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![Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Kern W. Dunagan](https://vietnamveterannews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2838-253x300.jpg)
Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Kern W. Dunagan
![Congressional Medal of Honor, Vietnam Veteran News, Mack Payne](https://vietnamveterannews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2813c-300x199.png)
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2838 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army COL Kern W. Dunagan and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared in the Hawaii Reporter and was titled: Kern Wayne Dunagan, Colonel U.S. Army – TRUE GRIT. The story was submitted by Duane Vachon, PH.D.
Dr. Vachon said this about writing about Medal of Honor recipients: In writing about Medal of Honor recipients I have pretty much come to the conclusion that they are made, not born. In doing the research for this article I discovered that Dunagan is the second person in his family to be awarded this nation’s highest medal for bravery. Could it be that heroes are not only made not born but it runs in the family as well? Dunagan is related (on his maternal side of his family) to another Medal of Honor recipient. His 3rd cousin, Ola Lee Mize received the Medal for his actions in 1953 in Korea. The two Medal of Honor recipients (close in age) share their 2nd great grandfather, Howell Mize. Two Medal of Honor recipients from the same family, wonder what are the odds of that happening. The only other two I am aware of are Theodore Roosevelt and his father Teddy, who was our 26th president. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.
Colonel Kern W. Dunagan, a hero of the Vietnam War, led his troops through perilous jungles with unwavering bravery. Despite severe injuries, he refused evacuation, inspiring his men to victory. For his extraordinary valor, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, embodying the true spirit of leadership and sacrifice.
Listen to Episode 2838 and discover more about Army COL Kern W. Dunagan and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.