Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine CPT John J. McGinty III.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2939 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine CPT John J. McGinty III. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the USMC University.

Captain John J. McGinty III, a U.S. Marine, embodied courage and commitment during the Vietnam War. In July 1966, McGinty, a gunnery sergeant at the time, was serving with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, near the Demilitarized Zone. His unit, vastly outnumbered, was ambushed by a fierce North Vietnamese force. Under heavy fire, McGinty displayed extraordinary valor.

As chaos erupted, McGinty moved through the barrage of bullets and shrapnel to rally his men. When communication with higher command was severed, he assumed control of two platoons, positioning them for defense against overwhelming odds. Despite wounds to his hand and shoulder, McGinty refused evacuation. Instead, he traversed the perilous battlefield, braving sniper fire to personally assist and evacuate the wounded.

In one harrowing instance, McGinty single-handedly eliminated a North Vietnamese machine gun crew, neutralizing a critical threat to his Marines. His unyielding leadership and determination inspired his troops to hold their ground until reinforcements arrived.

For his heroism and selflessness, McGinty was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. The citation lauded his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”

After the war, McGinty continued serving his country and fellow veterans, embodying the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment until his passing in 2014. His legacy remains a testament to the enduring spirit of those who serve in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Listen to Episode 2939 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine CPT John J. McGinty III.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SFC Finnis D. McCleery.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2938 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SFC Finnis D. McCleery. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross.

Army Sergeant First Class Finnis D. McCleery was a man of quiet resolve, whose bravery under fire in the Vietnam War earned him the Medal of Honor. On May 14, 1968, McCleery’s unit, Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, was on a mission in Quang Tin Province when they encountered a heavily fortified enemy position. The North Vietnamese forces unleashed a deadly ambush, pinning the Americans down with machine gun fire and mortar explosions.

Amid the chaos, McCleery took action. Crawling through thick vegetation under relentless enemy fire, he moved closer to the enemy bunkers. Despite being wounded in the arm and hip by shrapnel, he refused to retreat. His determination inspired his comrades, many of whom were frozen by the overwhelming firepower.

Reaching the first bunker, McCleery lobbed a grenade, silencing the enemy gun inside. Without hesitation, he moved to a second bunker, eliminating its occupants in close combat. He was shot again, this time in the leg, but continued his assault, neutralizing a third bunker. His single-handed actions disrupted the enemy’s defensive line and allowed his unit to regroup and counterattack, ultimately driving the North Vietnamese forces back.

SFC McCleery’s selflessness and courage saved countless lives that day. Despite his injuries, he remained humble, attributing his heroics to duty and camaraderie. His Medal of Honor citation reflects the essence of his character: a soldier who placed the lives of others above his own, embodying the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.

Listen to Episode 2938 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SFC Finnis D. McCleery.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine Cpl Larry L. Maxam.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2937 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine Cpl Larry L. Maxam. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia,

Marine Corporal Larry L. Maxam was a hero who embodied selflessness and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Born on January 9, 1948, in Glendale, California, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 18, determined to serve his country during one of its most tumultuous periods.

On February 2, 1968, during the height of the Tet Offensive, Maxam’s unit was engaged in brutal combat at a critical defensive outpost at Cam Lo. The enemy launched a fierce and unrelenting assault, bombarding their position with mortar fire and overwhelming waves of attackers. As the chaos unfolded, Maxam found himself in a critical position within the perimeter, a target of the enemy’s concentrated fury.

Despite being gravely wounded, Maxam refused to leave his post. Bleeding and in excruciating pain, he fought with unyielding resolve, engaging the enemy at close quarters to protect his fellow Marines. He recognized that his position was the linchpin of their defense. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued to fire his weapon, rallying his comrades and holding back the attackers long enough for reinforcements to arrive.

Maxam’s actions that day saved countless lives but cost him his own. He succumbed to his wounds, his final moments marked by an extraordinary act of valor. In recognition of his bravery, Maxam was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Cpl Larry L. Maxam’s legacy lives on as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who serve. His story reminds us of the profound cost of freedom and the enduring spirit of the Marine Corps.

Listen to Episode 2937 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine Cpl Larry L. Maxam.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Professor Mark A. Lawrence, University of Texas.

Episode 2935 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Professor Mark Atwood Lawrence who talks about his new book End of Ambition. He is an eminent who is currently serving as the head of the History Department of the University of Texas at Austin and the LBJ Presidential Library which is located on the UT campus.

The End of Ambition: The United States and the Third World in the Vietnam Era is a groundbreaking new history of how the Vietnam War thwarted U.S. liberal ambitions in the developing world and at home in the 1960s.

At the start of the 1960s, John F. Kennedy and other American liberals expressed boundless optimism about the ability of the United States to promote democracy and development in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. With U.S. power, resources, and expertise, almost anything seemed possible in the countries of the Cold War’s “Third World”—developing, postcolonial nations unaligned with the United States or Soviet Union. Yet by the end of the decade, this vision lay in ruins. What happened? In The End of Ambition, Mark Atwood Lawrence offers a groundbreaking new history of America’s most consequential decade. He reveals how the Vietnam War, combined with dizzying social and political changes in the United States, led to a collapse of American liberal ambition in the Third World—and how this transformation was connected to shrinking aspirations back home in America.

The result is an original new perspective on a war that continues to haunt U.S. foreign policy today.

Listen to Episode 2935 and discover more about Professor Mark Lawrence and his latest outstanding book End of Ambition.

Recommended ReadingBuy Now

Discount Code – PUP30

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine PFC Gary W. Martini.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2936 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine PFC Gary W. Martini. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia, Frontier Media and the West Virginia Culture website.

In the thick of the Vietnam War, amid the dense jungle and relentless enemy fire, Marine Private First Class Gary W. Martini demonstrated extraordinary bravery. It was April 21, 1967, in the Quang Ngai Province, during Operation Union. Martini’s platoon was ambushed by a well-entrenched North Vietnamese force, leaving many of his comrades wounded in an open rice paddy, pinned down under withering fire.

With no regard for his own safety, Martini crawled across the exposed terrain to reach two wounded Marines. Using his body as a shield, he dragged one Marine back to safety, bullets striking all around him. Determined to save the second, he ventured back into the kill zone. Despite being struck twice by enemy fire, Martini pressed on, retrieving his wounded comrade and ensuring his safety.

As he attempted to return to his unit, Martini was mortally wounded by a third round. Though gravely injured, he continued to fight, firing his weapon and encouraging his fellow Marines to persevere. His courageous actions inspired his platoon to counterattack and ultimately repel the enemy.

Gary W. Martini’s selfless heroism saved the lives of multiple Marines and exemplified the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps. For his extraordinary valor, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, a testament to his unwavering courage and sacrifice. Today, his legacy endures as a reminder of the profound cost of freedom and the indomitable spirit of those who fight to protect it.

Listen to Episode 2936 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine PFC Gary W. Martini.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Walter Joseph Marm Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2934 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Walter Joseph Marm Jr. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Army Heritage Center Foundation  website.

November 14, 1965, marked a day of extraordinary courage. Army Second Lieutenant Walter Joseph Marm Jr., a platoon leader in the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, was thrust into the chaos of the Battle of Ia Drang. Surrounded by enemy forces, the battle tested the resolve of every soldier—but Marm’s actions stood apart.

Under relentless fire, Marm’s unit was pinned down, unable to advance or retreat. Recognizing the peril, Marm decided to act. Armed with a rifle and boundless determination, he charged across an open field, exposing himself to withering enemy fire. The North Vietnamese entrenched ahead were well-prepared, but Marm’s singular mission was to save his men.

As he reached the enemy position, Marm lobbed grenades, neutralizing multiple machine gun nests. Despite being wounded in the process, he pressed on, engaging in close combat to silence the enemy’s hold. His actions created a crucial breach, allowing his unit to advance and turn the tide of the battle.

For his extraordinary gallantry and selflessness, Marm was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first soldier in the Ia Drang campaign to receive the nation’s highest military decoration. Throughout his career, he continued to inspire with his humility and dedication to service.

COL Walter Marm Jr.’s bravery in Vietnam epitomizes the spirit of the Medal of Honor: an unyielding commitment to duty, a willingness to sacrifice, and a legacy that reminds us of the valor inherent in those who serve.

Listen to Episode 2934 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Walter Joseph Marm Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Allen James Lynch.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2933 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Allen James Lynch. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library website.

On December 15, 1967, in the jungles of Vietnam, Army Sergeant Allen James Lynch’s courage would define him as a hero. At 22 years old, he served as a radio telephone operator with Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. That day, his unit came under a relentless enemy attack. Amid the chaos, Lynch saw three wounded comrades stranded in an open field under heavy fire.

Without hesitation, he left his covered position, crossing exposed ground to reach the soldiers. With extraordinary determination, he carried each one to safety, shielding them with his own body. As enemy forces pressed closer, Lynch established a defensive position to protect his injured comrades, holding off repeated assaults. His actions bought critical time for reinforcements to arrive.

When his unit withdrew, Lynch refused to abandon the wounded men. Armed with a rifle, he stood his ground, fending off enemy fighters alone for several hours. His bravery ensured the survival of his comrades and allowed them to be evacuated safely.

For his valor and selflessness, Allen James Lynch was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1970 by President Richard Nixon. But Lynch’s heroism extended beyond the battlefield. After the war, he dedicated his life to helping veterans, working for the Department of Veterans Affairs and supporting military families through his nonprofit foundation.

SGT Allen James Lynch’s story is a testament to extraordinary courage and enduring service—a legacy that continues to inspire.

Listen to Episode 2933 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Allen James Lynch.

Recommended ReadingBuy Now

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army LTC Andre Lucas.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2932 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army LTC Andre Lucas. Information featured in this episode comes from the USMA website.

The humid air hung heavy over Fire Support Base Ripcord in Vietnam’s Thừa Thiên Province during November of 1970. For weeks, the base had been under relentless siege by North Vietnamese forces. Amidst the chaos, Army Lieutenant Colonel Andre Lucas, the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, led with unwavering bravery and selflessness.

LTC Lucas was a man of remarkable composure. Under relentless artillery bombardments and waves of assaults, he refused to retreat to safety, choosing instead to remain among his soldiers, rallying them with calm orders and a steadfast presence. Despite the harrowing conditions, he was determined to hold the base as long as possible, buying critical time for allied operations in the area.

On July 23, as the situation deteriorated, Lucas displayed extraordinary heroism. Under intense enemy fire, he repeatedly exposed himself to direct danger, coordinating airstrikes and resupply missions. During one desperate moment, he personally piloted a helicopter to recover wounded soldiers and deliver ammunition to embattled troops.

When the order finally came to evacuate Ripcord, Lucas stayed behind to ensure as many men as possible made it to safety. He was struck by enemy fire while assisting his soldiers, succumbing to his wounds at just 40 years old.

For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, LTC Andre Lucas was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His sacrifice exemplifies the highest ideals of leadership and selflessness, leaving a legacy of courage that continues to inspire.

Listen to Episode 2932 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army LTC Andre Lucas.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Carlos Lozada.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2931 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Carlos Lozada. Information featured in this episode comes from the National Infantry Museum.

On November 20, 1967, deep in the jungles of Dak To, Vietnam, Army Private First Class Carlos Lozada stood as a sentinel of courage. At just 22 years old, Lozada was part of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade. His unit had just reached Hill 875, unaware that they were walking into an ambush by a heavily armed North Vietnamese force.

As the enemy unleashed a torrent of gunfire, panic surged through the American ranks. But Lozada, manning a machine gun on the left flank, remained steadfast. Realizing the enemy’s intent to overrun their position, he braced himself, suppressing their advance with a relentless barrage of fire. His actions bought precious time for his comrades to regroup and withdraw.

Lozada’s defiance drew the enemy’s ire, and bullets ripped through the air around him. Refusing to abandon his post, he shouted for his fellow soldiers to retreat while he held the line. He continued firing until his ammunition was nearly spent. Moments later, he was struck and mortally wounded, collapsing beside his weapon.

Lozada’s sacrifice saved countless lives that day. His extraordinary bravery was recognized with the Medal of Honor, awarded posthumously in 1969. Carlos Lozada’s name is now etched in history and memorialized at Fort Bliss, Texas, where a chapel bears his name.

In the face of overwhelming odds, Carlos Lozada demonstrated the essence of selflessness and valor, a legacy that continues to inspire generations of soldiers and civilians alike.

Listen to Episode 2931 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Carlos Lozada..

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Donald Russell Long.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2930 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Donald Russell Long.. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

In the dense jungles of Vietnam, under the suffocating canopy of war, Army Sergeant Donald Russell Long stood as a pillar of courage. It was June 30, 1966, near the village of Minh Thanh. Long’s platoon, part of the 1st Infantry Division, was ambushed by a force of North Vietnamese soldiers. Gunfire ripped through the air, chaos enveloping the troops as they scrambled for cover.

Amid the roar of battle, Long’s sharp eyes caught movement—a grenade arcing toward the heart of his unit. In that instant, he made a choice that would define not only his life but the lives of those around him. With no hesitation, he flung himself onto the grenade, his body absorbing the full force of the explosion.

The blast tore through him, leaving Long gravely wounded. But his act of selflessness saved the lives of his comrades, allowing them to regroup and fight on. Despite his injuries, Long insisted on ensuring the safety of his fellow soldiers, refusing evacuation until others were secure.

Later awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously, Long’s heroism became a testament to the highest ideals of service and sacrifice. Those who knew him remembered his quiet strength, his steadfast leadership, and the unwavering bond he shared with his men.

Today, his name is etched in the annals of valor, a reminder of the price of freedom and the depth of courage found in the hearts of ordinary men who rise to extraordinary heights. SGT Donald Russell Long’s story lives on, inspiring generations to honor duty above all else.

Listen to Episode 2930 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Donald Russell Long.

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 2LT Robert Leisy.