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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Danny J. Petersen.
Medal of Honor
Episode 2967 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Danny J. Petersen. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross.
Army Specialist Four (Sp4) Danny J. Petersen was a true American hero, earning the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War. Serving with B Company, 4th Bn, 23rd Inf, 25th Infantry Division, Petersen’s selfless actions on January 9, 1970, in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, exemplified the highest standards of valor.
While his unit conducted a combat operation, Petersen’s armored personnel carrier came under intense enemy fire from well-fortified North Vietnamese forces. With bullets and rockets hammering their position, Petersen courageously manned his exposed machine gun, delivering devastating fire to protect his fellow soldiers.
When a nearby vehicle was disabled by enemy rockets, Petersen dismounted under a relentless barrage to assist the stranded crew. As enemy fire intensified, he refused to retreat, choosing instead to provide covering fire so his comrades could escape. With total disregard for his own safety, he maintained his position until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire.
Petersen’s heroic sacrifice saved lives and allowed his unit to regroup and counter the attack. For his extraordinary gallantry and indomitable courage, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.
His legacy endures as a symbol of selflessness, duty, and valor, inspiring future generations of U.S. Army soldiers. Sp4 Danny J. Petersen’s name is forever etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a testament to his unwavering bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.
Listen to Episode 2967 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Danny J. Petersen.
