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Vietnam medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl Miguel Keith.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2908 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Marine LCpl Miguel Keith. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross.

Marine Lance Corporal Miguel Keith was born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where he grew up determined to serve his country. At 18, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was soon deployed to Vietnam, where he demonstrated exceptional bravery that would later earn him the Medal of Honor.

On May 8, 1970, Keith and his platoon were in Quang Ngai Province when they were ambushed by a numerically superior force of North Vietnamese soldiers. In the chaos of battle, Keith was gravely wounded by an enemy grenade, which severely injured his body. Despite the intense pain and injuries, he refused to fall back. Instead, Keith charged forward, single-handedly engaging the enemy soldiers. He repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, using every ounce of his strength and skill to repel the attackers, saving the lives of many of his fellow Marines in the process.

Even after sustaining additional wounds, Keith continued to push forward, his actions driven by an unbreakable determination to protect his platoon. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries that day, but his extraordinary courage had effectively turned the tide of the battle.

For his unwavering bravery and selflessness in the face of overwhelming odds, Miguel Keith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy remains an enduring reminder of the valor and sacrifice of those who serve, and his story continues to inspire future generations of Marines and Americans alike.

Listen to Episode 2908 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl Miguel Keith.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 John J. Kedenburg.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2907 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 John J. Kedenburg. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Kedenburg joined the Army from his birthplace of Brooklyn, New York in 1965,[1] and by June 13, 1968, was serving as a Specialist Five in the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. During a fierce firefight on that day, in the Republic of Vietnam/Laos, Kedenburg voluntarily gave the last spot on an extraction helicopter to a South Vietnamese soldier. Ordering the full helicopter to leave, he then continued to engage the enemy alone until being overrun. A road at Fort Bragg, NC is named in his honor.

Army Specialist 5 John J. Kedenburg, a member of the 5th Special Forces Group during the Vietnam War, exemplified selfless heroism on June 14, 1968. Leading a reconnaissance mission deep into enemy territory, Kedenburg and his South Vietnamese comrades were ambushed by a superior North Vietnamese force. As they faced overwhelming odds, Kedenburg quickly took command, organizing their defense and directing air support to counter the enemy.

When rescue helicopters arrived, Kedenburg insisted his men board first. As he prepared to board the final helicopter, he noticed that one South Vietnamese soldier remained on the ground. Without hesitation, Kedenburg sacrificed his seat for the man and stayed behind, fighting valiantly until he was killed by enemy fire. For his extraordinary courage and ultimate sacrifice, Kedenburg was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, leaving a legacy of valor and loyalty to his brothers-in-arms.

Listen to Episode 2907 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 John J. Kedenburg.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Kenneth Michael Kays.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2906 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Kenneth Michael Kays. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

In the dense jungles of Vietnam on May 7, 1970, Army Private First Class Kenneth Michael Kays, a young soldier from Illinois, showed extraordinary bravery. Kays, then only 20, was part of the 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles.” On this fateful day, his platoon was in a defensive position near FSB Maureen, a dangerous area near the A Shau Valley. Suddenly, they came under heavy fire from North Vietnamese forces, and the air was thick with bullets and explosions.

As chaos erupted around him, Kays watched in horror as his fellow soldiers were wounded, their cries echoing through the jungle. Despite the fear coursing through him, he sprang into action, tending to the wounded. Moments later, a nearby explosion tore through the ground, severely injuring Kays, who lost part of his leg in the blast.

With determination that defied logic, Kays fashioned a makeshift tourniquet on his leg, refused medical evacuation, and crawled through the combat zone. Under heavy enemy fire, he reached his injured comrades one by one, administering aid and pulling them to safety. His courage and sacrifice allowed the unit to evacuate the wounded, saving multiple lives that day.

For his remarkable valor and selflessness, Kays was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. Though his body bore the scars of war, Kays’ spirit embodied a heroism that remains a lasting legacy of sacrifice and resilience.

Listen to Episode 2906 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Kenneth Michael Kays.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army CPL Terry Teruo Kawamura.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2905 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army CPL Terry Teruo Kawamura. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Grateful Nation Project.

Terry Kawamura grew up in Wahiawa, near the pineapple fields of O‘ahu, Hawaii. Born on December 10, 1949, Kawamura lived with his grandparents while attending Leilehua High School during his junior and senior years.

After graduating in 1967, Kawamura’s grandparents urged him to continue his education. But he told them he wanted to volunteer for the U.S. Army. George Iguchi, Kawamura‘s grandfather, told The Honolulu Advisor, “We didn’t like it very much, but he said he wanted to do something for his country. He said he would like to make his parents proud.”

Kawamura worked for a few months in the pineapple fields, then enlisted in the United States Army in September 1967. He was sent to Fort Ord in Monterey Bay, California, for basic training.

In March 1969, Army Corporal Terry Teruo Kawamura was serving in the Vietnam War as a combat engineer with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. One night, his unit came under surprise attack at a base near Camp Radcliff, in the central highlands. An enemy force breached the perimeter and threw explosives into the sleeping quarters where Kawamura and his fellow soldiers were resting.

Without hesitation, Kawamura saw one of the grenades land near a group of his comrades. Understanding the risk but committed to saving them, he shouted a warning before throwing himself onto the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his own body. Kawamura died instantly, but his actions shielded his fellow soldiers from harm. For his selflessness and extraordinary bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Today, Kawamura’s heroism is remembered as a powerful example of sacrifice and dedication to his brothers-in-arms.

Listen to Episode 2905 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army CPL Terry Teruo Kawamura.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Stephen Karopczyc.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2904 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Stephen Karopczyc. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Army 1LT Stephen Edward Karopczyc was a young officer who exemplified bravery and sacrifice in the Vietnam War. Born in 1944 in New York, he joined the U.S. Army after college and was deployed to Vietnam in 1966 as part of the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

On March 12, 1967, while leading his platoon near Kontum Province, Karopczyc’s unit came under heavy enemy fire. Caught in a brutal ambush, the platoon was pinned down by intense gunfire and grenades. Without hesitation, Karopczyc moved through the hail of bullets to tend to his wounded soldiers, fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire. As he was helping a fellow soldier, a grenade landed nearby. Realizing the imminent danger to those around him, he shielded his comrades by throwing himself on the grenade, absorbing most of the blast. Severely wounded, he continued to lead his men and direct their defense, inspiring them to fight back with courage.

Karopczyc succumbed to his injuries two hours later, but his actions saved countless lives. His selflessness and unwavering courage were recognized posthumously with the Medal of Honor, awarded for his extraordinary heroism. His legacy lives on, a testament to the valor and sacrifice of soldiers who risk everything for their fellow troops. 1LT Stephen Karopczyc’s sacrifice is remembered not only in military history but in the hearts of those he saved.

Listen to Episode 2904 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Stephen Karopczyc.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Edward N. Kaneshiro.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2903 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Edward N. Kaneshiro. Information featured in this episode comes from a story titled: Medal of Honor Monday: Army Staff Sgt. Edward Kaneshiro that appeared on the DoD website. The story was submitted by Katie Lange.

Army Staff Sergeant Edward N. Kaneshiro, a Vietnam War hero, was born in Hawaii, the son of Japanese immigrants. His courage in battle, later recognized with the Medal of Honor, became a symbol of valor and duty. In December 1966, while on patrol with his unit near Phu Huu 2, Vietnam, Kaneshiro’s platoon was ambushed by North Vietnamese forces in a well-coordinated attack. Outnumbered and under heavy fire, his platoon faced grave danger.

Recognizing the imminent threat to his comrades, Kaneshiro took swift and decisive action. Armed with a rifle and hand grenades, he crawled forward, undeterred by the bullets flying around him. He engaged the enemy in close combat, moving strategically from trench to trench, skillfully using grenades to neutralize enemy soldiers hiding within bunkers. His assault disrupted the ambush, allowing his platoon to regroup and ultimately withdraw from the killing zone without further casualties. His fearless actions saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and turned the tide of the encounter.

Kaneshiro’s bravery earned him posthumous recognition, receiving the Medal of Honor in 2022 for his extraordinary heroism and selflessness. Though he died in action months later in 1967, his legacy endures as a testament to the valor and sacrifice of soldiers who stand ready to protect their comrades at all costs. Today, Kaneshiro’s story of courage and loyalty serves as an inspiration to generations who follow in his footsteps.

Listen to Episode 2903 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Edward N. Kaneshiro.

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Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Donald R. Johnston.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2902 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Donald R. Johnston. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Sp4 Johnston distinguished himself while serving as a mortarman with Company D, at a fire support base in Tay Ninh Province. Sp4 Johnston’s company was in defensive positions when it came under a devastating rocket and mortar attack. Under cover of the bombardment, enemy sappers broke through the defensive perimeter and began hurling explosive charges into the main defensive bunkers. Sp4 Johnston and 6 of his comrades had moved from their exposed positions to 1 of the bunkers to continue their fight against the enemy attackers.

As they were firing from the bunker, an enemy soldier threw 3 explosive charges into their position. Sensing the danger to his comrades, Sp4 Johnston, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself onto the explosive charges, smothering the detonations with his body and shielding his fellow soldiers from the blast. His heroic action saved the lives of 6 of his comrades. Sp4 Johnston’s concern for his fellow men at the cost of his life were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Johnston’s heroic sacrifice saved the lives of the men around him, though he was mortally wounded in the act. His selfless actions, courage, and commitment to his fellow soldiers were recognized posthumously when he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration for valor in the United States. His bravery exemplified the dedication and sacrifices of medics and soldiers throughout the Vietnam War, cementing his legacy as a hero who gave his life so others might live.

Specialist Donald R. Johnston’s story continues to inspire service members and civilians alike, a testament to the extraordinary courage found in ordinary people facing unimaginable dangers.

Listen to Episode 2902 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Donald R. Johnston.

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Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient Marine PFC Ralph H. Johnson.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2901 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine PFC Ralph H. Johnson. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

On March 5, 1968, Private First Class Ralph H. Johnson stood in the dense jungles of Quan Duc Valley, Vietnam. The air buzzed with tension as his unit prepared for an impending assault. Johnson, just 19, had already demonstrated courage beyond his years, earning the respect of his fellow Marines.

As the unit moved through the foliage, they were ambushed by a fierce enemy attack. Gunfire erupted, echoing through the trees. Johnson, armed with his M-16, instinctively rushed to help a wounded comrade. With bullets whizzing around him, he shouted for his brothers-in-arms to take cover.

Suddenly, an enemy grenade landed nearby. In that split second, Johnson saw his friends in peril. Without hesitation, he lunged toward the explosive, his instincts screaming to save them. In a selfless act of bravery, he threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the blast with his body.

The explosion echoed through the jungle, and for a moment, silence hung in the air. The dust settled, revealing the sacrifice Johnson had made. Though gravely injured, his actions had saved the lives of several Marines. His bravery did not go unnoticed; PFC Ralph H. Johnson posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroism that day.

Years later, his legacy lives on, inspiring generations. Johnson’s spirit of courage and selflessness serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have in the face of adversity. His story is not just one of sacrifice but of unwavering commitment to his fellow Marines.

Listen to Episode 2901 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine PFC Ralph H. Johnson.

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Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Dwight H. Johnson.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2900 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Dwight H. Johnson. Information featured in this episode comes from a story in the Cherries Writer – Vietnam War Website.

In the heart of the Vietnam War, Army Sergeant Dwight H. Johnson found himself in a hellish landscape. On January 15, 1968, his tank unit was ambushed while conducting a routine patrol near Dak To. Gunfire erupted like thunder, chaos ensued, and men fell around him.

The attack began as the crews tracked along their assigned route just outside Dak To in the Central Highlands near the Cambodian border, several antitank rockets streaked out of a tree line on their flank, as a battalion-size force of North Vietnamese troops sprung an ambush. Two of the four tanks—the one Johnson usually drove and the one he was in that day— was disabled immediately. Johnson’s tank lost its track, so it could no longer maneuver, but its weaponry remained functional. The other tank which held Johnson’s friends—began to burn furiously.

One soldier who witnessed what Johnson did that day was stunned. He later recalled in an interview, “No one who was there could ever forget the sight of this guy taking on a whole battalion of North Vietnamese soldiers.” Johnson had never been seriously wounded during the battle, despite being exposed to enemy fire for most of it. He was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

For the quiet, friendly man from Detroit, however, battles were far from an end. Johnson immediately struggled to return to duty, and he was hospitalized, first in Vietnam and then later when he was sent home to Michigan. After the White House ceremony presenting him with his Medal of Honor, Johnson’s mother found him in a corner with tears streaming down his face. “Honey, what are you crying about?” she asked, concerned. “You’ve made it back,” Johnson complained to his doctors of being unable to sleep due to constant nightmares. He also expressed tremendous survivor’s guilt. He not only believed he should have been with his friends in that burning tank, but he also felt guilty about receiving honors for living through the fight.

Listen to Episode 2900 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Dwight H. Johnson.

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Medal of Honor recipient Army SFC Lawrence Joel.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2899 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine Army SFC Lawrence Joel. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the U.S. Citizenship and immigration Services website..

In the thick jungles of Vietnam in 1966, Army SFC Lawrence Joel found himself amidst chaos. The sounds of gunfire echoed through the air, drowning out the cries of the wounded. As a medic, his mission was clear: save lives, no matter the cost.

On that fateful day, his unit was ambushed. The enemy was relentless, and the wounded soldiers lay scattered, some in desperate need of immediate care. Without a second thought, Joel charged into the fray. Bullets whizzed past him, but he pressed on, his training guiding every step.

He reached the first soldier, a young private who lay bleeding heavily. Joel administered first aid, his hands steady despite the tumult around him. Each life he saved fueled his determination. As he moved from one soldier to another, he realized the gravity of his actions; he wasn’t just patching wounds but providing hope.

After hours of relentless effort, Joel had treated countless men, dragging them to safety and tending to their injuries. His courage was infectious, inspiring those around him to fight back. When the firefight finally subsided, Joel emerged, battered but unbroken, having saved 13 lives that day.

For his extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication, SFC Lawrence Joel received the Medal of Honor, but to him, the real reward was knowing he had made a difference. Years later, he often reflected on that day, not just as a soldier, but as a healer, embodying the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines true heroism.

Listen to Episode 2899 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SFC Lawrence Joel.