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First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet Memorial dedication.
Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Douglas B. Fournet
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2858 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army 1LT Douglas B. Fournet and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on Wikipedia and the City of lake Charles, Louisiana.
First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet was a man of quiet resolve, serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Born in Louisiana, he was raised with a deep sense of duty and a love for his country. His journey led him to Vietnam, where he became a platoon leader in Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).
On May 4, 1968, in the A Shau Valley, Fournet and his platoon were conducting a reconnaissance mission when they encountered a well-concealed enemy force. The terrain was unforgiving, and the enemy was relentless. As his platoon moved forward, they were suddenly pinned down by intense fire. Amidst the chaos, Fournet noticed an enemy claymore mine, rigged to explode, that would surely decimate his men.
Without hesitation, Fournet shouted a warning to his platoon and, with selfless bravery, lunged forward to disarm the mine. In that brief moment, he chose the lives of his men over his own. The mine detonated as he attempted to neutralize it, and Fournet was killed instantly. His actions, however, saved the lives of his comrades.
For his extraordinary heroism and ultimate sacrifice, 1LT Douglas B. Fournet was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy lives on as a testament to the courage and selflessness that define the very best of America’s
Listen to Episode 2858 and discover more about Army 1LT Douglas B. Fournet and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.
