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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 1SG David H. McNerney.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2943 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army 1SG David H. McNerney. Information featured in this episode comes from the Texas State Historical Association.
David H. McNerney, a seasoned Army First Sergeant, stood as the heart of his unit during the Vietnam War. On March 22, 1967, near Polei Doc in South Vietnam, his leadership and valor earned him the Medal of Honor.
That day, his company came under heavy enemy fire, pinned down in a deadly ambush. Mortar rounds and small-arms fire rained relentlessly, turning the dense jungle into a chaotic battlefield. Despite being wounded by shrapnel, McNerney’s resolve never wavered.
He sprinted through the hail of bullets, directing his men and reorganizing the defense. Realizing his company was in imminent danger, McNerney took the fight to the enemy. Armed with grenades, he led a counterattack, single-handedly neutralizing a machine gun position that threatened to decimate his unit.
When their commanding officer was killed, McNerney assumed command, rallying his soldiers under extreme conditions. He exposed himself to enemy fire to call in accurate airstrikes, risking his life to ensure the survival of his men.
Refusing medical evacuation, McNerney supervised the extraction of his company and ensured the wounded were safely evacuated. His indomitable spirit inspired his men to persevere and survive the ambush.
Years later, McNerney reflected on that harrowing day, insisting he had done only what was necessary to protect his brothers in arms. For his extraordinary heroism, unwavering leadership, and selflessness, David H. McNerney’s legacy endures as a symbol of courage and sacrifice in the annals of American military history.
Listen to Episode 2943 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army 1SG David H. McNerney.
