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Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Joseph R. Kerrey, US Navy
KERREY, J. Robert, 1943-
Senate Years of Service: 1989-2001
Party: Democrat
KERREY, J. Robert, a Senator from Nebraska; born in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, August 27, 1943; attended the Lincoln Public schools; graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 1966; served in the United States Navy SEAL special forces unit, 1966-1969; wounded in Vietnam and awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor; operated a chain of restaurants and fitness centers, 1972-1982; Governor of Nebraska 1983-1987; elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in 1988; reelected in 1994, and served from January 3, 1989 to January 3, 2001; was not a candidate for reelection in 2000; chairman, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (One Hundred Fourth Congress).
Bibliography: Kerrey, Robert. When I Was a Young Man: A Memoir. New York: Harcourt, Inc., 2002.
CITATION
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. (jg.) 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. (jg.) 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. (jg.) 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. (jg.) 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. (jg.) 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 overestimated. The enemy soldiers who were captured provided critical intelligence to the allied effort. Lt. (jg.) 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.
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