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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Chaplain Charles Liteky.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2929 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature information about Charles Liteky – The only Vietnam Vet to renounce his Medal of Honor. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story titled. This Is the Only Medal of Honor Recipient to Ever Give It Back that appeared on the Military.com website. The story was submitted on July 24, 2020 by Blake Stillwell.
Army Chaplain Charles Liteky stood amidst the chaos of Vietnam, a figure of calm and courage. On December 6, 1967, in the jungles near Phuoc-Lac, his battalion came under intense enemy fire. Bullets tore through the air, and the cries of wounded soldiers pierced the humid night. Liteky, unarmed and clad only in the cross of his faith, moved into action.
Without hesitation, he braved the kill zone, pulling injured soldiers to safety. Crawling through enemy fire, he carried men who were too injured to walk, often shielding them with his own body. Despite sustaining injuries himself, he refused medical attention, prioritizing the lives of others over his own.
By the end of the harrowing battle, Liteky had saved over 20 soldiers. His actions earned him the Medal of Honor, but his humility overshadowed his heroism. He saw his efforts not as extraordinary, but as the duty of a servant of God and country.
Years later, Liteky’s life took an unexpected turn. Haunted by the suffering of war, he renounced his Medal of Honor in 1986, leaving it at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in protest of U.S. foreign policy. He became a peace activist, dedicating his life to advocating for the powerless and opposing violence.
Chaplain Liteky’s legacy is one of selflessness, courage, and unwavering commitment to his principles. Whether on the battlefield or in the fight for peace, he embodied the highest ideals of compassion and conviction.
Listen to Episode 2929 and discover more about Charles Liteky – The only Vietnam Vet to renounce his Medal of Honor.
Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 2LT Robert Leisy.
