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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Allen James Lynch.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2933 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Allen James Lynch. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library website.
On December 15, 1967, in the jungles of Vietnam, Army Sergeant Allen James Lynch’s courage would define him as a hero. At 22 years old, he served as a radio telephone operator with Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. That day, his unit came under a relentless enemy attack. Amid the chaos, Lynch saw three wounded comrades stranded in an open field under heavy fire.
Without hesitation, he left his covered position, crossing exposed ground to reach the soldiers. With extraordinary determination, he carried each one to safety, shielding them with his own body. As enemy forces pressed closer, Lynch established a defensive position to protect his injured comrades, holding off repeated assaults. His actions bought critical time for reinforcements to arrive.
When his unit withdrew, Lynch refused to abandon the wounded men. Armed with a rifle, he stood his ground, fending off enemy fighters alone for several hours. His bravery ensured the survival of his comrades and allowed them to be evacuated safely.
For his valor and selflessness, Allen James Lynch was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1970 by President Richard Nixon. But Lynch’s heroism extended beyond the battlefield. After the war, he dedicated his life to helping veterans, working for the Department of Veterans Affairs and supporting military families through his nonprofit foundation.
SGT Allen James Lynch’s story is a testament to extraordinary courage and enduring service—a legacy that continues to inspire.
Listen to Episode 2933 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Allen James Lynch.
