Vietnam Veteran News

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SFC Rodney J. T. Yano.

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Episode 3030 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SFC Rodney J. T. Yano. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross.

In the heart of the Vietnam War, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) Rodney J. T. Yano exemplified extraordinary courage and selflessness. Born in Hawaii, Yano was a member of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, serving as a helicopter crew chief and technical observer. On January 1, 1969, during a fierce combat mission near Biên Hòa, Vietnam, Yano demonstrated heroism that would posthumously earn him the Medal of Honor.

As his helicopter engaged enemy positions, Yano delivered suppressive fire and launched smoke and white phosphorus grenades to mark targets. Suddenly, a grenade exploded prematurely inside the aircraft, covering Yano in flames and blinding him. Despite agonizing burns and severe injuries, he fought through the pain to save his crew. Disregarding his own life, Yano hurled burning ammunition and explosive materials out of the helicopter, preventing a deadly midair explosion and allowing the pilot to maintain control.

SFC Rodney J. T. Yano’s unyielding bravery and sacrifice saved his fellow soldiers and epitomized the highest traditions of military service. His Medal of Honor citation honors a warrior who placed others before himself, embodying the Army values of loyalty, duty, and personal courage.

Today, Yano’s legacy lives on—his name graces the U.S. Army’s Yano Fitness Center in Japan and a memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. His story remains a powerful symbol of valor, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of America’s Vietnam War heroes.

Listen to Episode 3030 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SFC Rodney J. T. Yano.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army 1SG Maximo Yabes.

Medal of Honor

Episode 3029 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army 1SG Maximo Yabes. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross. 

During the Vietnam War, U.S. Army First Sergeant Maximo Yabes displayed extraordinary heroism that would earn him the nation’s highest military honor—the Medal of Honor. Born in Lodi, California, Yabes was a proud American who served with honor and distinction in Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

On February 26, 1967, near Phu Hoa Dong, South Vietnam, 1SG Yabes’ unit came under intense attack by a heavily armed North Vietnamese force. Despite being outnumbered and facing withering enemy fire, Yabes demonstrated fearless leadership and valor. When his commanding officer was wounded, Yabes took command of the defense, rallying his troops under fire.

He manned a machine gun, providing crucial cover for his fellow soldiers. When he ran out of ammunition, he dashed across open ground to resupply. He single-handedly neutralized multiple enemy positions with grenades and rifle fire. Even after sustaining mortal wounds while shielding his comrades from a grenade blast, Yabes continued to fight until he collapsed from his injuries.

First Sergeant Maximo Yabes’ gallantry and self-sacrifice went far beyond the call of duty. His actions saved countless lives and inspired his fellow soldiers to hold their ground. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in recognition of his exceptional courage and leadership.

Yabes remains a symbol of patriotism, bravery, and sacrifice. His legacy endures in the hearts of those who value freedom, and he stands among the most revered Medal of Honor recipients from the Vietnam War era.

Listen to Episode 3029 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army 1SG Maximo Yabes.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps LCPL Kenneth L. Worley.

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Episode 3028 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps LCPL Kenneth L. Worley. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

In the dense jungles of Quang Nam Province during the Vietnam War, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kenneth L. Worley displayed extraordinary courage that would etch his name in military history. Born in Farmington, New Mexico, and raised in California, LCPL Worley enlisted in the Marine Corps with a deep sense of patriotism and duty.

On August 12, 1968, while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Worley’s unit set up positions near Bo Ban village. As a machine gunner, he fought bravely to protect his fellow Marines. During the night, a grenade landed near a group of Marines inside a defensive position. Without hesitation, LCPL Worley threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full blast with his body.

His selfless act of valor saved the lives of his comrades and exemplified the highest traditions of the U.S. Marine Corps. For his heroic sacrifice, LCPL Kenneth L. Worley was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration for valor in combat.

Worley’s legacy endures as a symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and the unbreakable brotherhood of Marines. His name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and honored in military cemeteries and Marine Corps history.

LCPL Kenneth L. Worley’s story remains a powerful testament to the courage of those who served during the Vietnam War. His ultimate sacrifice reminds us of the cost of freedom and the valor of American heroes who gave everything for their fellow soldiers and their country.

Listen to Episode 3028 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps LCPL Kenneth L. Worley.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army PFC David F. Winder.

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Episode 3027 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army PFC David F. Winder. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross.

During the Vietnam War, countless acts of heroism emerged, but few shine brighter than that of U.S. Army Private First Class (PFC) David F. Winder, a Medal of Honor recipient whose selfless bravery saved lives and left an enduring legacy.

Born in Pennsylvania, PFC Winder served as a combat medic with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On May 13, 1970, near the village of Hiep Duc in South Vietnam, his unit came under intense enemy fire. Without hesitation, Winder raced through a deadly hail of bullets to reach wounded soldiers.

Despite being wounded himself, PFC Winder refused medical aid and continued his rescue mission. He reached multiple injured comrades, administering lifesaving treatment while fully exposed to enemy fire. Tragically, while rendering aid to another fallen soldier, he was mortally wounded. His courage and sacrifice exemplified the highest ideals of the U.S. Army and military service.

In recognition of his extraordinary valor, PFC David F. Winder was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. His name is etched in history as a symbol of courage, duty, and compassion under fire.

Today, David F. Winder’s heroic actions during the Vietnam War remain a powerful testament to the sacrifices made by combat medics and all those who served. His legacy endures as an inspiration for future generations of soldiers and patriots who answer the call of duty with unwavering resolve and selfless dedication.

Listen to Episode 3027 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army PFC David F. Winder.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps PFC Alfred M. Wilson.

Medal of Honor

Episode 3026 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps PFC Alfred M. Wilson. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

In the heat of the Vietnam War, U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Alfred M. Wilson emerged as a symbol of valor and self-sacrifice. Born in Olney, Illinois, Wilson served with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. On March 3, 1969, during Operation Dewey Canyon in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam, PFC Wilson’s unit was ambushed by North Vietnamese forces entrenched in a hidden bunker complex.

Amidst intense enemy fire and with casualties mounting, Wilson charged forward with courage under fire. As his squad came under a deadly barrage, he attempted to neutralize an enemy bunker with hand grenades. While preparing to throw a second grenade, he was struck and severely wounded. An enemy grenade landed him and a fellow Marine.

With only seconds to react, PFC Alfred M. Wilson made the ultimate sacrifice—he threw himself onto the live grenade, absorbing the full explosion and saving the lives of his comrades. His gallantry and profound sense of duty reflected the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

For his heroic actions, Wilson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Marines and stands as a testament to extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War. Alfred M. Wilson’s selflessness exemplifies the core values of honor, courage, and commitment—forever etched in the annals of U.S. military history.

Keywords: Vietnam War, Medal of Honor, U.S. Marine Corps, Alfred M. Wilson, PFC, Operation Dewey Canyon, heroism, sacrifice, Quang Tri Province, 3rd Marine Division, military valor, battlefield bravery.

Listen to Episode 3026 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps PFC Alfred M. Wilson.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Navy PO1 James E. Williams.

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Episode 3025 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Navy PO1 James E. Williams. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Petty Officer First Class James E. Williams, a legendary U.S. Navy sailor, remains one of the most highly decorated enlisted men in American military history. Born in South Carolina in 1930, Williams enlisted in the Navy at age 16. His most heroic actions took place on October 31, 1966, during the Vietnam War, while serving aboard River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105 in the treacherous Mekong Delta.

During a critical riverine combat mission, Williams and his crew came under heavy fire from Viet Cong forces hidden along the riverbanks. Surrounded and outnumbered, Williams exhibited extraordinary heroism. For over three hours, he led his crew through multiple ambushes, calling in naval air support, maneuvering his PBR with expert skill, and relentlessly attacking enemy positions.

Thanks to his unmatched bravery and leadership, over 65 enemy combatants were killed, several enemy sampans were destroyed, and vital U.S. patrol units were saved. His courage under fire and refusal to retreat were pivotal in turning the tide of battle.

For his gallantry, James E. Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967. He later retired as a Boatswain’s Mate First Class and continued to serve his country through law enforcement.

Today, his legacy endures through the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG-95), a fitting tribute to a true American hero and symbol of valor, dedication, and patriotism. Williams’ actions during the Vietnam War exemplify the highest traditions of naval service.

Listen to Episode 3025 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Navy PO1 James E. Williams.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine PFC Dewayne T. Williams.

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Episode 3024 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine PFC Dewayne T. Williams. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

In the dense jungles of Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, on September 18, 1968, Private First Class Dewayne T. Williams, a proud U.S. Marine, displayed extraordinary heroism that would etch his name in history. A native of Michigan, Williams served with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, during the Vietnam War. At just 19 years old, his courage embodied the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

During a combat patrol, his unit came under intense enemy fire. As a Marine machine gunner, Williams immediately engaged the enemy, delivering devastating suppressive fire. When an enemy grenade landed near his position, he made the ultimate sacrifice. Without hesitation, PFC Williams threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full impact and saving the lives of his fellow Marines.

For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, PFC Dewayne T. Williams was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. His legacy lives on as a symbol of unwavering valor, selfless service, and Marine Corps honor.

Today, PFC Williams is remembered not only as a Vietnam War hero, but as a beacon of courage, duty, and sacrifice. His name is engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, a lasting tribute to a young man whose brave actions saved lives and inspired generations of service members. Semper Fidelis, Marine.

Listen to Episode 3024 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine PFC Dewayne T. Williams.

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Charles Q. Williams Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army 2LT Charles Q. Williams.

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Episode 3023 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army 2LT Charles Q. Williams. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

In the heart of Vietnam’s intense conflict, U.S. Army Second Lieutenant Charles Q. Williams displayed extraordinary heroism that earned him the prestigious Medal of Honor. On June 9, 1965, in Dong Xoai, Vietnam, Williams was serving as the executive officer of a Special Forces A Team when enemy forces launched a sudden and devastating attack.

Despite being wounded early in the battle, 2LT Charles Q. Williams assumed command after his superior officer was incapacitated. With fierce determination, Williams organized the defense of the compound under relentless Viet Cong fire. Refusing to yield, he moved from position to position, encouraging his men and delivering critical supplies, all while braving intense gunfire.

Throughout the 14-hour siege, Williams continued to fight with exceptional bravery. He personally led counterattacks, rescued wounded personnel, and even directed air support under fire. Severely wounded multiple times, he refused evacuation until all others were safe, embodying the U.S. Army’s highest values of courage, leadership, and sacrifice.

For his unparalleled valor and unwavering dedication to his fellow soldiers, Charles Q. Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. His actions not only saved countless lives but also served as a powerful symbol of the bravery exhibited by American forces during the Vietnam War.

Lieutenant Williams’ legacy continues to inspire future generations of soldiers. His name stands proudly among Medal of Honor recipients, a testament to the strength, resilience, and honor of those who serve. His story is a cornerstone of Vietnam War heroism and the enduring spirit of the United States Army.

Listen to Episode 3023 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army 2LT Charles Q. Williams.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army PFC Louis E. Willett.

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Episode 3022 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army PFC Louis E. Willett. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

In the Kontum Province of Vietnam, where danger lurked with every step, one soldier’s extraordinary courage would echo through history. U.S. Army Private First Class Louis E. Willett, a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, displayed unparalleled heroism during a combat mission near Kontum Province on February 15, 1967.

Under intense enemy fire, Willett exposed himself to protect his comrades. Refusing to take cover, he delivered accurate suppressive fire, disrupting the enemy’s ambush and allowing his unit to maneuver. Despite being severely wounded, he continued fighting, drawing enemy fire away from his fellow soldiers until he was fatally struck. His selfless bravery, devotion to duty, and unyielding spirit saved numerous lives and turned the tide of the battle.

In recognition of his ultimate sacrifice, PFC Louis E. Willett was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest and most prestigious military decoration. His story remains a shining example of the valor, sacrifice, and honor that define America’s heroes. Willett’s legacy is etched not only in military history but in the heart of a grateful nation that honors his memory.

Louis E. Willett’s courage during the Vietnam War reflects the highest ideals of the U.S. Army and the Medal of Honor. He is remembered as a true American hero, whose gallantry in action remains an enduring symbol of what it means to serve with honor, integrity, and fearless dedication on the battlefield.

Listen to Episode 3022 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army PFC Louis E. Willett.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Air Force CPT Hilliard A. Wilbanks.

Medal of Honor

Episode 3021 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Air Force CPT Hilliard A. Wilbanks. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and an article by Katie Lang on the U.S. Department of Defense website.

Captain Hilliard A. Wilbanks, a true American hero, was a United States Air Force officer and Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient whose legacy stands as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and dedication. Born in Georgia, Wilbanks served as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) with the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron during the Vietnam War. On February 24, 1967, near Dalat, South Vietnam, Captain Wilbanks demonstrated extraordinary valor and selflessness in the face of overwhelming danger.

While flying an unarmed Cessna O-1 Bird Dog, Captain Wilbanks spotted a large force of Viet Cong preparing to ambush a group of South Vietnamese Rangers. With no time to call in reinforcements and no weapons aboard his aircraft aside from his personal M-16 rifle, Wilbanks made a fateful decision. He dove low over the enemy lines, firing his rifle out the side of his plane to disrupt the ambush and protect the friendly troops. On his third pass, he was fatally wounded by enemy fire, but his heroic actions saved countless lives on the ground.

Captain Hilliard A. Wilbanks was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. His sacrifice exemplifies the highest ideals of the U.S. Air Force and remains an enduring testament to bravery during the Vietnam War. Today, his name is etched in the annals of American military history as a courageous pilot and patriot who gave his life for others.

Listen to Episode 3021 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Air Force CPT Hilliard A. Wilbanks.