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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine CSM Allan J. Kellogg Jr.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2913 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine CSM Allan J. Kellogg Jr. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and The Tales of Honor Podcast.
Allan Jay Kellogg Jr. was born on October 1, 1943. Today he is a retired sergeant major in the United States Marine Corps. He received the United States military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions as a staff sergeant on March 11, 1970, during the Vietnam War.
Marine Corps Sergeant Major Allan J. Kellogg Jr. is remembered as a Vietnam War hero who displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of imminent danger. On March 11, 1970, Kellogg, then a Staff Sergeant with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, found himself and his squad under intense enemy attack in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. During a nighttime ambush, an enemy soldier lobbed a grenade into their position, endangering his entire squad.
Without hesitation, Kellogg jumped on the grenade, using his own body to absorb the explosion. His instinctive act shielded his fellow Marines, saving their lives while severely wounding him. The blast caused serious injuries to his right shoulder, arm, and face, but Kellogg remained calm. Refusing immediate medical evacuation, he continued to command and support his squad until he was sure his men were safe and the threat was neutralized.
For his valor and self-sacrifice, Kellogg was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon in 1973. His citation praised his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity” at the risk of his life, exemplifying the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment. After Vietnam, Kellogg continued his service, eventually retiring as a Sergeant Major. His legacy lives on as an enduring testament to the bravery and resilience of the United States Marines, inspiring generations to come with his willingness to lay down his life for his comrades.
Listen to Episode 2913 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine CSM Allan J. Kellogg.
