List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War

The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The recipients must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously.[1]

The Vietnam War, (also known as the Second Indochina War, Vietnam Conflict, and in Vietnam as the American War), took place from 1955 to 1975. The war was fought between the Communist-supported Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the United States-supported Republic of Vietnam, beginning with the presence of a small number of US military advisors in 1955 and escalating into direct US involvement in a ground war in 1965. US combat forces were withdrawn in early 1973 pursuant to the Paris Peace Accords, but the war continued concluding with the Fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975.[2]

During the Vietnam War and in the following twelve months, 235 Medals of Honor were awarded and since 1978 a further 33 awards have been presented. Of the total of 268 awards, 179 were to the US Army, 15 to the US Navy, 58 to the USMC and 14 to the USAF.[3] These totals do not include the award to the Vietnam Unknown Soldier.

The first Medal of Honor presentation for Vietnam was to Captain Roger Donlon for actions on 6 July 1964 as commanding officer of the U.S. Army Special Forces Detachment defending Camp Nam Dong against a Viet Cong attack.[4] The last actions to earn a Medal of Honor in this war were those of Bud Day, for actions as a prisoner of war from 26 August 1967 through 14 March 1973. Day and three others were presented with the Medal of Honor by President Ford at the White House on March 4, 1976. They were the last of the 235 servicemen awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War and in the following twelve months.

The first African American recipient of the war was Milton L. Olive III who sacrificed himself to save others by smothering a grenade with his body.[5] Riley L. Pitts was killed after attacking an enemy force with rifle fire and grenades and was the first African American commissioned officer of the war to receive the medal.[6] Thomas Bennett and Joseph LaPointe were conscientious objectors who received the medal for their actions as a medic;[7] three chaplains received the medal, including Vincent R. Capodanno, who served with the Marine Corps and was known as the "Grunt Padre".[8]

Recipients

  Grey background and   indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously.
All locations are in South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) unless otherwise stated.

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes[9][10]
William E. Adams ArmyMajorKon Tum ProvinceMay 25, 1971Killed while flying his helicopter in a rescue mission
Bennie AdkinsArmySergeant First ClassA Shau Valley, South VietnamMarch 9, 1966Distinguished himself during 38 hours of close-combat battle against Viet Cong forces during the Battle of A Shau
Lewis Albanese ArmyPrivate First ClassSouth VietnamDecember 1, 1966After participating in the defeat of an enemy assault he was killed in hand-to-hand combat
Leonard L. Alvarado ArmySpecialist FourPhước Long ProvinceAugust 12, 1969For disrupting an enemy raid and saving the lives of several comrades
James Anderson, Jr. Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassNear Cam LộFebruary 28, 1967For covering an enemy grenade with his body to protect fellow Marines
Richard A. Anderson Marine CorpsLance CorporalQuảng Trị ProvinceAugust 24, 1969For covering an enemy grenade with his body to protect fellow Marines on a recon mission.
Webster AndersonArmyStaff SergeantTam KỳOctober 15, 1967Although wounded multiple times he continued to fight and refused medical aid until the enemy attack was over.
Eugene Ashley, Jr. ArmySergeant First ClassLang Vei—South Vietnamnear Lang VeiFebruary 6, 1968 – February 7, 1968Risked his life attempting to save the lives of his entrapped comrades and commanding officer
Oscar P. Austin Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassDa Nang—South Vietnamwest of Da NangFebruary 23, 1969Threw himself between enemy fire and an injured fellow Marine
John P. BacaArmySpecialist FourPhước Long ProvinceFebruary 10, 1970Covered a grenade with his helmet and body, saving eight men
Nicky D. BaconArmyStaff SergeantTam Ky—South Vietnamwest of Tam KỳAugust 26, 1968Risked his life by repeatedly leading groups of men in fighting back an enemy attack
John F. Baker, Jr.ArmyPrivate First ClassSouth VietnamNovember 5, 1966He was directly responsible for saving the lives of several of his comrades, and inflicting serious damage on the enemy.
Donald E. BallardNavyHospital Corpsman Second ClassQuảng Trị ProvinceMay 16, 1968Risked his life by smothering a grenade with his own body
Jedh C. Barker Marine CorpsLance CorporalCon Thien—South Vietnamnear Con ThienSeptember 21, 1967Threw himself on a grenade to save fellow Marines
John A. Barnes, III ArmyPrivate First ClassĐắk TôNovember 12, 1967Sacrificed his life by throwing himself directly onto a hand grenade as it exploded.
Harvey C. Barnum, Jr.Marine CorpsFirst LieutenantKy Phu, Quảng Tín ProvinceDecember 18, 1965Assumed command of a rifle company upon death of the commander in an ambush and directed the counterattack.
Gary B. BeikirchArmySergeantKon Tum ProvinceApril 1, 1970Endured hostile gunfire and serious injuries to save several wounded soldiers.
Ted Belcher ArmySergeantPlei DjerangNovember 19, 1966For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Leslie A. Bellrichard ArmyPrivate First ClassKon Tum ProvinceMay 20, 1967For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Roy P. BenavidezArmyStaff SergeantLoc Ninh—South Vietnamwest of Lộc NinhMay 2, 1968For a series of daring and valorous actions despite severe wounds
Steven L. Bennett Air ForceCaptainQuảng TrịJune 29, 1972Sacrificed his life to save the life of his passenger
Thomas W. Bennett ArmyCorporalChu Pa Region, Pleiku ProvinceFebruary 9, 1969 – February 11, 1969For saving many lives as a medic during a number of vicious firefights. Second conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor.
Dwight W. BirdwellArmySpecialist FiveTan Son Nhut Air Base, SaigonJanuary 31, 1968For his role in the Tet offensive attack on Tan Son Nhut Air Base. Medal awarded on 5 July 2022.
Michael R. Blanchfield ArmySpecialist FourBình Định ProvinceJuly 3, 1969For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
John P. Bobo Marine CorpsSecond LieutenantQuảng Trị ProvinceMarch 30, 1967Held his position in the face of enemy ambush despite having his lower leg blown off, allowing the remainder of his outnumbered unit to move to safety.
James L. BondsteelArmyStaff SergeantAn Lộc, Bình Phước ProvinceMay 24, 1969He destroyed 10 enemy bunkers and accounted for a large toll of the enemy, including two key enemy commanders
Hammett L. Bowen, Jr. ArmyStaff SergeantBình Dương ProvinceJune 27, 1969For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Patrick H. BradyArmyMajorChu Lai—South Vietnamnear Chu LaiJanuary 6, 1968Flew multiple missions against heavy fire to evacuate 51 wounded men
Daniel D. Bruce Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassFire Support Base Tomahawk, Quảng Nam ProvinceMarch 1, 1969Carried an explosive device away from three other Marines
William M. Bryant ArmySergeant First ClassLong Khánh DistrictMarch 24, 1969Showed conspicuous leadership while organizing his unit's defense during a 34-hour enemy attack
Paul W. BuchaArmyCaptainPhuoc Vinh—Bình Dương Province—South Vietnamnear Phuoc Vinh, Bình Dương ProvinceMarch 16, 1968 – March 19, 1968Led his company in the decimation of a superior enemy force which left 156 dead on the battlefield
Brian L. Buker ArmySergeantChâu Đốc ProvinceApril 5, 1970Sacrificed his life to lead his men against the enemy and personally destroyed two enemy bunkers with hand grenades
Robert C. Burke Marine CorpsPrivate First Classsouthern Quảng Nam ProvinceMay 17, 1968After his unit was ambushed, he assaulted the enemy forces, allowing the remainder of the unit to recover wounded and continue their advance
John CanleyMarine CorpsGunnery sergeantHuếJanuary 31, 1968 –

February 6, 1968

Awarded for his role in the Battle of Huế. Originally awarded the Navy Cross which was upgraded to the Medal of Honor on October 17, 2018.
Vincent R. Capodanno NavyLieutenantQuảng Tín ProvinceSeptember 4, 1967A Chaplain who was killed while attempting to rescue a wounded corpsman
Wayne M. Caron NavyHospital Corpsman Third ClassQuảng Nam ProvinceJuly 28, 1968Was killed while providing medical attention to several wounded Marines
Bruce W. Carter Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassQuảng Trị ProvinceAugust 7, 1969Sacrificed his life to save several Marines by smothering a grenade with his body
Jon R. CavaianiArmyStaff SergeantSouth VietnamJune 4, 1971 – June 5, 1971Risked his life by attacking a wave of enemy forces alone to allow the rest of his platoon to escape
Raymond M. Clausen, Jr.Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassSouth VietnamJanuary 31, 1970Risked his life to rescue several Marines and corpsman from a minefield
Ronald L. Coker Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassQuảng Trị ProvinceMarch 24, 1969For assaulting an enemy position and aiding a fallen Marine despite severe wounds to himself
Felix M. Conde-Falcon ArmyStaff SergeantAp Tan HoaApril 4, 1969Killed while assaulting heavily fortified enemy bunkers
Peter S. Connor Marine CorpsStaff SergeantQuảng Nam ProvinceFebruary 25, 1966For absorbing the blast of a malfunctioning grenade in order to protect his fellow Marines
Donald G. Cook Marine CorpsCaptainSouth VietnamDecember 31, 1964 – December 8, 1967For assisting fellow prisoners while a prisoner of war
Ardie R. Copas ArmySpecialist FourPh Romeas Hek, CambodiaMay 12, 1970Killed while holding off an enemy ambush while wounded, so his comrades could be evacuated
Bruce P. CrandallArmyMajorBattle of Ia DrangNovember 14, 1965For repeatedly flying into a landing zone under intense enemy fire to rescue and resupply ground troops
Thomas E. Creek Marine CorpsLance CorporalCam Lo—South Vietnamnear Cam LộFebruary 13, 1969Sacrificed his life to save five Marines by smothering a grenade with his body
Michael J. Crescenz ArmyCorporalHiệp Đức Valley areaNovember 20, 1968For single-handedly destroying two bunkers while under fire from a third machine gun during an ambush
Nicholas J. Cutinha ArmySpecialist FourGia Định—South Vietnamnear Gia ĐịnhMarch 2, 1968Maintained his position, refused assistance, and provided defensive fire for his comrades until he fell mortally wounded. He was solely responsible for killing 15 enemy soldiers while saving the lives of at least nine members of his own unit.
Larry G. Dahl ArmySpecialist FourAn Khê, Bình Định ProvinceFebruary 23, 1971For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Paris DavisArmyCaptainBồng Sơn, Bình Định ProvinceJuly 18, 1965For rescuing several of his men though wounded and defending their position until relieved
Rodney M. Davis Marine CorpsSergeantQuảng Nam ProvinceSeptember 6, 1967Sacrificed his life to save several of his fellow Marines by smothering a grenade with his body
Sammy L. DavisArmyPrivate First ClassCai Lay—South VietnamWest of Cai LậyNovember 18, 1967For defending his 42-man unit from hundreds of attacking Viet Cong
George E. DayAir ForceMajorNorth VietnamAugust 26, 1967For actions as a prisoner of war from August 26, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Emilio A. De La Garza, Jr. Marine CorpsLance CorporalDa Nang—South Vietnamnear Da NangApril 11, 1970Sacrificed his life and saved several Marines by blocking them from the blast of a grenade
Merlyn H. DethlefsenAir ForceCaptainNorth Vietnamover North VietnamMarch 10, 1967Flew repeated close range strikes to silence enemy defensive positions, ignoring overwhelming firepower and damage to his own aircraft
Edward A. DeVore, Jr. ArmySpecialist FourSaigon—South Vietnamnear SaigonMarch 17, 1968Sacrificed his life to draw the enemy fire upon himself allowing a trapped squad to rejoin their platoon
Ralph E. Dias Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassQuế Sơn MountainsNovember 12, 1969Although severely wounded multiple times by enemy fire, he continued to throw grenades at an enemy bunker until it was destroyed and he was killed by enemy gunfire.
Douglas E. Dickey Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassSouth VietnamMarch 26, 1967Sacrificed his life to save several fellow Marines by diving on a grenade and absorbing the explosion with his body
Drew D. DixArmyStaff SergeantChâu Đốc ProvinceJanuary 31, 1968 – February 1, 1968His actions resulted in 14 confirmed Viet Cong killed in action and possibly 25 more, the capture of 20 prisoners, 15 weapons, and the rescue of the 14 United States and free world civilians
Stephen H. Doane ArmyFirst LieutenantHậu Nghĩa ProvinceMarch 25, 1969Although already wounded, he sacrificed his life to save other soldiers who were pinned down by silencing two enemy gun emplacements and diving into a third with a grenade.
David C. DolbyArmySpecialist FourSouth VietnamMay 21, 1966For silencing three enemy positions and rescuing several wounded comrades
Roger H. C. DonlonArmyCaptainNam Dong—South Vietnamnear Nam ĐôngJuly 6, 1964Rescued and administered first aid to several wounded soldiers and led a group to defeat an enemy force, causing them to retreat and leaving behind 54 of their dead, many weapons, and grenades.
John J. DuffyArmyMajorFirebase Charlie, Kon Tum provinceApril 14, 1972 – April 15, 1972For his role leading the defense of Firebase Charlie during the Battle of Kontum. Medal awarded on 5 July 2022.
Kern W. DunaganArmyCaptainQuảng Tín ProvinceMay 13, 1969Although wounded, he directed fire onto enemy positions and rescued several wounded soldiers.
Jesus S. Duran ArmySergeantPh Romeas Hek, CambodiaApril 10, 1969Saved wounded Americans on a search and clear operation
Harold Bascom Durham, Jr. ArmySecond LieutenantOng Thanh, South VietnamOctober 17, 1967Although wounded he directed fire on enemy positions and continued to fight until he died from his wounds
Glenn H. English, Jr. ArmyStaff SergeantPhù Mỹ DistrictSeptember 7, 1970Was killed while attempting to rescue a wounded soldier from a personnel carrier
Santiago J. EreviaArmySpecialist Fournear Tam KỳMay 21, 1969For his courageous actions while serving as radio telephone operator in Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) during search and clear mission.[11][12]
Michael J. Estocin NavyLieutenant CommanderHai Phong, North VietnamApril 20, 1967 and April 26, 1967Risked his life by attacking an enemy SAM site and other enemy targets multiple times
Richard Etchberger Air ForceChief Master SergeantLima Site 85, LaosMarch 11, 1968Exposed himself to enemy fire in order to place his three surviving wounded comrades in rescue slings, permitting them to be airlifted to safety. It took an act of Congress for Etchberger to be reconsidered for this 2010 Medal of Honor, since the existence of Lima Site 85 had to be kept secret in 1968.
Donald W. Evans, Jr. ArmySpecialist FourTam TriJanuary 27, 1967Was a medic who was killed while treating and rescuing members of his unit. Evans Army Community Hospital, Ft Carson, was named after Evans.
Rodney J. Evans ArmySergeantTây Ninh ProvinceJuly 18, 1969Killed protecting others during an ambush
Frederick E. FergusonArmyChief Warrant OfficerHuếJanuary 31, 1968Risked his life by flying his helicopter into heavy enemy fire to evacuate several wounded passengers and aircrew of a downed helicopter
Daniel Fernandez ArmySpecialist FourCủ Chi, Hậu Nghĩa ProvinceFebruary 18, 1966Threw himself on an enemy grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of four comrades at the sacrifice of his life
Bernard F. FisherAir ForceMajorBiên Hòa and Pleiku, South VietnamMarch 10, 1966For rescuing a downed airman despite heavy fire
Michael J. FitzmauriceArmySpecialist FourKhe SanhMarch 23, 1971For absorbing an explosive charge and continuing to fight with weapons and hand to hand before successfully defending a bunker.
Charles C. Fleek ArmySergeantBình Dương ProvinceMay 27, 1969For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
James P. FlemingAir ForceFirst LieutenantDuc Co—South Vietnamnear Đức CơNovember 26, 1968For the rescue of a six-man special forces unit
Robert F. FoleyArmyCaptainQuan Dầu Tiếng—South Vietnamnear Dầu TiếngNovember 5, 1966Despite his painful wounds, he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. He led the assault on several enemy gun emplacements and, single-handedly, destroyed three such positions.
Michael F. Folland ArmyCorporalLong Khánh ProvinceJuly 3, 1969Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Paul H. Foster Marine CorpsSergeantCon Thien—South Vietnamnear Con ThienOctober 14, 1967Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Douglas B. Fournet ArmyFirst LieutenantA Shau ValleyMay 4, 1968Sacrificed his life in an attempt to defuse a claymore mine
James W. Fous ArmyPrivate First ClassKien Hoa ProvinceMay 14, 1968For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Wesley L. FoxMarine CorpsFirst LieutenantQuảng Trị ProvinceFebruary 22, 1969Although wounded, he directed fire on the enemy and led his platoon to drive the enemy back.
Frank R. Fratellenico ArmyCorporalQuảng Trị ProvinceAugust 19, 1970For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him.
Ed FreemanArmyCaptainIa Drang ValleyNovember 14, 1965For gallantry conducted as a UH–1 Huey pilot at LZ X–Ray
Harold A. FritzArmyFirst LieutenantBình Long ProvinceJanuary 11, 1969Despite his wounds, he returned to his position, assisted his men, and refused medical attention until all of his wounded comrades had been treated and evacuated.
Dennis FujiiArmySpecialist FourFirebase Ranger North, Savannakhet province, LaosFebruary 18, 1971 – February 22, 1971For his role in the defense of Firebase Ranger North during Operation Lam Son 719. Medal awarded on 5 July 2022.
Candelario Garcia ArmySergeantLai KhêDecember 8, 1968Destroyed two enemy machine gun nests while saving wounded comrades
James A. Gardner ArmyFirst LieutenantMy Canh, South VietnamFebruary 7, 1966Sacrificed his life by single-handedly destroying several enemy gun positions until he was killed
John G. Gertsch ArmyStaff SergeantA Shau ValleyJuly 15, 1969 – July 19, 1969For providing covering fire for a medic working on a wounded soldier
Alfredo C. Gonzalez Marine CorpsSergeantThừa Thiên—Huế—South VietnamHuếFebruary 4, 1968Although seriously wounded, he destroyed an enemy bunker and fought back an enemy attack until he was killed.
James A. Graham Marine CorpsCaptainQue Son ValleyJune 2, 1967After fighting off the enemy, he sacrificed his life by allowing the rest of his company to return to friendly lines, while he remained alone with an injured soldier who could not be moved due to his wounds.
Bruce A. Grandstaff ArmyPlatoon SergeantPleiku ProvinceMay 18, 1967Fought off an enemy attack until killed by an enemy rocket
Joseph X. Grant ArmyFirst LieutenantSouth VietnamNovember 13, 1966Killed by enemy mortar fire while attempting to rescue several injured Marines
Terrence C. Graves Marine CorpsSecond LieutenantQuảng Trị ProvinceFebruary 16, 1968For courageous leadership on an eight-man Marine recon patrol
Peter M. Guenette ArmySpecialist FourTân Uyên, Bình DươngMay 18, 1968Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Charles C. HagemeisterArmySpecialist FourBình Định ProvinceMarch 20, 1967Risked his life to render medical aid to several injured soldiers and protected them until they could be evacuated
Loren D. Hagen ArmyFirst LieutenantA Shau ValleyAugust 7, 1971For attempting to aid a critically wounded Special reconnaissance team member Bruce Allen Berg during a massive North Vietnamese Army assault.
Robert W. Hartsock ArmyStaff SergeantHậu Nghĩa ProvinceFebruary 23, 1969For smothering an explosion with his body to protect those around him
Carmel B. Harvey, Jr. ArmySpecialist FourBình Định ProvinceJune 21, 1967Sacrificed his life and attacked a group of enemy soldiers so that several injured members of his squad could escape
Frank A. HerdaArmyPrivate First ClassDak To—Quang Trang Province—South Vietnamnear Đắk TôJune 29, 1968Risked his life to protect several wounded soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body
Robert J. Hibbs ArmySecond LieutenantDon Dien Lo Ke, South VietnamMarch 5, 1966Sacrificed his life to eliminate two companies of the enemy, rescue a fellow soldier and destroyed the starlight scope attached to his rifle to prevent its capture and use by the Viet Cong.
John N. Holcomb ArmySergeantQuan Loi—South Vietnamnear Quần Lợi, South VietnamDecember 3, 1968Risked his life to lead his men to fight back an attacking enemy force three times
Joe R. HooperArmySergeantHuế—South Vietnamnear HuếFebruary 21, 1968Airborne infantry company squad leader with many decorations and awards including eight Purple Hearts in the Vietnam War:
Repeatedly risked his life to rescue wounded soldiers and attack groups of enemy soldiers, clearing multiple bunkers and houses sometimes single-handed. Refused medical treatment or evacuation until after action and his men were settled.
"... His supreme valor, inspiring leadership and heroic self-sacrifice were directly responsible for the company's success and provided a lasting example in personal courage for every man in the field ...."
Charles E. Hosking, Jr. ArmySergeant First ClassPhước Long ProvinceMarch 21, 1967For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Jimmie E. HowardMarine CorpsStaff SergeantSouth VietnamJune 16, 1966Repeateadly repulsed enemy attacks and although severely wounded was able maintain control of his unit until help could arrive
Robert L. HowardArmySergeant First ClassSouth VietnamDecember 30, 1968For actions during a rescue mission in enemy territory
James D. Howe Marine CorpsLance CorporalSouth VietnamMay 6, 1970For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
George A. Ingalls ArmySpecialist FourĐức Phổ—South Vietnamnear Đức PhổApril 16, 1967For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Robert R. IngramNavyHospital Corpsman Third ClassQuảng Ngãi ProvinceMarch 28, 1966Although badly wounded, he continued to assist and treat the injuries of the Marines around him who had been hurt in combat with the enemy.
Joe M. JacksonAir ForceLieutenant ColonelKham DucMay 12, 1968For a daring airborne rescue of American special forces troops
Jack H. JacobsArmyFirst LieutenantKien Phong ProvinceMarch 9, 1968Drove off squads of enemy soldiers on three occasions who were searching for allied wounded and weapons. He killed three and wounded several others.
Don J. JenkinsArmyPrivate First ClassKien Phong ProvinceJanuary 6, 1969Repeatedly attacked the enemy and although severely wounded risked his life to rescue several wounded soldiers
Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassFirebase Argonne, South VietnamMarch 5, 1969For using his body to shield a fellow Marine from a grenade blast
Delbert O. JenningsArmyStaff SergeantKim Son Valley, South VietnamDecember 27, 1966Repeatedly attacked and defended his unit from enemy fire and assisted 8 wounded men who were trapped behind enemy lines
Jose F. Jimenez Marine CorpsLance CorporalQuảng Nam ProvinceAugust 28, 1969Killed while attacking a group of enemy soldiers
Lawrence JoelArmySpecialist FiveSouth VietnamNovember 8, 1965Provided medical treatment to fellow soldiers while under heavy fire, despite being wounded twice, during Operation Hump
Dwight H. JohnsonArmySpecialist FiveĐắk Tô—Kon Tum Province—South Vietnamnear Đắk Tô, Kon Tum ProvinceJanuary 15, 1968Repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to man several different machine-guns until the enemy had been fought back
Ralph H. Johnson Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassQuan Duc Valley—South Vietnamnear the Quan Duc Valley, South VietnamMarch 5, 1968For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Donald R. Johnston ArmySpecialist FourTây Ninh ProvinceMarch 21, 1969For smothering explosive blasts with his body to protect those around him
William A. Jones, III Air ForceColonelĐồng Hới—North Vietnamnear Đồng Hới, North VietnamSeptember 1, 1968Risked his life to fly his heavily damaged plane back to base to relay the location of a downed pilot
Edward N. Kaneshiro ArmyStaff sergeantKim Son Valley, Bình Định provinceDecember 1, 1966For his role in pushing forward an attack. Medal awarded on 5 July 2022.
Stephen E. Karopczyc ArmyFirst LieutenantKon Tum ProvinceMarch 12, 1967Sacrificed his life to save other soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body
Terry T. Kawamura ArmyCorporalCamp Radcliff, South VietnamMarch 20, 1969For smothering an explosive blast with his body to protect those around him
Kenneth M. KaysArmyPrivateThừa Thiên ProvinceMay 7, 1970Risked his life to assist several fallen comrades and although injured in the attempt was able to administer first aid to himself and several of the wounded and helped them to safety.
John J. Kedenburg ArmySpecialist FiveSouth VietnamJune 13, 1968For letting a Vietnamese soldier take his spot in a helicopter rescue, while he stayed behind to attempt to hold off advancing Viet Cong by which he was overrun.
Miguel Keith Marine CorpsLance CorporalQuảng Ngãi ProvinceMay 8, 1970Sacrificed his life to single-handedly eliminate a group of enemy soldiers
Leonard B. KellerArmySergeantAp Bac Zone, South VietnamMay 2, 1967Assaulted an enemy platoon with another soldier preventing further casualties
Thomas G. KelleyNavyLieutenantOng Muong Canal, Kien Hoa Province, South VietnamJune 15, 1969Successfully relayed commands through one of his men until an enemy attack was silenced and the boats he was leading were able to move to safety
Allan J. KelloggMarine CorpsStaff SergeantQuảng Nam ProvinceMarch 11, 1970For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
J. Robert KerreyNavyLieutenant, Junior GradeNha Trang Bay—South Vietnamnear Nha Trang Bay,South VietnamMarch 14, 1969Led his SEAL team on a mission to capture important members of the enemy and although seriously injured in the battle they eliminated an enemy force and took several prisoners. Later became a U.S. Senator for the state of Nebraska. Prior to becoming a senator, he served as the governor from 1983 to 1987.
Charles KettlesArmyMajornear Đức Phổ, South VietnamMay 15, 1967As a helicopter pilot, reinforced and then evacuated an embattled unit despite intense hostile fire
Thomas J. KinsmanArmyPrivate First ClassVinh Long—South Vietnamnear Vĩnh LongFebruary 6, 1968For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Paul R. LambersArmySergeantTây Ninh ProvinceAugust 20, 1968For taking command of his platoon and exposing himself to enemy fire to reestablish communication, tend to wounded men, and continued fighting
George C. LangArmySpecialist FourKien Hoa Province, South VietnamFebruary 22, 1969For destroying three enemy bunkers with grenades and rifle fire, helping to secure an enemy supply cache and directing his men after being seriously wounded.
Garfield M. Langhorn ArmyPrivate First ClassPleiku Province, South VietnamJanuary 15, 1969For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Joseph G. LaPointe, Jr. ArmySpecialist FourQuảng Tín ProvinceJune 2, 1969Sacrificed his life by using his own body as a shield in an attempt to save a wounded soldier.
Clyde E. LassenNavyLieutenant, Junior GradeNorth VietnamJune 19, 1968For the rescue of two downed naval aviators
Billy L. Lauffer ArmyPrivate First ClassBong Son—Bình Định Province—South Vietnamnear Bong Son, Bình Định ProvinceSeptember 21, 1966Rushed an enemy machine gun to distract the enemy so that his wounded comrades could be moved to safety
Robert D. Law ArmySpecialist FourPhước Thành ProvinceFebruary 22, 1969For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Howard V. LeeMarine CorpsCaptainCam Lo—South Vietnamnear Cam LộAugust 8, 1966 – August 9, 1966Volunteered to reinforce a squad of Marines who were under heavy fire. He assumed command and directed the defense of their position and despite being wounded by a grenade, he continued to direct them, saving many lives.
Milton A. Lee ArmyPrivate First ClassPhu Bai—Thừa Thiên Province—South Vietnamnear Phu Bai, Thừa Thiên ProvinceApril 26, 1968Exposed himself to enemy fire and overran an enemy squad, continuing to provide cover fire until the lead element had overrun a second enemy squad and he fell mortally wounded.
Robert R. Leisy ArmySecond LieutenantPhước Long ProvinceDecember 2, 1969Sacrificed his life to shield another soldier from a rocket blast, absorbing the full blast with his body. He continued to direct his men and refused treatment until his men were taken care of.
Peter C. LemonArmySpecialist FourFirebase Illingworth, Tây Ninh ProvinceApril 1, 1970The only Canadian recipient since World War II, and one of only four since 1900. He received it for exposing himself to enemy gunfire multiple times. While wounded he secured a machine gun and fired on the enemy, refusing evacuation until his injured comrades were taken.
Matthew Leonard ArmyPlatoon SergeantSuoi Da—South Vietnamnear Suoi Da, South VietnamFebruary 28, 1967After being shot in the hand by a sniper, he exposed himself to enemy gunfire and charged a machine gun, killing the enemy there. He was shot multiple times and propped himself up against a tree and continued to fire until he succumbed to his injuries.
John L. LevitowAir ForceAirman First ClassLong Binh Army post, South VietnamFebruary 24, 1969For diving on top of a flare to eject it from an aircraft, saving the aircraft and the entire crew on board
Angelo J. LitekyArmyCaptainPhuoc—Lac—Biên Hòa Province—South Vietnamnear Phuoc-Lac, Biên Hòa ProvinceDecember 6, 1967Was a Chaplain who carried 20 wounded men from the battlefield under heavy fire. He later renounced his medal of honor.
Gary L. LittrellArmySergeant First ClassKon Tum ProvinceApril 4, 1970 – April 8, 1970Risked his life to direct artillery and air support by day and marked the unit's location by night; despite enemy fire he led his men against the enemy until help arrived.
James E. LivingstonMarine CorpsCaptainDai Do, South VietnamMay 2, 1968Although twice painfully wounded by grenade fragments, he refused medical treatment and courageously led his men in the destruction of over 100 mutually supporting bunkers, driving the remaining enemy from their positions, and relieving the pressure on the stranded Marine company. Also while wounded and in the open, continued to give orders to his troops to repel the enemy. He refused to be evacuated until his men were safe.
Donald R. Long ArmySergeantSouth VietnamJune 30, 1966For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Carlos J. Lozada ArmyPrivate First ClassĐắk TôNovember 20, 1967For providing covering fire at the cost of his own life during a withdrawal
Andre C. Lucas ArmyLieutenant ColonelFire Support Base RipcordJuly 1, 1970 – July 23, 1970For extraordinary heroism while serving as the commanding officer of the 2d Battalion
Allen J. LynchArmySpecialist FourMy An—Bien Dinh Province—South Vietnamnear Mỹ An (2), Bình Định ProvinceDecember 15, 1967For providing critical aid to wounded comrades under heavy fire
Walter J. Marm, Jr.ArmySecond LieutenantIa Drang Valley—South Vietnamnear Ia Drang ValleyNovember 14, 1965For actions in Ia Drang, in which he led a successful one man assault on an enemy hill
Gary W. Martini Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassBình SơnApril 21, 1967Sacrificed his life to move a wounded comrade to safety
Larry L. Maxam Marine CorpsCorporalCam Lộ District, Quảng Trị ProvinceFebruary 2, 1968Sacrificed his life to single-handedly repel a large enemy force from attacking through a weakened perimeter for over 1½ hours.
Finnis D. McCleeryArmyPlatoon SergeantQuảng Tín ProvinceMay 14, 1968Although wounded in an assault on a bunker complex, he continued attacking until wounded a second time by shrapnel eliminating the enemy from the hill
James C. McCloughanArmyPrivate First ClassQuảng Nam ProvinceMay 13, 1969May 15, 1969Continued to treat wounded and help repulse enemy assault although himself wounded
Phill G. McDonald ArmyPrivate First ClassKon Tum City—South Vietnamnear Kon Tum CityJune 7, 1968Was killed after attacking the enemy multiple times with grenades and rifle fire
John J. McGinty IIIMarine CorpsStaff SergeantQuảng Trị ProvinceJuly 18, 1966Found a separated unit of twenty wounded men, reloaded their weapons and directed their fire at the enemy until they attempted a counter-attack. He then directed fire at the enemy and although wounded adjusted artillery and air strikes within fifty yards of his position until the enemy had been repelled.
Ray McKibben ArmySergeantnear Song Mao, South VietnamDecember 8, 1968Single-handedly destroyed an enemy bunker, rescued a wounded comrade from under heavy fire, and attacked and destroyed two more bunkers by himself before being mortally wounded while attacking a fourth bunker.
Thomas J. McMahon ArmySpecialist FourQuảng Tín ProvinceMarch 19, 1969While attempting to rescue three wounded soldiers despite heavy enemy fire, he was able to carry two of the men to safety but was killed while trying to rescue the third.
David H. McNerneyArmyFirst SergeantPolei Doc, South VietnamMarch 22, 1967Despite being wounded after his unit was attacked, he assumed command of the unit when the company commander was killed, organized the defense, and helped arrange a helicopter evacuation of the wounded. He refused his own medical evacuation and instead stayed with the company until a new commander arrived.
Edgar L. McWethy, Jr. ArmySpecialist FiveBình Định ProvinceJune 21, 1967Repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to treat his wounded comrades despite being wounded three times himself and continued to help his fellow soldiers until suffering a fourth and fatal wound.
Don L. Michael ArmySpecialist FourSouth VietnamApril 8, 1967Single-handedly destroyed a Viet Cong bunker and was then killed while chasing the retreating enemy soldiers.
Franklin D. MillerArmyStaff SergeantKon Tum ProvinceJanuary 5, 1970He single-handedly held off an enemy assault, arranged for a helicopter extraction of his unit, and again fought off the enemy alone until relief arrived, although wounded himself.
Gary L. Miller ArmyFirst LieutenantBình Dương ProvinceFebruary 16, 1969For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Robert J. ModrzejewskiMarine CorpsCaptainSouth VietnamJuly 15, 1966 – July 18, 1966Led his men in the seizure of enemy ammunition and supplies and continued to counterattack the enemy using artillery fire and air support.
Ferenc Zoltán Molnár ArmyStaff SergeantKon Tum ProvinceMay 20, 1967For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
James H. Monroe ArmyPrivate First ClassBồng Sơn, Hoài Nhơn DistrictFebruary 16, 1967For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
William D. Morgan Marine CorpsCorporalQuảng Trị ProvinceFebruary 25, 1969For creating a diversion at the expense of his own life and providing his squad time to evacuate two wounded soldiers
Charles B. MorrisArmySergeantSouth VietnamJune 29, 1966Continued to lead his squad, fight the enemy, and help the wounded despite being wounded himself four separate times.
Melvin MorrisArmyStaff Sergeantnear Chi LăngSeptember 17, 1969For his courageous actions while serving as Commander of a Strike Force drawn from Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during combat operations against an armed enemy.[11][13]
Robert C. Murray ArmyStaff SergeantHiep Duc—South Vietnamnear Hiệp ĐứcJune 7, 1970For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
David P. Nash ArmyPrivate First ClassGiao Duc District, Dinh Tuong ProvinceDecember 29, 1968For covering a grenade with his body in order to protect those around him
Melvin E. Newlin Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassQuảng Nam ProvinceJuly 4, 1967Killed while single-handedly attacking an enemy force, breaking up and disorganizing the enemy
Thomas P. Noonan, Jr. Marine CorpsLance Corporalnear Vandegrift Combat Base, Quảng Trị ProvinceFebruary 5, 1969Killed while attempting to rescue a wounded man
Thomas R. NorrisNavyLieutenantQuảng Trị ProvinceApril 10, 1972 – April 13, 1972Rescued two downed pilots deep within heavily controlled enemy territory
Michael J. NovoselArmyChief Warrant OfficerKien Tuong ProvinceOctober 2, 1969For the rescue of 29 American and South Vietnamese soldiers from a heavily fortified enemy training area without any cover or gunship support.
Milton L. Olive, III ArmyPrivate First ClassPhu CuongOctober 22, 1965For smothering a grenade blast with his body. The first African American Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War.
Kenneth L. Olson ArmySpecialist FourLong AnMay 13, 1968For smothering a grenade blast with his body
Robert E. O'MalleyMarine CorpsCorporalAn Cu'ong—South Vietnamnear An Cu'ong 2, South VietnamAugust 18, 1965Risked his life and led his men to repeatedly attack the enemy, assist another Marine unit that had inflicted heavy casualties and led his unit to a helicopter for evacuation.
David G. Ouellet NavySeamanMekong RiverMarch 6, 1967Placed himself between an enemy grenade and his shipmates, absorbing most of the blast fragments with his own body in order to protect his shipmates from injury and death.
Robert M. PattersonArmySpecialist Fournear La Chu, Thừa Thiên ProvinceMay 6, 1968During a firefight he single-handedly destroyed a series of enemy bunkers
Joe C. Paul Marine CorpsLance CorporalChu Lai—South Vietnamnear Chu LaiAugust 18, 1965Killed while defending his wounded comrades from the enemy and delivered effective suppressive fire in order to divert the Viet Cong long enough to allow the casualties to be evacuated.
Richard A. PenryArmySergeantBình Tuy ProvinceJanuary 31, 1970Helped to organize defenses and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to retrieve supplies and return fire. Voluntarily left the perimeter, set up a guiding beacon, established the priorities for evacuation and successively carried 18 wounded men to the extraction site. After all wounded had been evacuated he joined another platoon and assisted in pursuing the enemy.
William T. Perkins, Jr. Marine CorpsCorporalQuảng Trị ProvinceOctober 12, 1967Sacrificed himself by smothering an enemy grenade with his body to save the lives of three fellow Marines and is the only combat photographer to have received the Medal of Honor.
Lawrence D. Peters Marine CorpsSergeantQuảng Tín ProvinceSeptember 4, 1967After being struck by enemy mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire he continuously fought and led his men against the enemy until dying from his wounds.
Danny J. Petersen ArmySpecialist FourTây Ninh ProvinceJanuary 9, 1970Repeatedly exposed himself and his armored personnel carrier to enemy fire in order to protect the other soldiers of his unit and after his vehicle was disabled, he stayed behind and was killed while providing covering fire so others could withdraw.
Jimmy W. Phipps Marine CorpsPrivate First Classnear An Hoa Combat BaseMay 27, 1969Sacrificed himself to save others by smothering an enemy grenade with his body
Larry S. Pierce ArmySergeantBen Cat—South Vietnamnear Bến CátSeptember 20, 1965Sacrificed himself to save others by smothering an enemy grenade with his body
William H. Pitsenbarger Air ForceAirman First ClassCam My—South Vietnamnear Cẩm MỹApril 11, 1966For refusing evacuation while tending wounded and defending the unit's position. Originally awarded the Air Force Cross, was upgraded to Medal of Honor by Congress in 2000, after review of his actions.
Richard A. PittmanMarine CorpsLance CorporalDemilitarized Zone—South Vietnamnear the Demilitarized ZoneJuly 24, 1966Risked his life to assist a group of Marines who had been attacked by a larger enemy force
Riley L. Pitts ArmyCaptainAp DongOctober 31, 1967Killed after attacking an enemy force with rifle fire and grenades. Was the first African American commissioned officer to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Stephen W. PlessMarine CorpsCaptainQuang Nai—South Vietnamnear Quảng NgãiAugust 19, 1967For rescuing a group of surrounded American troops with his helicopter
William D. Port ArmyPrivate First ClassQue Son Valley, Quảng Tín ProvinceJanuary 12, 1968Rescued a wounded comrade and then smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown grenade with his body to protect other soldiers. He survived the blast, but was seriously wounded and captured by the enemy dying while a prisoner of war ten months later.
Robert L. Poxon ArmyFirst LieutenantTây Ninh ProvinceJune 2, 1969Was wounded when attempting to rescue a wounded soldier and despite his injuries, led his platoon and succeeded in destroying an enemy bunker before being killed.
William R. Prom Marine CorpsLance Corporalnear An Hoa Combat BaseFebruary 9, 1969Sacrificed his life to direct fire at the enemy at point blank range
Robert J. Pruden ArmyStaff SergeantQuảng Ngãi ProvinceNovember 29, 1969Sacrificed himself to ensure evacuation helicopters were able to withdraw his team.
Laszlo Rabel ArmyStaff SergeantBình Định ProvinceNovember 13, 1968For falling on a grenade to save his comrades
Alfred V. RasconArmySpecialist FourSouth VietnamMarch 16, 1966Specialist Rascon's showed extraordinary valor in the face of deadly enemy fire, heroism in rescuing the wounded, and gallantry by repeatedly risking his own life for his fellow soldiers.
David R. Ray NavyHospital Corpsman Second ClassQuảng Nam ProvinceMarch 19, 1969For gallantry and intrepidity in defending his position and giving aid to wounded Marines
Ronald E. RayArmyFirst LieutenantIa Drang ValleyJune 19, 1966For eliminating enemy fire with available weapons and shielding his men from an enemy grenade
Frank S. Reasoner Marine CorpsFirst LieutenantDa Nang—South Vietnamnear Da NangJuly 12, 1965For attempting to rescue one of his wounded men on a Marine recon patrol
Anund C. Roark ArmySergeantKon Tum ProvinceMay 16, 1968Sacrificed his life to save his fellow soldiers by smothering a grenade with his body
Gordon R. RobertsArmySpecialist FourThừa Thiên ProvinceJuly 11, 1969For efforts in retrieving wounded personnel and defending his platoon
James W. Robinson, Jr. ArmySergeantSouth VietnamApril 11, 1966Sacrificed his life to destroy an enemy bunker and protect several of his fellow soldiers
Louis R. RoccoArmySergeant First Classnortheast of KatumMay 24, 1970Distinguished himself when he volunteered to accompany a medical evacuation team on an urgent mission to evacuate eight critically wounded Army of the Republic of Vietnam personnel.
Jose RodelaArmySergeant First ClassPhuoc Long ProvinceSeptember 1, 1969Repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to attend to the fallen and eliminate an enemy rocket position.
Charles C. RogersArmyLieutenant ColonelFishhook, near Cambodian borderNovember 1, 1968Risked his life to repel the enemy and protect his soldiers during an enemy assault on his firebase.
Gary M. RoseArmyCaptainChavan, LaosSeptember 11, 1970 – September 14, 1970Risked his life to treat 60–70 personnel, despite being wounded multiple times during Operation Tailwind.
Eurípides Rubio ArmyCaptainTây Ninh ProvinceNovember 8, 1966For efforts in directing an air strike on enemy forces
Leslie H. Sabo, Jr. ArmySpecialist FourNear Se San Village, CambodiaMay 10, 1970For heroic action when his platoon was ambushed by North Vietnamese forces near the village of Se San in eastern Cambodia.
Héctor Santiago-Colón ArmySpecialist FourQuảng Trị ProvinceJune 28, 1968For falling on a grenade to save his comrades and is one of five Puerto Ricans who have been posthumously presented with the Medal of Honor.
Ruppert L. Sargent ArmyFirst LieutenantHậu Nghĩa ProvinceMarch 15, 1967On that day, while in Hậu Nghĩa Province in the Republic of Vietnam, Sargent threw himself on two enemy hand grenades, sacrificing himself but saving the lives of two men nearby.
Clarence E. SasserArmyPrivate First ClassDinh Tuong ProvinceJanuary 10, 1968Risked his life to save several wounded soldiers and although severely wounded himself continued treating their wounds for five hours until they were rescued.
William W. Seay ArmySergeantAp Nhi—South Vietnamnear Ap NhiAugust 25, 1968When his convoy came under attack that day, near Ap Nhi in the Republic of Vietnam, Seay twice left his protective cover to toss enemy-thrown hand grenades back at the North Vietnamese forces. Despite being wounded in the wrist, he again exposed himself to enemy fire and was fatally shot.
Daniel J. Shea ArmyPrivate First ClassQuảng Trị ProvinceMay 14, 1969Killed by enemy gunfire after assisting in the defeat of an attacking enemy force
Marvin G. Shields NavyConstruction Mechanic Third ClassĐồng XoàiJune 10, 1965Killed after rescuing several wounded, assisting in destroying an enemy gun emplacement and resupplying ammunition to his unit
Lance P. Sijan Air ForceCaptainNorth VietnamNovember 9, 1967For actions as a prisoner of war from November 9, 1967 – January 22, 1968
Clifford C. Sims ArmyStaff SergeantHuế—South Vietnamnear HuếFebruary 21, 1968Sims threw himself onto a triggered booby-trap device. He was killed in the ensuing explosion, but was successful in protecting the members of his squad.
Walter K. Singleton Marine CorpsSergeantGio Linh District, Quảng Trị ProvinceMarch 24, 1967Killed in an attack where he killed eight of the enemy and drove the remainder away
George K. Sisler ArmyFirst LieutenantSouth VietnamFebruary 7, 1967Organized the defense, rescued a wounded soldier, and single-handedly attacked an enemy position before being killed
Donald S. Skidgel ArmySergeantSong Be—South Vietnamnear Sông BéSeptember 14, 1969Killed attempting to draw enemy fire away from his convoy after manning a machine gun in his vehicle
Donald P. Sloat ArmySpecialist FourQuảng Tín ProvinceJanuary 17, 1970Killed using his body to shield comrades from a grenade blast
Larry E. Smedley Marine CorpsCorporalQuảng Nam ProvinceDecember 21, 1967Assaulted the enemy with grenades and rifle fire until dying from his wounds
Elmelindo R. Smith ArmyStaff SergeantSouth VietnamFebruary 16, 1967Although wounded by a rocket he led his platoon in a patrol when enemy forces attacked with machine gun, mortars and rocket fire.
James M. SprayberryArmyFirst LieutenantSouth VietnamApril 25, 1968Led a patrol which rescued men who had been wounded and cut off from the rest of the company and in the process destroyed several enemy bunkers and machine gun emplacements.
Russell A. Steindam ArmyFirst LieutenantTây Ninh ProvinceFebruary 1, 1970For defending company from an enemy grenade
Jimmy G. Stewart ArmyStaff SergeantSouth VietnamMay 18, 1966Sacrificed himself to hold his company's position against the enemy allowing others to come to his aid and repel the enemy force
James B. StockdaleNavyCaptainHỏa Lò Prison, Hanoi, North VietnamSeptember 4, 1969For action as a prisoner of war
Lester R. Stone, Jr. ArmySergeantwest of Landing Zone LizMarch 3, 1969Sacrificed his life by manning a machine gun in an exposed position during an enemy attack, allowing others to rescue a wounded comrade
Mitchell W. Stout ArmySergeantKhe Gio BridgeMarch 12, 1970Sacrificed his life to save others by smothering a grenade with his body
Robert F. Stryker ArmySpecialist FourLoc Ninh—South Vietnamnear Lộc NinhNovember 7, 1967Sacrificed his life to save several fellow soldiers by smothering a claymore mine with his body
Kenneth E. StumpfArmySpecialist FourDuc Pho—South Vietnamnear Đức PhổApril 25, 1967Risked his life by rescuing three injured squad members and then led his squad to attack and destroy a heavily fortified enemy bunker complex.
Jon E. Swanson ArmyCaptainCambodiaFebruary 26, 1971Sacrificed his life by flying his aircraft dangerously slow and low to destroy enemy machine gun emplacements until his aircraft was shot down.
James A. TaylorArmyFirst LieutenantQue Son—South Vietnamwest of Quế SơnNovember 9, 1967Risked his life to save the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers
Karl G. Taylor, Sr. Marine CorpsStaff SergeantDodge City, Quảng Nam ProvinceDecember 8, 1968Sacrificed his life to save the lives of several Marines by taking out an enemy bunker
Larry TaylorArmyFirst LieutenantBình Dương provinceJune 12, 1969AH-1 Cobra pilot who rescued four soldiers under enemy fire
Brian M. ThackerArmyFirst LieutenantKon Tum ProvinceMarch 31, 1971Risked his own life to allow his unit to escape
Michael E. ThorntonNavyEngineman Second ClassQuảng Trị ProvinceOctober 31, 1972Saved the life of his superior officer and allowed the other members of his patrol to escape
Leo K. ThorsnessAir ForceMajorover North VietnamApril 19, 1967Risked his life to assist in the rescue of three downed aviators
Jay R. VargasMarine CorpsCaptainDai DoApril 30, 1968 – May 2, 1968Vargas requested that his mother's name, M. Sando Vargas, Jr., be engraved on the medal and added to the rolls.
Humbert R. Versace ArmyCaptainCà MauOctober 29, 1963 – September 26, 1965Was executed by the Viet Cong while a prisoner of war after repeated escape attempts, torture and maltreatment
John E. Warren, Jr. ArmyFirst LieutenantTây Ninh ProvinceJanuary 14, 1969Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Charles J. Watters ArmyMajorBattle of Dak ToNovember 19, 1967Was a chaplain who sacrificed himself to rescue several wounded men
Dale E. Wayrynen ArmySpecialist FourQuảng Ngãi ProvinceMay 18, 1967For smothering a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him
Lester W. Weber Marine CorpsLance CorporalQuảng Nam ProvinceFebruary 23, 1969After fighting back four enemy soldiers and causing 11 others to retreat was killed by a fifth enemy soldier
Gary G. WetzelArmyPrivate First ClassAp dong An—South Vietnamnear Ap Dong AnJanuary 8, 1968Although losing his arm and repeatedly losing consciousness from loss of blood after the helicopter he was on was shot down he fought back an enemy gun emplacement and assisted in the rescue of a fallen officer.
Roy M. Wheat Marine CorpsLance CorporalDien Ban District, Quảng Nam ProvinceAugust 11, 1967Sacrificed his life by smothering a mine with his body
Jerry W. Wickam ArmyCorporalLoc Ninh—South Vietnamnear Lộc NinhJanuary 6, 1968Killed after repeatedly attacking and defeating the enemy
Hilliard A. Wilbanks Air ForceCaptainDa Lat—South Vietnamnear Da LatFebruary 24, 1967Distinguished himself by realizing that Army Rangers were walking into an ambush and, with no air support close by and no radio communication with the Rangers, he sacrificed his life to alert the Rangers of the danger.
Louis E. Willett ArmyPrivate First ClassKon Tum ProvinceFebruary 15, 1967For twice providing covering fire for his squad's withdrawal despite heavy enemy fire
Charles Q. WilliamsArmySecond LieutenantĐồng XoàiJune 9, 1965 – June 10, 1965After a group of enemy insurgents attacked he organized a defense and repelled the enemy throughout the night
Dewayne T. Williams Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassQuảng Nam ProvinceSeptember 18, 1968Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
James E. WilliamsNavyBoatswain's Mate First ClassMekong RiverOctober 31, 1966Against overwhelming odds, several times Williams led his PBRs (Patrol Boats, River) against concentrations of enemy junks and sampans. As a result of the three-hour battle, the American naval force killed numerous Viet Cong guerrillas, destroyed over fifty vessels, and disrupted a major enemy logistic operation.
Alfred M. Wilson Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassQuảng Trị ProvinceMarch 3, 1969Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
David F. Winder ArmyPrivate First ClassSouth VietnamMay 13, 1970Sacrificed his life in an attempt to assist a wounded soldier
Kenneth L. Worley Marine CorpsLance CorporalBo Ban, Quảng Nam ProvinceAugust 12, 1968Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Raymond R. WrightArmySpecialist FourAp Bac ZoneMay 2, 1967Along with another soldier attacked and defeated multiple enemy bunkers
Maximo Yabes ArmyFirst SergeantPhu Hoa Dong—South Vietnamnear Phu Hoa DongFebruary 26, 1967Used his body as a shield to protect others in a bunker, moved two wounded men to a safer position where they could be given medical treatment and destroyed an enemy machine gun position before being killed.
Rodney J. T. Yano ArmySergeant First ClassBiên Hòa—South Vietnamnear Biên HòaJanuary 1, 1969For sacrificing his life to save the other members of his aircrew
Gordon D. Yntema ArmySergeantThang Binh—South Vietnamnear Thăng BìnhJanuary 16, 1968 – January 18, 1968Defended several fallen comrades and forced the Vietnamese to kill him rather than be captured.
Gerald O. YoungAir ForceCaptainKhe SanhNovember 9, 1967Distinguished himself while serving as a helicopter rescue crew commander
Marvin R. Young ArmyStaff SergeantBen Cui—South Vietnamnear Bến CủiAugust 21, 1968For sacrificing his life so his unit could escape
Fred W. ZabitoskyArmyStaff SergeantFebruary 19, 1968Zabitosky directed the defense until rescue helicopters arrived, and when the helicopter that was to extract him from the battlefield crashed, he ignored his own injuries to save the downed craft's pilot.

Unknown soldier

The unknown soldier from the Vietnam War who was buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns was authorized a Medal of Honor and in 1998 was identified as 1st Lieutenant Michael Blassie, USAF. After DNA testing confirmed his identity, the remains were removed from the tomb and returned to Blassie's family, but the Medal of Honor did not transfer with him. It remains awarded to "the unknown soldier" as a tribute to the war dead who have not yet been identified. The Blassie family requested that the Medal of Honor be granted to him but the request was denied by the Department of Defense.[14]

See also

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
  • Murphy, Edward F. (July 1987). Vietnam Medal of Honor Heroes. New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN 978-0-345-33890-7.