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Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC James W. Fous

Congressional Medal of Honor

James Fous Avenue Ceremony

Episode 2859 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army PFC James W. Fous and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on Wikipedia and another on the U.S. Army Junior ROTC website titled: A Lasting Tribute to a Vietnam Hero.

Army PFC James W. Fous, a Medal of Honor recipient, served with distinction during the Vietnam War. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Fous was a thoughtful young man who believed in duty and sacrifice. In May 1968, at just 21 years old, he found himself in the thick of the war, serving with Company E, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.

On May 14, 1968, in the Mekong Delta, Fous and his unit were ambushed by a Viet Cong force. Under intense fire, they took cover. A grenade was hurled into the middle of Fous’s squad, threatening the lives of his comrades. In a split second, Fous made a fateful decision—without hesitation, he threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the blast with his body.

His selfless act saved the lives of three fellow soldiers at the cost of his own. For his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice, Fous was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation noted his “complete disregard for his personal safety” and his willingness to give his life to protect others.

James W. Fous’s courage and devotion to his comrades remain a testament to the highest ideals of military service. His sacrifice exemplifies the heroism of so many who served in Vietnam, and his memory endures as an inspiration to all who value duty, honor, and country.

Listen to Episode 2859 and discover more about Army 1LT PFC James W. Fous and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet Memorial dedication.

Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Douglas B. Fournet

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2858  of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army 1LT Douglas B. Fournet and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on Wikipedia and the City of lake Charles, Louisiana.

First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet was a man of quiet resolve, serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Born in Louisiana, he was raised with a deep sense of duty and a love for his country. His journey led him to Vietnam, where he became a platoon leader in Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

On May 4, 1968, in the A Shau Valley, Fournet and his platoon were conducting a reconnaissance mission when they encountered a well-concealed enemy force. The terrain was unforgiving, and the enemy was relentless. As his platoon moved forward, they were suddenly pinned down by intense fire. Amidst the chaos, Fournet noticed an enemy claymore mine, rigged to explode, that would surely decimate his men.

Without hesitation, Fournet shouted a warning to his platoon and, with selfless bravery, lunged forward to disarm the mine. In that brief moment, he chose the lives of his men over his own. The mine detonated as he attempted to neutralize it, and Fournet was killed instantly. His actions, however, saved the lives of his comrades.

For his extraordinary heroism and ultimate sacrifice, 1LT Douglas B. Fournet was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy lives on as a testament to the courage and selflessness that define the very best of America’s

Listen to Episode 2858 and discover more about Army 1LT Douglas B. Fournet and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine SGT Paul H. Foster.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2857  of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine SGT Paul H. Foster and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and was verified with several other sources.

Marine Sergeant Paul H. Foster was a Vietnam War hero and Medal of Honor recipient who served with exceptional bravery. Born on April 17, 1939, in San Mateo, California, Foster enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and quickly rose through the ranks due to his dedication and leadership. During the Vietnam War, he served as a radio operator with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division.

On October 14, 1967, during Operation Medina in the Thừa Thiên Province, Foster’s unit was ambushed by a large enemy force. Despite being seriously wounded by enemy fire, Foster selflessly exposed himself to intense gunfire to direct artillery and air support. When an enemy grenade landed near his comrades, Foster, without hesitation, threw himself on the grenade, sacrificing his life to save his fellow Marines.

For his extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice, Paul H. Foster was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions embody the highest ideals of the Marine Corps, reflecting unparalleled valor and commitment to his fellow soldiers. His legacy endures as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve in the armed forces.

Listen to Episode 2857 and discover more about Marine SGT Paul H. Foster and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Army Corporal Michael Fleming Folland.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2856  of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army Corporal Michael Fleming Folland and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on WTVR and was titled: Holmberg revisits local troublemaker who sacrificed his life and won Medal of Honor. The story was submitted by Mark Holmberg.

Army Corporal Michael Fleming Folland was from Richmond, Virginia.  As a boy, Michael Folland had been sent to a reformatory and his family feared for the hard-headed young man. In 1969, at just 20 years old, he found himself in the thick of the Vietnam War, serving as a radio operator with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

On July 3rd, Folland’s platoon was patrolling near Long Khanh Province when they were ambushed by a well-concealed enemy force. The jungle erupted with gunfire, and chaos ensued. Folland, recognizing the immediate danger to his comrades, sprang into action. As the battle raged, a grenade suddenly landed in the midst of his platoon. Without a second thought, Folland made a split-second decision that would save the lives of his fellow soldiers.

In an act of extraordinary heroism, he threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full force of the explosion with his body. The blast was devastating, but his selfless act shielded his comrades from certain death. Folland’s bravery and sacrifice were beyond measure, a testament to his character and devotion to his brothers in arms.

For his actions, Corporal Michael Folland was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage, honor, and the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others. His name is etched in history, a reminder of the profound cost of freedom.

Listen to Episode 2856 and discover more about Army Corporal Michael Fleming Folland and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Army LTG Robert F. Foley.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2855 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army LTG Robert F. Foley and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on the Medal of Honor Speak Out website and was titled: Robert F. Foley, Captain, U.S. Army Company A, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division

Army Lieutenant General Robert F. Foley is a living embodiment of courage and leadership. On November 5, 1966, as a young captain in Vietnam, he led his company, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, through one of the fiercest battles of the war. The dense jungle and treacherous terrain were not the only enemies; they faced relentless fire from well-entrenched Viet Cong forces.

Despite the intense enemy fire, Foley’s commitment to his soldiers never wavered. When his men were pinned down by a barrage of enemy machine gun fire, Foley moved from position to position, rallying his troops and providing clear, decisive orders. When he saw that one of his squads was trapped and taking heavy casualties, he personally led a charge through enemy fire to relieve them. Foley’s extraordinary bravery didn’t stop there. He single-handedly assaulted a Viet Cong machine gun position, eliminating the threat and allowing his men to advance.

For his gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, Robert F. Foley was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions that day saved countless lives and exemplified the highest ideals of military service. Foley’s leadership continued throughout his distinguished career, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant General, always remaining an inspiring figure to those who served under him. His legacy is one of selfless service, unwavering courage, and profound dedication to his country and fellow soldiers.

Listen to Episode 2855 and discover more about Army LTG Robert F. Foley and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Charles Clinton Fleek

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2854 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SGT Charles Clinton Fleek and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on the Kentucky History website and was titled: Marker #2604 Charles Clinton Fleek (1947-1969)/Medal of Honor Recipient. The story was submitted by Olivia Dale.

Charles Clinton “Chalky”[2] Fleek (August 28, 1947 – May 27, 1969) was a United States Army soldier and a posthumous recipient of the United States military’s highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Fleek was drafted and entered Army service at Cincinnati, Ohio in 1968, and by May 27, 1969, was serving as a sergeant in Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

Sergeant Fleek distinguished himself on May 27, 1969, in the Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, while serving as the squad leader for Company C during an ambush operation. The platoon was given an order to withhold fire, because their forces were much smaller than that of the North Vietnamese. The unit was deployed in ambush locations when a large combatant force approached their position. The North Vietnamese sensed the ambush and began to withdraw. In response, Fleek immediately started to fire. He then directed his men to pursue the enemy. Amid this, a North Vietnamese soldier threw a grenade into Fleek’s squad position. When he realized his men had not seen the grenade land amongst them, Fleek shouted a warning and threw himself onto the explosive. Although his position would have allowed him to seek cover, he chose to absorb the blast. His actions saved the lives of eight U.S. soldiers.

On August 17, 2018, a section of state highway Kentucky Route 20 in Petersburg, was named the Charles “Chalky” Fleek Memorial Highway.

Listen to Episode 2854 and discover more about Army SGT Charles Clinton Fleek and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Michael John Fitzmaurice.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2853 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army Sp4 Michael John Fitzmaurice and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a podcast episode that appeared on the Tales of Honor Podcast and was titled: Michael J Fitzmaurice.

Army Specialist 4 (Sp4) Michael John Fitzmaurice is a distinguished recipient of the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration, awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. Born on March 9, 1950, in Jamestown, North Dakota, Fitzmaurice enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969, during the Vietnam War. He served as a specialist with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, also known as the “Wolfhounds.”

Fitzmaurice’s extraordinary bravery was demonstrated on March 23, 1971, during an intense enemy assault at Khe Sanh, in South Vietnam. When the North Vietnamese Army launched a massive attack on his unit’s position, Fitzmaurice responded with selflessness and determination. After an enemy grenade landed in his bunker, he threw himself onto it, shielding his comrades from the blast with his own body. Despite severe injuries, Fitzmaurice continued to fight, repelling the enemy forces and refusing medical evacuation until the situation was under control.

His actions, which epitomized courage and sacrifice, earned him the Medal of Honor, presented by President Richard Nixon on October 15, 1973. Fitzmaurice’s valor not only saved the lives of his fellow soldiers but also served as a powerful testament to the extraordinary heroism displayed by American servicemen in the face of overwhelming danger. He remains an enduring symbol of bravery and dedication, inspiring generations of military personnel and civilians alike.

Listen to Episode 2853 and discover more about Army Sp4 Michael John Fitzmaurice and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Recommended Reading

Buy Now

Order online or at 800-621-2736

Use discount code – ucpnew and receive a  30% discount on your purchase.

Episode 2852 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Andy Pham, a good friend of this podcast, and his two guests, Michelle Nickerson and Eli Greenbaum, discussing a new book about the Vietnam Era titled Spiritual Criminals by Michelle Nickerson. Andy and his guests will be discussing the book with its author.

When the FBI arrested twenty-eight people in connection to a break-in at a Camden, New Jersey, draft board in 1971, the Bureau celebrated. The case should have been an easy victory for the department—the perpetrators had been caught red-handed attempting to destroy conscription documents for draftees into the Vietnam War. But the results of the trial surprised everyone, and in the process shook the foundations of American law, politics, and religion.

In Spiritual Criminals, Michelle M. Nickerson shares a complex portrait of the Camden 28, a passionate group of grassroots religious progressives who resisted both their church and their government as they crusaded against the Vietnam War. Founded by priests, nuns, and devout lay Catholics, members of this coalition accepted the risks of felony convictions as the cost of challenging the nation’s military-industrial complex and exposing the illegal counterintelligence operations of the FBI. By peeling away the layers of political history, theological traditions, and the Camden 28’s personal stories, Nickerson reveals an often-unseen spiritual side of the anti-war movement. At the same time, she probes the fractures within the group, detailing important conflicts over ideology, race, sex, and gender that resonate in the church and on the political Left today.

Listen to episode 2852 and discover more about the new book Spiritual Criminals by Michelle Nickerson.

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Recommended Reading

Hell, No, We Didn’t Go! by Eli Greenbaum.

Buy Now

Note: Use discount code 24summer2024 through August 31, 2024 and receive a 50% discount.

Also you can order by phone at 800 848 6224

Episode 2851 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Andy Pham, a good friend of this podcast, and his three guests discussing a new book about the Vietnam Era titled Hell, No, We Didn’t Go! by Eli Greenbaum.

Andy and his guests will be discussing the book with its author. In Hell, No, We Didn’t Go!, Eli Greenbaum presents firsthand accounts of men who were driven to resist or dodge the Vietnam draft at all costs. He introduces readers to a cross section of individuals who found ways to defy the draft by leaving the country, going to prison, becoming conscientious objectors, gaming the system, conspiring to fail physicals, and even enlisting—anything to avoid being drafted. These vivid essays and candid oral histories detail events that were often controversial, sometimes volatile, and almost always emotionally charged. Greenbaum brings together a chorus of first-person accounts of draft resistance and protest held together by an overarching personal narrative while providing context, commentary, and an unusual fifty-year perspective on the men’s decisions to avoid the Vietnam War, no matter what.

While some men passively accepted conscription as their fate, others actively resisted it, sometimes going to extremes. Each account reveals individual motivations, fears, and hopes—everything from disagreement with American foreign policy to questions of cowardice and the meaning of patriotism, all underlined by courage and determination.

When asked in a Gallup poll taken in August 1965 whether the US decision to send troops to Vietnam was a mistake, 60 percent of Americans polled said no. But as American casualties increased and the war escalated, polls showed fewer Americans supporting US actions in Vietnam. That, however, did not stop the drafting of Americans into military service.

Listen to episode 2851 and discover more about the new book Hell, No, We Didn’t Go! by Eli Greenbaum.

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Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient Army Major Frederick Edgar Ferguson.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2850 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army Major Frederick Edgar Ferguson and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on the Victoria Cross Online website and was titled: Victoria Cross Online MOH.

Army Major Frederick Edgar Ferguson, a distinguished Medal of Honor recipient, demonstrated extraordinary bravery and selflessness during the Vietnam War. Born on August 18, 1939, in Pilot Point, Texas, Ferguson enlisted in the United States Army in 1958. He served as a helicopter pilot, where his skills and leadership quickly distinguished him from his peers.

On January 31, 1968, during the Tet Offensive, Ferguson displayed remarkable heroism while piloting a UH-1H Iroquois helicopter near Huế, Vietnam. Amidst heavy enemy fire, he volunteered for a high-risk mission to evacuate wounded soldiers from a besieged compound. Despite the imminent danger, Ferguson maneuvered his helicopter into the landing zone under intense enemy fire, skillfully landing in a narrow and precarious area. The enemy fire was so intense that it was puncturing the aircraft, but Ferguson remained undeterred.

Demonstrating calm under pressure, Ferguson safely extracted the wounded soldiers, saving numerous lives. His actions not only embodied the highest ideals of military service but also inspired his comrades. His courage, determination, and disregard for his own safety were instrumental in the success of the mission.

For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, Major Ferguson was awarded the Medal of Honor on May 17, 1969. His legacy is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve in the armed forces, and he remains an enduring symbol of heroism.

Listen to Episode 2850 and discover more about Army Army Major Frederick Edgar Ferguson and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.