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Vietnam Medal of Honor reipient Army SP4 Peter M. Guenette.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2872 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SP4 Peter M. Guenette and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story that appeared in The Times Union of Albany, NY and was titled: A Brother, a Hero, Memory – Pride, and pain of loss, inspire a memorial to a Medal of Honor winner. The story was submitted by Dennis Yusko
Army Specialist Fourth Class Peter M. Guenette displayed the extraordinary courage that would earn him the Medal of Honor. Born in Lansingburgh, New York in 1948, Guenette enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving as a rifleman in Company D, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.
On May 18, 1968, while on a reconnaissance mission near Quan Tan Uyen, his unit came under heavy enemy fire. Amid the chaos, an enemy grenade landed near Guenette and his fellow soldiers. Without hesitation, Guenette shouted a warning and threw himself on the grenade, shielding his comrades from the deadly blast. The explosion took his life, but his sacrifice saved several of his brothers-in-arms.
In recognition of his selfless bravery, Peter Guenette was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States. His actions exemplify the ultimate act of heroism: laying down one’s life to save others. Guenette’s sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and valor displayed by soldiers in the heat of battle.
Guenette’s name is etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., a testament to the profound impact of his actions on those who survived that fateful day. His legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the cost of freedom and the bravery of those who defend it.
Listen to Episode 2872 and discover more about Army SP4 Peter M. Guenetteand his Congressional Medal of Honor award.
