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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SFC Robert C. Murray.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2953 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SFC Robert C. Murray. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Fordham University website.

Under the scorching sun of March 7, 1969, in Hiep Duc District, Vietnam, Army Sergeant First Class Robert C. Murray faced a defining moment of courage and sacrifice. At just 24 years old, Murray was a platoon leader in Company B, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade.

Though he had the option to join a non-combat unit, Murray chose to volunteer for Ranger combat training. On June 7, 1970, Staff Sergeant Murray was serving as a squad leader with Company B, searching for enemy mortar near the village of Hiep Duc in Vietnam. When a member of the squad tripped an enemy grenade rigged as a booby trap, Murray shouted for his men to take cover. “Instantly assessing the danger to the men of his squad,” his Medal of Honor citation reads, “Staff Sgt. Murray unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, threw himself on the grenade absorbing the full and fatal impact of the explosion.

By his gallant action, he prevented the death or injury of the other members of his squad.”Murray’s extraordinary bravery and devotion to his men earned him the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in combat. His citation describes his “conspicuous gallantry” and “intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”

Today, SFC Robert C. Murray’s legacy lives on as a symbol of the selflessness and heroism that define the finest qualities of American service members. His sacrifice continues to inspire generations, a reminder of the extraordinary price paid for freedom and the unbreakable bond of soldiers in battle.

Listen to Episode 2953 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SFC Robert C. Murray.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Charles B. Morris.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2952 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Charles B. Morris. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Together We Served website.

Command Sergeant Major Charles B. Morris was a man whose courage and devotion to his comrades became legend. Born in Carroll County, Virginia in 1931, Morris joined the Army young, seeking a life of service. It was in the jungles of Vietnam, however, that his heroism would immortalize him.

On June 29, 1966, during a grueling firefight near Long Binh, Morris’s company found itself outnumbered and pinned down by a determined enemy force. With bullets cutting through the thick jungle air, Morris repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, moving from position to position to inspire his men and direct their counterattack. When his comrades faltered under the pressure of the relentless assault, Morris charged forward, leading a counter-assault that would turn the tide of battle.

Despite being wounded four times, Morris refused evacuation. Instead, he crawled through the battlefield to deliver critical medical aid to his injured comrades. His selflessness and leadership under fire inspired his company to rally and repel the enemy force.

For his extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers, Charles B. Morris was awarded the Medal of Honor. The medal was a testament not only to his actions on that fateful day but also to his character as a soldier who put his comrades before himself.

Morris continued to serve his country with distinction until his retirement in 1981, leaving behind a legacy of valor and devotion that inspires soldiers to this day. He passed away in 1996, but his story remains a testament to the indomitable spirit of the American soldier.

Listen to Episode 2952 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Charles B. Morris.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine Cpl William D. Morgan.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2951 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine Cpl William D. Morgan. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Victoria Cross website.

Marine Corporal William D. Morgan, a man of unwavering courage, earned the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary valor during the Vietnam War. Born in 1947, Morgan was a quiet but determined young man who carried an unshakable sense of duty.

On February 25, 1969, near Quang Tri, Vietnam, Morgan’s unit came under intense enemy fire. As a fire team leader with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, he was tasked with protecting his fellow Marines in one of the most hostile environments of the war. That day, they were ambushed by a well-entrenched enemy force. Despite being severely outnumbered, Morgan displayed exemplary leadership and courage under fire.

Morgan had only seconds to act. Without hesitation, he charged the enemy. His selfless act saved the lives of his fellow Marines, demonstrating the depth of his devotion to those he served alongside.

Morgan succumbed to his wounds, but his legacy lived on. His bravery was recognized posthumously when he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.

William D. Morgan’s sacrifice embodied the highest ideals of the Marine Corps: honor, courage, and commitment. His story reminds us that true heroism lies not in seeking recognition but in selfless acts that protect and inspire others. To this day, his memory stands as a testament to the extraordinary valor of ordinary men in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Listen to Episode 2951 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine Cpl William D. Morgan.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC James H. Monroe

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2949 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC James H. Monroe. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross.

The humid jungles of Vietnam buzzed with tension on February 16, 1967, as Army Private First Class James H. Monroe prepared for yet another perilous day. At just 22, Monroe had already earned the respect of his comrades for his courage, intelligence, and selflessness. A medic assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, he understood that in this war-torn land, lives depended on his ability to remain calm under fire.

On that fateful day, Monroe’s unit was ambushed near Bong Son. The air filled with the crack of gunfire and the thunder of explosions. Without hesitation, Monroe moved through the chaos, treating wounded soldiers and pulling them to safety. His actions embodied the Army medic’s creed: “To conserve fighting strength.”

Then, a grenade landed in the midst of his comrades. Without a second thought, Monroe threw himself on it, shielding his fellow soldiers with his body. The explosion claimed his life, but his bravery saved many others.

Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, Monroe’s citation praised his “gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” His sacrifice was a testament to the profound courage of young men in war, and his memory endures as an example of ultimate selflessness.

James H. Monroe’s name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a reminder of the cost of freedom. His story remains a beacon of heroism, inspiring generations to honor service and sacrifice.

Listen to Episode 2949 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC James H. Monroe.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Ferenc Zoltán Molnár.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2949 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Ferenc Zoltán Molnár. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story about him that appeared on the West Virginia Veterans Memorial website and Wikipedia.

Staff Sergeant Ferenc Zoltán Molnár was no stranger to adversity. Born to Hungarian immigrants in West Virginia, he grew up hearing stories of resilience and courage from his family. That legacy shaped him, and it was no surprise when Molnár enlisted in the Army, seeking to serve a nation that had given his family refuge.

By 1967, Molnár was in Vietnam as a squad leader in the 4th Infantry Division. On February 3, during Operation Francis Marion, his platoon was ambushed by a heavily fortified enemy near Kontum. Outnumbered and under intense fire, Molnár quickly assessed the dire situation.

Ignoring the danger, he moved through a hail of bullets, rallying his men and coordinating their defense. When an enemy machine gun pinned his squad down, Molnár charged the position alone, neutralizing it with grenades and silencing the enemy fire. Despite sustaining serious wounds, he continued to lead his squad, carrying injured comrades to safety and ensuring they reached safety.

As the battle raged, Molnár refused evacuation. Instead, he took up a rifle and held the perimeter, repelling wave after wave of attackers until reinforcements arrived. His fearless actions saved countless lives and turned the tide of the engagement.

For his extraordinary valor, SSG Molnár was awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy remains an enduring reminder of selflessness and courage, exemplifying the highest ideals of military service.

Listen to Episode 2949 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Ferenc Zoltán Molnár.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine COL Robert J. Modrzejewski.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2948 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine COL Robert J. Modrzejewski. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service titled: Medal of Honor recipient Col. Robert J. Modrzejewski Court that was submitted by Cpl Desmond Andrews.

Colonel Robert J. Modrzejewski, a Marine Corps legend, embodied valor during the Vietnam War. On July 15, 1966, as a captain commanding Company K, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, his courage and leadership would etch his name into history.

Deep in Quang Tri Province, Captain Modrzejewski and his company embarked on a critical blocking mission. Surrounded by dense jungle, they soon found themselves outnumbered and encircled by a determined North Vietnamese Army battalion. Facing overwhelming odds, he rallied his men, refusing to falter.

Over the next two days, Modrzejewski directed a fierce defense, holding the perimeter despite relentless assaults. Under continuous fire, he personally redistributed ammunition, inspired his Marines, and coordinated devastating counterattacks. On one occasion, he led a daring charge to secure an exposed flank, driving back enemy forces with rifle fire and grenades.

For his extraordinary heroism, Modrzejewski received the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967. His actions symbolized the Marine Corps’ core values: honor, courage, and commitment.

Even after retiring, Modrzejewski’s story inspired generations, a testament to selfless leadership in the crucible of combat. His legacy endures, not only in the annals of military history but in the hearts of those who serve.

Listen to Episode 2948 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine COL Robert J. Modrzejewski.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Gary Lee Miller.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2947 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Gary L. Miller. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story titled: Virginia Tech News Virginia Tech adds the name of Medal of Honor recipient 1st Lt. Gary Lee Miller to War Memorial Court that was Submitted by Travis Williams.

In the shadowy jungles of Vietnam on February 16, 1969, Army First Lieutenant Gary Lee Miller led his platoon with unyielding determination. At just 21 years old, he was the embodiment of courage, a beacon of hope for his men as they patrolled the perilous terrain of Bình Dương Province. The mission was treacherous—enemy forces lurked in the dense foliage, their presence an ever-present threat.

Suddenly, a deafening explosion tore through the silence. An enemy grenade landed amidst his men, its deadly arc a split-second harbinger of destruction. Without hesitation, Miller shouted a warning and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full force of the blast. His selfless act saved the lives of his comrades, a moment of ultimate sacrifice that spoke to his deep sense of duty and love for his brothers-in-arms.

Though mortally wounded, Miller’s actions inspired his platoon to repel the enemy attack. His bravery under fire was a testament to the spirit of a soldier who valued the lives of others above his own. For his extraordinary heroism, Gary Lee Miller was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, ensuring his name would forever echo in the halls of valor.

Today, his story lives on, a reminder of the profound sacrifices made by those who answer the call to serve. Miller’s legacy is etched not only in the medal he earned but in the hearts of the men he saved and the nation he so selflessly served.

Listen to Episode 2947 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Gary L. Miller.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Franklin D. Miller.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2946 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Franklin D. Miller. Information featured in this episode comes from The History of the MACV-SOG website.

In the dense jungles of Vietnam, then Army Staff Sergeant Franklin D. Miller’s legacy was forged in a cauldron of courage and unrelenting resolve. On January 5, 1970, Miller, then a staff sergeant assigned to the elite Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), embarked on a covert mission deep within enemy territory.

Miller and his small reconnaissance team were ambushed by a heavily armed North Vietnamese force. Outnumbered and surrounded, he quickly took command, rallying his men amidst chaos. As bullets tore through the foliage and grenades exploded around them, Miller directed the defense with remarkable calm and precision.

Though injured, he refused to falter. Taking charge of a machine gun, he unleashed a ferocious counterattack, holding the enemy at bay. His tenacity allowed his team to break contact and call for extraction.

Despite his wounds, Miller remained steadfast; ensuring every member of his team was safely evacuated before he climbed aboard the helicopter. His bravery and leadership saved countless lives that day.

For his extraordinary heroism, Franklin D. Miller received the Medal of Honor in 1971. Yet, he wore his accolades with quiet humility, viewing them as symbols of duty rather than personal glory. His story endures as a testament to the selfless courage of those who serve.

Listen to Episode 2946 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Franklin D. Miller.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Don Leslie Michael.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2945 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Don Leslie Michael. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and from a Redstone Rocket story by Skip Vaughn titled: Small town hero gave 50 years for his comrades.

In the dense jungles of Vietnam, on April 8, 1967, Army Specialist Fourth Class Don Leslie Michael found himself in the crucible of battle. His unit, part of the 1st Infantry Division, was ambushed by a larger, heavily armed enemy force. Surrounded by chaos and pinned under relentless gunfire, the 20-year-old from Florence, Alabama, refused to let fear dictate his actions.

As his comrades sought cover, Michael moved swiftly, his heart pounding with determination. He spotted an enemy machine gun nest tearing through their lines. Without hesitation, he grabbed his M16, slung extra grenades over his shoulder, and charged through the thick underbrush. Bullets zipped past him, but Michael was undeterred.

Reaching the enemy position, he unleashed his grenades with deadly precision, silencing the gunfire. But Michael wasn’t finished. He advanced further, attacking two additional positions that were hammering his unit. His actions disrupted the ambush, allowing his comrades to regroup and push back the enemy.

Michael’s courage came at the ultimate cost. Wounded multiple times, he fell in the final assault, but his selfless actions had saved countless lives.

For his extraordinary bravery, Don Leslie Michael was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy endures as a symbol of heroism, reminding us that one individual’s courage can alter the course of history. Today, his name is etched among the bravest, a testament to the selfless sacrifice of America’s heroes.

Listen to Episode 2945 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2944 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

The Bravery of Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.

Amidst the dense, unforgiving jungles of Vietnam in 1967, Army Specialist Fifth Class Edgar Lee McWethy Jr. epitomized the spirit of selflessness and valor. As a combat medic assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), McWethy faced a life-defining moment during a ferocious firefight in Binh Dinh Province.

On July 21, his unit was ambushed by a heavily fortified enemy force. Chaos erupted as bullets rained down and explosions shook the earth. Despite the imminent danger, McWethy’s instinct to save lives overpowered any thought of his own safety. He moved swiftly from one wounded soldier to the next, providing medical aid under intense fire.

When a soldier fell critically injured in an exposed area, McWethy did not hesitate. He dashed into the open, fully aware of the deadly risk. As he reached the soldier, enemy fire struck him multiple times. Severely wounded, McWethy continued his mission, shielding the injured soldier with his own body while rendering aid.

Though gravely injured, he refused evacuation and instead directed others in administering care, ensuring his comrades had a fighting chance to survive. Moments later, a fatal burst of fire claimed McWethy’s life.

For his extraordinary courage, self-sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to his fellow soldiers, McWethy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy endures as a beacon of heroism, reminding future generations of the price of freedom and the depths of human valor.

Edgar Lee McWethy Jr. was not merely a medic; he was a guardian angel in the hell of war.

Listen to Episode 2944 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.