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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army LTC James Sprayberry.
Medal of Honor
Episode 3003 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army LTC James Sprayberry. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency website.
U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel James M. Sprayberry, a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient, displayed extraordinary heroism on April 25, 1968, during a fierce battle in A Shau Valley, South Vietnam. Then a First Lieutenant with Company D, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), Sprayberry led his men against an entrenched North Vietnamese Army (NVA) force.
After his company was ambushed and suffered heavy casualties, Sprayberry took charge. Despite intense enemy fire, he organized a counterattack, rescuing wounded soldiers and recovering fallen comrades under relentless machine gun, mortar, and rocket fire. Armed with grenades and a rifle, he led a one-man assault, personally eliminating multiple enemy bunkers and directing his troops to safety. His fearless leadership inspired his men to break through enemy defenses.
Sprayberry’s selfless courage and tactical brilliance turned the tide of battle, saving countless lives. For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 9, 1969.
His actions exemplify the warrior ethos and the U.S. Army values of honor, duty, and sacrifice. Sprayberry’s legacy endures as a symbol of American heroism in the Vietnam War, inspiring future generations of soldiers.
Listen to Episode 3003 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army LTC James Sprayberry.
