JAMES
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d
Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. place and date: Dak To,
Republic of Vietnam, 20 November 1967. Entered service at: New York, N.Y.
Born: 6 September 1946, Caguas, Puerto Rico. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty. Pfc. Lozada, U.S. Army, distinguished himself at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty in the battle of Dak To. While
serving as a machine gunner with 1st platoon, Company A, Pfc. Lozada was
part of a 4-man early warning outpost, located 35 meters from his company's
lines. At 1400 hours a North Vietnamese Army company rapidly approached the
outpost along a well defined trail. Pfc. Lozada alerted his comrades and
commenced firing at the enemy who were within 10 meters of the outpost. His
heavy and accurate machine gun fire killed at least 20 North Vietnamese
soldiers and completely disrupted their initial attack. Pfc. Lozada remained
in an exposed position and continued to pour deadly fire upon the enemy
despite the urgent pleas of his comrades to withdraw. The enemy continued
their assault, attempting to envelop the outpost. At the same time enemy
forces launched a heavy attack on the forward west flank of Company A with
the intent to cut them off from their battalion. Company A was given the
order to withdraw. Pfc. Lozada apparently realized that if he abandoned his
position there would be nothing to hold back the surging North Vietnamese
soldiers and that the entire company withdrawal would be jeopardized. He
called for his comrades to move back and that he would stay and provide
cover for them. He made this decision realizing that the enemy was
converging on 3 sides of his position and only meters away, and a delay in
withdrawal meant almost certain death. Pfc. Lozada continued to deliver a
heavy, accurate volume of suppressive fire against the enemy until he was
mortally wounded and had to be carried during the withdrawal. His heroic
deed served as an example and an inspiration to his comrades throughout the
ensuing 4-day battle. Pfc. Lozada's actions are in the highest traditions of
the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S.
Army.
*LUCAS, ANDRE C.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 2d Battalion, 506th
Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. place and date: Fire Support Base
Ripcord, Republic of Vietnam, 1 to 23 July 1970. Entered service at: West
point, N.Y. Born: 2 October 1930, Washington D.C. Citation: Lt. Col. Lucas
distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while serving as the
commanding officer of the 2d Battalion. Although the fire base was
constantly subjected to heavy attacks by a numerically superior enemy force
throughout this period, Lt. Col. Lucas, forsaking his own safety, performed
numerous acts of extraordinary valor in directing the defense of the allied
position. On 1 occasion, he flew in a helicopter at treetop level above an
entrenched enemy directing the fire of 1 of his companies for over 3 hours.
Even though his helicopter was heavily damaged by enemy fire, he remained in
an exposed position until the company expended its supply of grenades. He
then transferred to another helicopter, dropped critically needed grenades
to the troops, and resumed his perilous mission of directing fire on the
enemy. These courageous actions by Lt. Col. Lucas prevented the company from
being encircled and destroyed by a larger enemy force. On another occasion,
Lt. Col. Lucas attempted to rescue a crewman trapped in a burning
helicopter. As the flames in the. aircraft spread, and enemy fire became
intense, Lt. Col. Lucas ordered all members of the rescue party to safety.
Then, at great personal risk, he continued the rescue effort amid
concentrated enemy mortar fire, intense heat, and exploding ammunition until
the aircraft was completely engulfed in flames. Lt. Col. Lucas was mortally
wounded while directing the successful withdrawal of his battalion from the
fire base. His actions throughout this extended period inspired his men to
heroic efforts, and were instrumental in saving the lives of many of his
fellow soldiers while inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Lt. Col.
Lucas' conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action, at the cost of his
own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit on him, his unit and the U.S. Army.
LYNCH, ALLEN JAMES
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company D, 1st Battalion
(Airmobile), 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). place and date:
Near My An (2), Binh Dinh province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 December 1967.
Entered service at: Chicago, Ill. Born: 28 October 1945, Chicago, Ill.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Lynch (then Sp4c.)
distinguished himself while serving as a radio telephone operator with
Company D. While serving in the forward element on an operation near the
village of My An, his unit became heavily engaged with a numerically
superior enemy force. Quickly and accurately assessing the situation, Sgt.
Lynch provided his commander with information which subsequently proved
essential to the unit's successful actions. Observing 3 wounded comrades
Lying exposed to enemy fire, Sgt. Lynch dashed across 50 meters of open
ground through a withering hail of enemy fire to administer aid.
Reconnoitering a nearby trench for a covered position to protect the wounded
from intense hostile fire, he killed 2 enemy soldiers at point blank range.
With the trench cleared, he unhesitatingly returned to the fire-swept area 3
times to carry the wounded men to safety. When his company was forced to
withdraw by the superior firepower of the enemy, Sgt. Lynch remained to aid
his comrades at the risk of his life rather than abandon them. Alone, he
defended his isolated position for 2 hours against the advancing enemy.
Using only his rifle and a grenade, he stopped them just short of his
trench, killing 5. Again, disregarding his safety in the face of withering
hostile fire, he crossed 70 meters of exposed terrain 5 times to carry his
wounded comrades to a more secure area. Once he had assured their comfort
and safety, Sgt. Lynch located the counterattacking friendly company to
assist in directing the attack and evacuating the 3 casualties. His
gallantry at the risk of his life is in the highest traditions of the
military service, Sgt. Lynch has reflected great credit on himself, the 12th
Cavalry, and the U.S. Army.
A-B
C-D
E-F
G-H
I-J
K-L
M-N
O-P
Q-R
S-T
U-W
X-Z
|
