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Congressional Medal of Honor - U S Army 4th Infantry Division
(Mechanized)
World War II Recipients
Name
Rank
Unit
Date
GARCIA, MARCARIO
S/SGT
B/22 INF
11/27/44
MABRY, GEORGE L., JR.
LTC
2/8 INF
11/20/44
RAY, BERNARD J.
1LT
F/8 INF
11/17/44
ROOSEVELT, THEODORE JR.
B/GEN
HQ/4/DIV
6/6/44
GARCIA, MARCARIO
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Near Grosshau, Germany, 27 November 1944.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Sugarland, Texas
BORN: 20 January 1920, Villa de Castano, Mexico
G.O. # 74, 1 September 1954
CITATION: While an acting squad leader of Company B, 22nd Infantry, on 27 November 1944, near Grosshau, Germany, he single-handedly assaulted 2 enemy machine gun emplacements. Attacking prepared positions on a wooded hill, which could be approach ed only through meager cover, his company was pined down by intense machine gun fire and subjected to a concentrated artillery and mortar barrage. Although painfully wounded, he refused to be evacuated and on his own initiative crawled forward alone until he reached a position near an enemy emplacement. Hurling grenades, he boldly assaulted the position, destroyed the gun, and with his rifle killed 3 of the enemy who attempted to escape. When he rejoined his company, a second machine gun opened fire an d again the intrepid soldier went forward, utterly disregarding his own safety. He stormed the position and destroyed the gun, killed 3 more Germans, and captured 4 prisoners. He fought on with his unit until the objective was taken and only then did he permit himself to be removed for medical care. S/Sgt (then private) Garcia's conspicuous heroism, his inspiring, courageous conduct, and his complete disregard for his personal safety wiped out 2 enemy emplacements and enabled his company to advance and secure its objective. MABRY, GEORGE L., JR.
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany, 20 November 1944.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Sumter, South Carolina
BORN: Sumter, South Carolina
G.O. # 77 September 1945
CITATION: He was commanding the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, in an attack through the Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany, on 20 November 1944. During the early phases of the assault, the leading elements of his battalion were halted by a minefield an immobilized by heavy hostile fire. Advancing alone into the mined area, Col. Mabry established a safe route of passage. He then moved ahead of the foremost scouts, personally leading the attack, until confronted by a booby trapped double concertina obstacle. With the assistance of the scouts, he disconnected the explosives and cut a path through the wire Upon moving through the opening, he observed 3 enemy in foxholes whom he captured at bayonet point. Driving steadily forward he paced th e assault against 3 log bunkers which housed mutually supported automatic weapons. Racing up a slope ahead of his men, he found the initial bunker deserted, then pushed on to the second where he was suddenly confronted by 9 onrushing enemy. Using the bu tt of his rifle, he felled 1 adversary and bayoneted a second, before his scouts came to his aid and assisted him in overcoming the others in hand-to-hand combat. Accompanied by the riflemen, he charged the third bunker under pointblank small-arms fire a nd let the way into the fortification from which he prodded 6 enemy at bayonet point. Following the consolidation of this area, he led his battalion across 300 yards of fire-swept terrain to seize elevated ground upon which he established a defensive position which menaced the enemy on both flanks, and provided his regiment a firm foothold on the approach to the Cologne Plain. Col. Mabry's superlative courage, daring, and leadership in an operation of major importance exemplify the finest characteristic s of the military service. RAY, BERNARD J. (POSTHUMOUSLY)
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company F, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany, 17 November 1944.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Baldwin, New York
BORN: Brooklyn, New York
G.O. # 115, 8 December 1945
CITATION: He was platoon leader with Company F, 8th Infantry, on 17 November 1944, during the drive through the Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany. The American forces attacked in wet, bitterly cold weather over rough, wooded terrain, meeting brutal resistance from positions spaced throughout the forest behind mine fields and wire obstacles. Small arms, machine gun, mortar, and artillery fire caused heavy casualties in the ranks when Company F was halted by a concertina type wire barrier. Under heavy fire, 1st Lt. Ray reorganized his men and prepared to blow a path through the entanglement, a task which appeared impossible of accomplishment and from which others tried to dissuade him. With implacable determination to clear the way, he p laced explosive caps in his pockets, obtained several bangalore torpedoes, and then wrapped a length of highly explosive primer cord about his body. He dashed forward under direct fire, reached the barbed wire and prepared his demolition charge as mortar shell, which were being aimed at him alone, came steadily nearer his completely exposed position. He had placed a torpedo under the wire and was connecting it to a charge he carried when he was severely wounded by a bursting mortar shell. Apparently realizing that he would fail in his self imposed mission unless he completed it in a few moments, he made a supremely gallant decision. With the primer cord still wound about his body and the explosive caps in hi s pocket, he completed a hasty wiring system and unhesitatingly thrust down on the handle of the charger, destroying himself with the wire barricade in the resulting blast. By the deliberate sacrifice of his life, 1st Lt. Ray enabled his company to continue its attack, resumption of which was of positive significance in gaining the approaches to the Cologne Plain. ROOSEVELT, THEODORE, JR.
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Brigadier General, U.S. Army, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Normandy Invasion, 6 June 1944.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Oyster Bay, New York
BORN: Oyster Bay, New York
G.O. # 77, 28 September 1944
CITATION: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After 2 verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with he first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the sea wall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France.
Vietnam War Recipients Name
Rank
Unit
Date
BELLRICHARD, Leslie Allen
PFC
C/1/8
5/20/67
BENNETT, Thomas W.
CPL
B/1/14
2/11/69
EVANS, Donald W. Jr.
SP/4
A/2/12
1/27/67
GRANDSTAFF, Bruce Alan
P/SGT
B/1/8
5/18/67
JOHNSON, Dwight H
SP/5
B/1/69
1/15/68
McDONALD, Phill G.
PFC
A/1/14
6/7/68
McNERNEY, David H.
1/SGT
A/1/8
3/22/67
MOLNAR, Frankie Z.
S/SGT
B/1/8
5/20/67
ROARK, Anund C.
SGT
C/1/12
5/16/68
SMITH, Elmenlindo R.
S/SGT
C/2/8
2/16/67
STUMPF, Kenneth E.
SP/4
C/1/35
4/25/67
WILLETT, Louis E.
PFC
C/1/12
2/15/67
BELLRICHARD, LESLIE ALLEN (POSTHUMOUSLY)
AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL PANEL 20E LINE 54
RANK AND ORGANIZATION : Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 20 May 1967.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Oakland, California
BORN: 4 December 1941, Janesville, Wisconsin
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Acting as a fire team leader with Company C, during combat operations PFC Bellrichard was with 4 fellow soldiers in a foxhole on their unit's perimeter when the position came under a massive enemy attack. Following a 30 minute mortar barrage, the enemy launched a strong ground assault. PFC Bellrichard rose in the face of a group of charging enemy soldiers and threw hand grenades into their midst, eliminating several of the foe and forcing the remainder to withdraw. Failing in their initial attack, the enemy repeated the mortar and rocket bombardment of the friendly perimeter, then once again charged against the defenders in a concerted effort to overrun the position. PFC Bellrichard resumed throwing hand grenades at the onrushing attackers. As he was about to hurl a grenade, a mortar round exploded just in front of his position, knocking him into the foxhole and causing him to lose his grip on the already armed grenade. Recovering instantly, PFC Bellrichard recognized the threat to the lives of his 4 comrades and threw himself upon the grenade, shielding his companions from the blast that followed. Although severely wounded, PFC Bellrichard struggled into an upright position in the foxhole and fired his rifle at the enemy until he succumbed to his wounds. His selfless heroism contributed greatly to the successful defense of the position, and he was directly responsible for saving the lives of several of his comrades. His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. BENNETT, THOMAS W. (POSTHUMOUSLY)
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL PANEL 32W LINE 10
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Corporal, U.S. Army, 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
THE ONLY CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR TO RECEIVE THE MEDAL OF HONOR IN VIETNAM
PLACE AND DATE: Chu Pa Region, Republic of Vietnam, 9-11 February 1969
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Fairmont, West Virginia
BORN: 7 April 1947, Morgantown, West Virginia
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. CPL Bennett distinguished himself while serving as a platoon medical aidman with the 2nd Platoon, Company B, during a reconnaissance in force mission. On 9 February the platoon was moving to assist the 1st Platoon of Company D which had run into a North Vietnamese ambush when it became heavily engaged by the intense small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and rocket fire from a well fortified and numerically superior enemy unit. In the initial barrage of fire, 3 of the point members of the platoon fell wounded. CPL Bennett, with complete disregard for his safety, ran through the heavy fire to his fallen comrades, administered life saving first aid under fire and then made repeated trips carrying the wounded men to positions of relative safety from which they would be medically evacuated from the battle position. CPL Bennett repeatedly braved the intense enemy fire moving across open areas to give aid and comfort to his wounded comrades. He valiantly exposed himself to the heavy fire in order to retrieve the bodies of several fallen personnel. Throughout the night and following day, CPL Bennett moved from position to position treating and comforting the several personnel who had suffered shrapnel and gunshot wounds. On 11 February, Company B again moved in an assault on the well fortified enemy positions and became heavily engaged with the numerically superior enemy force. Five members of the company fell wounded in the initial assault. CPL Bennett ran to their aid without regard to the heavy fire. He treated 1 wounded comrade and began running toward another seriously wounded man. Although the wounded man was located forward of the company position covered by heavy enemy grazing fire and CPL Bennett was warned that it was impossible to reach the position, he leaped forward with complete disregard for his safety to save his comrade's life. In attempting to save his fellow soldier, he was mortally wounded. CPL Bennett's undaunted concern for his comrades at the cost 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. EVANS, DONALD W. JR (POSTHUMOUSLY)
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL PANEL 14E LINE 85
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Tri Tam, Republic of Vietnam, 27 January 1967.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Covina, California
BORN: 23 July 1943, Covina California
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. He left his position of relative safety with his platoon which had not yet been committed to battle to answer the calls for medical aid from the wounded men of another platoon which was heavily engaged with the enemy force. Dashing across 100 meters of open area through a withering hail of enemy fire and exploding grenades, he administered lifesaving treatment to 1 individual and continued to expose himself to the deadly enemy fire as he moved to treat each of the other wounded men and to offer them encouragement. Realizing that the wounds of 1 man required immediate attention, SP/4 Evans dragged the injured soldier back across the dangerous fire-swept area, to a secure position from which he could be further evacuated. Miraculously escaping the enemy fusillade, SP/4 Evans returned to the forward location. As he continued the treatment of the wounded, he was struck by fragments from an enemy grenade. Despite his serious and painful injury he succeeded in evacuating another wounded comrade, rejoined his platoon as it was committed to battle and was soon treating other wounded soldiers. As he evacuated another wounded man across the fire covered field, he was severely wounded. Continuing to refuse medical attention and ignoring advice to remain behind, he managed with his waning strength to move yet another wounded comrade across the dangerous open area to safety. Disregarding his painful wounds and seriously weakened from profuse bleeding, he continued his lifesaving medical aid and was killed while treating another wounded comrade. SP/4 Evans' extraordinary valor, dedication and indomitable spirit saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers, served as an inspiration to the men of his company, were instrumental in the success of their mission, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country. GRANDSTAFF, BRUCE ALAN (POSTHUMOUSLY)
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL PANEL 20 E LINE 28
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam, 18 May 1967.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Spokane, Washington
BORN: 2 June 1934, Spokane, Washington
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. P/SGT. Grandstaff distinguished himself while leading the Weapons Platoon, Company B, on a reconnaissance mission near the Cambodian border. His platoon was advancing through intermittent enemy contact when it was struck by heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire from 3 sides. As he established a defensive perimeter, P/SGT. Grandstaff noted that several of his men had been struck down. He raced 30 meters through the intense fire to aid them but could only save 1. Denied freedom to maneuver his unit by the intensity of the enemy onslaught, he adjusted artillery to within 45 meters of his position. When helicopter gunships arrived, he crawled outside the defensive position to mark the location with smoke grenades. Realizing his first marker was probably ineffective, he crawled to another location and threw his last smoke grenade but the smoke did not penetrate the jungle foliage. Seriously wounded in the leg during this effort he returned to his radio and, refusing medical aid, adjusted the artillery even closer as the enemy advanced on his position. Recognizing the need for additional firepower, he again braved the enemy fusillade, crawled to the edge of his position and fired several magazines of tracer ammunition through the jungle canopy. He succeeded in designating the location to the gunships but this action again drew the enemy fire and he was wounded in the other leg. Now enduring intense pain and bleeding profusely, he crawled to within 10 meters of an enemy machine gun which had caused many casualties among his men. He destroyed the position with hand grenades but received additional wounds. Rallying his remaining men to withstand the enemy assaults, he realized his position was being overrun and asked for artillery directly on his location. He fought until mortally wounded by an enemy rocket. Although every man in the platoon was a casualty, survivors attest to the indomitable spirit and exceptional courage of this outstanding combat leader who inspired his men to fight courageously against overwhelming odds and cost the enemy heavy casualties. P/SGT. Grandstaff's selfless gallantry, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country. JOHNSON, DWIGHT H.
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 69th Armor, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Near Dak To, Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 15, January 1968
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Detroit, Michigan
BORN: 7 May 1947, Detroit, Michigan
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SP/5 Johnson, a tank driver with Company B, was a member of a reaction force moving to aid other elements of his platoon, which was in heavy contact with a battalion size North Vietnamese force. SP/5 Johnson's tank, upon reaching the point of contact, threw a track and became immobilized. Realizing that he could do no more as a driver, he climbed out of the vehicle, armed only with a .45 caliber pistol. Despite intense hostile fire, SP/5 Johnson killed several enemy soldiers before he had expended his ammunition. Returning to his tank through a heavy volume of antitank rocket, small arms and automatic weapons fire, he obtained a sub machine gun with which to continue his fight against the advancing enemy. Armed with this weapon, SP/5 Johnson again braved deadly enemy fire to return to the center of the ambush site where he courageously eliminated more of the determined foe. Engaged in extremely close combat when the last of his ammunition was expended, he killed an enemy soldier with the stock end of his sub machine gun. Now weaponless, SP/5 Johnson ignored the enemy fire around him, climbed into his platoon sergeant's tank, extricated a wounded crew member and carried him to an armored personnel carrier. He then returned to the same tank and assisted in firing the main gun until it jammed. In a magnificent display of courage, SP/5 Johnson exited the tank and again armed only with a .45 caliber pistol, engaged several North Vietnamese troops in close proximity to the vehicle. Fighting his way through devastating fire and remounting his own immobilized tank, he remained fully exposed to the enemy as he bravely and skillfully engaged them with the tank's externally mounted .50 caliber machine gun; where he remained until the situation was brought under control. SP/5 Johnson's profound concern for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his live above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. McDONALD, PHILL G. (POSTHUMOUSLY)
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL PANEL 59W LINE 26
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Near Kontum City, Republic of Vietnam, 7 June 1968.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Beckley, West Virginia
BORN: 13 September 1931, Avondale, West Virginia
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. PFC McDonald distinguished himself while serving as a team leader with the 1st Platoon of Company A. While on a combat mission his platoon came under a heavy barrage of automatic weapons fire from a well concealed company size enemy force. Volunteering to escort 2 wounded comrades to an evacuation point, PFC McDonald crawled through intense fire to destroy, with a grenade, an enemy automatic weapon threatening the safety of the evacuation. Returning to his platoon, he again volunteered to provide covering fire for the maneuver of the platoon from its exposed position. Realizing the threat he posed, enemy gunners concentrated their fire on PFC McDonald's position, seriously wounding him. Despite his painful wounds, PFC McDonald recovered the weapon of a wounded machine gunner to provide accurate covering fire for the gunner's evacuation. When other soldiers were pinned down by a heavy volume of fire from a hostile machine gun to his front, PFC McDonald crawled toward the enemy position to destroy it with grenades. He was mortally wounded in this intrepid action. PFC McDonald's gallantry at the risk of his life which resulted in the saving of the lives of his comrades, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army. MCNERNEY, DAVID H.
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: First Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A., 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Polei Doc, Republic of Vietnam, 22 March 1967.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Fort Bliss, Texas
BORN: 2 June 1931, Lowell, Mass.
CITATION: First SGT. McNerney distinguished himself when his unit was attacked by a North Vietnamese battalion near Polei Doc. Running through the hail of enemy fire to the area of heaviest contact, he was assisting in the development of a defensive perimeter when he encountered several enemy at close range. He killed the enemy but was painfully injured when blown from his feet by a grenade. In spite of this injury, he assaulted and destroyed an enemy machine gun position that had pinned down 5 of his comrades beyond the defensive line. Upon learning his commander and artillery forward observer had been killed, he assumed command of the company. He adjusted artillery fire to within 20 meters of the position in a daring measure to repulsed enemy assaults. When the smoke grenades used to mark the position were gone, he moved into a nearby clearing to designate the location to friendly aircraft. In spite of enemy fire he remained exposed until he was certain the position was spotted and then climbed into a tree and tied the identification panel to its highest branches. Then he moved among his men readjusting their position, encouraging the defenders and checking the wounded. As the hostile assaults slackened, he began clearing a helicopter landing site to evacuate the wounded. When explosives were needed to remove large trees, he crawled outside the relative safety of his perimeter to collect demolition material from abandoned rucksacks. Moving through a fusillade of fire he returned with the explosives that were vital to the clearing of the landing zone. Disregarding the pain of his injury and refusing medical evacuation FIRST SGT. McNerney remained with his unit until the next day when the new commander arrived. First SGT. McNerney's outstanding heroism and leadership were inspirational to his comrades. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country. MOLNAR, FRANKIE ZOLY (POSTHUMOUSLY)
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL PANEL 20E LINE 64
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 27 January 1967.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Fresno, California
BORN: 14 February 1943, Logan, West Virginia
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/SGT. Molnar distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader with Company B, during combat operations. Shortly after the battalion's defensive perimeter was established, it was hit by intense mortar fire as the prelude to a massive enemy night attack. S/SGT. Molnar immediately left his sheltered location to insure the readiness of his squad to meet the attack. As he crawled through the position, he discovered a group of enemy soldiers closing in on his squad area. His accurate rifle fire killed 5 of the enemy and forced the remainder to flee. When the mortar fire stopped, the enemy attacked in a human wave supported by grenades, rockets, automatic weapons, and small arms fire. After assisting to repel the first enemy assault, S/SGT. Molnar found that his squad's ammunition and grenade supply was nearly expended. Again leaving the relative safety of his position, he crawled through intense enemy fire to secure additional ammunition and distribute it to his squad. He rejoined his men to beat back the renewed enemy onslaught, and he moved about his area providing medical aid and assisting in the evacuation of the wounded. With the help of several men, he was preparing to move a severely wounded soldier when an enemy hand grenade was thrown into the group. The first to see the grenade, S/SGT. Molnar threw himself on it and absorbed the deadly blast to save his comrades. His demonstrated selflessness and inspirational leadership on the battlefield were a major factor in the successful defense of the American position and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Army. ROARK, ANUND C. (POSTHUMOUSLY)
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL PANEL 61E LINE 18
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 16 May 1968
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Los Angles, California
BORN: 17 February 1948, Vallejo, California
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SGT. Roark distinguished himself by extraordinary gallantry while serving with Company C. SGT. Roark was the point squad leader of a small force which had the mission of rescuing 11 men in a hilltop observation post under heavy attack by a company size force. approximately 1,000 meters from the battalion perimeter. As lead elements of the relief force reached the besieged observation post, intense automatic weapons fire from enemy occupied bunkers halted their movement. Without hesitation, SGT. Roark maneuvered his squad, repeatedly exposing himself to withering enemy fire to hurl grenades and direct the fire of his squad to gain fire superiority and cover the withdrawal of the outpost and evacuation of its casualties. Frustrated in their effort to overrun the position, the enemy swept the hilltop with small arms and volleys of grenades. Seeing a grenade land in the midst of his men, SGT. Roark, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself upon the grenade, absorbing its blast with his body. SGT. Roark's magnificent leadership and dauntless courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and were the inspiration for the successful relief of the outpost. His actions which culminated in the supreme sacrifice of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army. SMITH, ELMELINDO R. (POSTHUMOUSLY)
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL PANEL 15E LINE 51
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Platoon Sergeant (then S/Sgt.) U.S. Army, 1st Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Republic of Vietnam, 16 February 1967
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Honolulu, Hawaii
BORN: 27 July 1935, Honolulu, Hawaii
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. During a reconnaissance patrol, his platoon was suddenly engaged by intense machine gun fire hemming in the platoon on 3 sides. A defensive perimeter was hastily established, but the enemy added mortar and rocket fire to the deadly fusillade and assaulted the position from several directions. With complete disregard for his safety, P/SGT. Smith moved through the deadly fire along the defensive line, positioning soldiers, distributing ammunition and encouraging his men to repel the enemy attack. Struck to the ground by enemy fire which caused a severe shoulder wound, he regained his feet, killed the enemy soldier and continued to move about the perimeter. He was again wounded in the shoulder and stomach but continued moving on his knees to assist in the defense. Noting the enemy massing at a weakened point on the perimeter, he crawled into the open and poured deadly fire into the enemy ranks. As he crawled on, he was struck by a rocket. Moments later, he regained consciousness, and drawing on his fast dwindling strength, continued to crawl from man to man. When he could move no farther, he chose to remain in the open where he could alert the perimeter to the approaching enemy. P/SGT. Smith perished, never relenting in his determined effort against the enemy. The valorous acts and heroic leadership of this outstanding soldier inspired those remaining members of his platoon to beat back the enemy assaults. P/SGT. Smith's gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and they reflect great credit upon him and the Armed Forces of his country. STUMPF, KENNETH E.
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Staff Sergeant (then SP/4), U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam, 25 April 1967
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
BORN: 28 September 1944, Neenah, Wisconsin
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/SGT. Stumpf distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader of the 3rd Platoon, Company C, on a search and destroy mission. As S/SGT. Stumpf's company approached a village, it encountered a North Vietnamese rifle company occupying a well fortified bunker complex. During the initial contact, 3 men from his squad fell wounded in front of a hostile machine gun emplacement. The enemy's heavy volume of fire prevented the unit from moving to the aid of the injured men, but S/SGT. Stumpf left his secure position in a deep trench and ran through the barrage of incoming rounds to reach his wounded comrades. He picked up 1 of the men and carried him back to the safety of the trench. Twice more S/SGT. Stumpf dashed forward while the enemy turned automatic weapons and machine guns upon him, yet he managed to rescue the remaining 2 wounded squad members. He then organized his squad and led an assault against several enemy bunkers from which continuously heavy fire was being received. He and his squad successfully eliminated 2 of the bunker positions, but one to the front of the advancing platoon remained a serious threat. Arming himself with extra hand grenades, S/SGT. Stumpf ran over open ground, through a volley of fire directed at him by a determined enemy, toward the machine gun position. As he reached the bunker, he threw a hand grenade through the aperture. It was immediately returned by the occupants, forcing S/SGT. Stumpf to take cover. Undaunted, he pulled the pins on 2 more grenades, held them for a few seconds after activation, then hurled them into the position, this time successfully destroying the emplacement. With the elimination of this key position, his unit was able to assault and overrun the enemy. S/SGT. Stumpf's relentless spirit of aggressiveness, intrepidity, and ultimate concern for the lives of his men, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. WILLETT, LOUIS E. (POSTHUMOUSLY)
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
VIETNAM VETERAN'S MEMORIAL PANEL 15E LINE 37
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
PLACE AND DATE: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 February 1967
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Brooklyn, New York
BORN: 19 June 1945, Brooklyn, New York
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. PFC Willett distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company C, during combat operations. His squad was conducting a security sweep when it made contact with a large enemy force. The squad was immediately engaged with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and pinned to the ground. Despite the deadly fusillade, PFC Willett rose to his feet firing rapid bursts from his weapon and moved to a position from which he placed highly effective fire on the enemy. His action allowed the remainder of his squad to begin to withdraw from the superior enemy force toward the company perimeter. PFC Willett covered the squad's withdrawal, but his position drew heavy enemy machine gun fire, and he received multiple wounds enabling the enemy again to pin down the remainder of the squad. PFC Willett struggled to an upright position, and, disregarding his painful wounds, he again engaged the enemy with his rifle to allow his squad to continue its movement and to evacuate several of his comrades who were by now wounded. Moving from position to position, he engaged the enemy at close range until he was mortally wounded. By his unselfish acts of bravery, PFC Willett insured the withdrawal of his comrades to the company position, saving their lives at the cost of his life. PFC Willett's valorous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
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