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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.
