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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC James H. Monroe
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2949 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC James H. Monroe. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross.
The humid jungles of Vietnam buzzed with tension on February 16, 1967, as Army Private First Class James H. Monroe prepared for yet another perilous day. At just 22, Monroe had already earned the respect of his comrades for his courage, intelligence, and selflessness. A medic assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, he understood that in this war-torn land, lives depended on his ability to remain calm under fire.
On that fateful day, Monroe’s unit was ambushed near Bong Son. The air filled with the crack of gunfire and the thunder of explosions. Without hesitation, Monroe moved through the chaos, treating wounded soldiers and pulling them to safety. His actions embodied the Army medic’s creed: “To conserve fighting strength.”
Then, a grenade landed in the midst of his comrades. Without a second thought, Monroe threw himself on it, shielding his fellow soldiers with his body. The explosion claimed his life, but his bravery saved many others.
Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, Monroe’s citation praised his “gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” His sacrifice was a testament to the profound courage of young men in war, and his memory endures as an example of ultimate selflessness.
James H. Monroe’s name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a reminder of the cost of freedom. His story remains a beacon of heroism, inspiring generations to honor service and sacrifice.
Listen to Episode 2949 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC James H. Monroe.
