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Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Glenn H. English Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2840 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SSG Glenn H. English Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on Wikipedia and The Pennsylvania Ramble.

Army Staff Sergeant Glenn H. English Jr. was a Vietnam War hero whose extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice earned him the Medal of Honor. Born on March 30, 1940, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, English enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served with the Company E, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War. On September 7, 1970, in Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam, English demonstrated unmatched bravery during a fierce firefight.

His unit was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army force, and during the engagement, English’s platoon came under heavy enemy fire. Despite the danger, English led his men in a counterattack, exposing himself to intense fire to direct the defense. When a fellow soldier was wounded and lying in an exposed position, English, without hesitation, moved through enemy fire to rescue him. While pulling the soldier to safety, English was mortally wounded by an enemy explosive device.

Staff Sergeant English’s actions saved the lives of his comrades and inspired his unit to successfully repel the enemy attack. His extraordinary heroism, leadership, and selflessness embodied the highest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Army. English’s bravery is remembered as a profound example of the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on April 7, 1971, recognizing his gallantry and unwavering devotion to his fellow soldiers.

Listen to Episode 2840 and discover more about Army SSG Glenn H. English Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Jesus S. Duran

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2839 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SGT Jesus S. Duran and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on the Tara Ross Blog. The story was titled: This Day in History: Jesus Duran’s bravery in Vietnam.

Jesus Santiago Duran (July 26, 1948 – February 17, 1977) was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and a recipient of the Medal of Honor.

Army Sergeant Jesus S. Duran was a hero whose bravery in Vietnam earned him the Medal of Honor. On April 10, 1969, Duran was serving as a machine gunner with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. During a mission near the village of Tay Ninh, his platoon came under heavy fire from a concealed enemy force. Duran, without hesitation, moved forward to provide covering fire, allowing his comrades to maneuver.

As the enemy intensified their assault, Duran noticed that several soldiers were pinned down by machine gun fire from a nearby bunker. Despite the danger, he advanced alone through the hail of bullets. With extraordinary courage, Duran stormed the enemy bunker, eliminating multiple enemy fighters with his machine gun. His actions saved the lives of many in his platoon and allowed them to successfully complete their mission.

For his selfless bravery and unwavering dedication to his comrades, Sergeant Duran was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2014, more than four decades after his heroic actions. His legacy is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who serve, and his story continues to inspire soldiers and civilians alike. Jesus S. Duran exemplified the highest ideals of duty, honor, and service.

Listen to Episode 2839 and discover more about Army SGT Jesus S. Duran and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Kern W. Dunagan

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2838 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army COL Kern W. Dunagan and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared in the Hawaii Reporter and was titled: Kern Wayne Dunagan, Colonel U.S. Army – TRUE GRIT. The story was submitted by Duane Vachon, PH.D.

Dr. Vachon said this about writing about Medal of Honor recipients: In writing about Medal of Honor recipients I have pretty much come to the conclusion that they are made, not born.  In doing the research for this article I discovered that Dunagan is the second person in his family to be awarded this nation’s highest medal for bravery. Could it be that heroes are not only made not born but it runs in the family as well?  Dunagan is related (on his maternal side of his family) to another Medal of Honor recipient. His 3rd cousin, Ola Lee Mize received the Medal for his actions in 1953 in Korea. The two Medal of Honor recipients (close in age) share their 2nd great grandfather, Howell Mize.  Two Medal of Honor recipients from the same family, wonder what are the odds of that happening.  The only other two I am aware of are Theodore Roosevelt and his father Teddy, who was our 26th president. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

Colonel Kern W. Dunagan, a hero of the Vietnam War, led his troops through perilous jungles with unwavering bravery. Despite severe injuries, he refused evacuation, inspiring his men to victory. For his extraordinary valor, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, embodying the true spirit of leadership and sacrifice.

Listen to Episode 2838 and discover more about Army COL Kern W. Dunagan and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor Recipient Army SSG David C. Dolby

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2837 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SSG David C. Dolby and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on the Arlington National Cemetery website and was titled: David Charles Dolby – Staff Sergeant, United States Army and submitted by Michael Robert Patterson and, T. Rees Shapiro.

Staff Sergeant David C. Dolby, a native of Norristown, Pennsylvania, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964. His courage and dedication to his comrades during the Vietnam War earned him the prestigious Medal of Honor.

On May 21, 1966, while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), Dolby’s platoon came under heavy fire from a well-concealed enemy force in the dense jungles of the Republic of Vietnam. As the platoon leader, Dolby demonstrated extraordinary heroism and leadership. Despite being wounded, he moved through the intense enemy fire to rally his men and direct their defense. He repeatedly exposed himself to the withering fire to evacuate wounded soldiers and redistribute ammunition, ensuring his platoon could maintain their defensive position.

Dolby’s actions that day saved many lives and were instrumental in repelling the enemy attack. His citation notes his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” Dolby’s bravery and leadership reflected the highest traditions of military service.

After returning from Vietnam, Dolby continued his service in the Army, embodying the values of duty, honor, and country. He remained a symbol of heroism and sacrifice until his passing in 2010. Dolby’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication of those who serve in the Armed Forces.

Listen to episode 2837 and discover more about Army SSG David C. Dolby and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Marine PFC Douglas E. Dickey

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2836 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine PFC Douglas E. Dickey and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story from Historynet.com and was titled: A Marine Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice and Why He Did It. The story was submitted by Jerry D. Morelock. Also included in this episode is information about Douglas E. Dickey in Wikipedia.

Private First Class Douglas Eugene Dickey was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroism during Operation Beacon Hill 1, on March 26, 1967, while serving as a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, 3rd Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam.

Marine PFC Douglas E. Dickey was born on December 24, 1946, in Greenville, Ohio. He displayed exemplary courage and selflessness as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War. On March 26, 1967, while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, in Quang Tri Province, Dickey’s platoon came under intense enemy fire. Amidst the chaos, an enemy grenade landed in their midst. Without hesitation,

PFC Dickey threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his body to protect his fellow Marines. This extraordinary act of valor and sacrifice cost him his life but saved many others. For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, PFC Douglas E. Dickey was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

His heroism remains an enduring testament to the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Listen to episode 2836 and discover more about Marine PFC Douglas E. Dickey and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Marine PFC Ralph E. Dias

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2835 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine PFC Ralph E. Dias and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story in the Salem News titled: Medal of Honor recipient remembered 50 years on and submitted by Mary Ann Greier. Also included in this episode is information about Ralph Dias in Wikipedia.

Marine Private First Class Ralph E. Dias, born on July 15, 1950, in Shelocta, Pennsylvania, demonstrated exceptional bravery and sacrifice during his service in the Vietnam War. Enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1969, Dias quickly proved his dedication and courage. His heroic actions on November 12, 1969, in Quang Nam Province, would earn him the Medal of Honor posthumously.

While on a mission, Dias’s platoon was pinned down by intense enemy fire. Despite the grave danger, he moved forward, attempting to neutralize the hostile positions. With unwavering resolve, Dias repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, throwing grenades and providing covering fire to protect his comrades. His valiant efforts allowed his platoon to regroup and advance. Tragically, Dias was mortally wounded during this selfless act of bravery.

Dias’s courage did not go unrecognized. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, for his gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. His Medal of Honor citation highlights his extraordinary heroism, reflecting the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Today, Ralph E. Dias is remembered not only for his heroic actions but also as a symbol of the valor and sacrifice of all Marines who have served their country. Memorials and ceremonies honor his legacy, ensuring that his bravery is never forgotten. His story continues to inspire new generations of Marines, reminding them of the profound impact one individual can have through acts of courage and selflessness.

Listen to episode 2835 and discover more about Marine PFC Ralph E. Dias and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Edward A. DeVore Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Edward A. DeVore Jr. Marker

Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Edward A. DeVore Jr. Marker -Distant shot

Episode 2834 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army Sp4 Edward A. DeVore Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from the OK History website and The Historical Marker Database.

Army Specialist Fourth Class (Sp4) Edward A. DeVore Jr. was born on June 15, 1947, in Henryetta, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the United States Army from Alameda, California, and served in Company B, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War.

DeVore’s actions on March 17, 1968, near Saigon, Vietnam, earned him the prestigious Medal of Honor. On that day, his platoon was heavily engaged by a well-entrenched and numerically superior enemy force. Amidst intense enemy fire, DeVore observed that the enemy was directing heavy fire toward his squad’s position. Realizing the immediate danger to his comrades, he displayed conspicuous gallantry by advancing alone towards the enemy position to draw their fire away from his squad.

Despite being seriously wounded, DeVore continued his advance, aggressively engaging the enemy with hand grenades and small arms fire. His courageous actions disrupted the enemy assault and provided his squad the opportunity to reorganize and mount an effective defense. In his final act of bravery, DeVore charged an enemy machine gun position, which was inflicting severe casualties on his unit. This valiant effort cost him his life, but it succeeded in silencing the enemy gun, ultimately saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.

Specialist Edward A. DeVore Jr.’s extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice reflect the highest traditions of military service. His actions provided an inspiring example of valor and earned him the Medal of Honor posthumously. He is remembered for his unwavering bravery and dedication to his comrades and country. DeVore’s name is etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring his ultimate sacrifice.

Listen to episode 2834 and discover more about Army Sp4 Edward A. DeVore Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl Emilio A. De La Garza Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2833 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine LCpl Emilio A. De La Garza Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Lance Corporal Emilio A. De La Garza Jr. was a courageous Marine whose bravery and sacrifice earned him the Medal of Honor posthumously. Born on June 23, 1949, in East Chicago, Indiana, De La Garza was known for his dedication and spirit from an early age. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in February 1969 and underwent rigorous training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. His commitment and excellence soon saw him assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division.

On April 11, 1970, in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, De La Garza demonstrated extraordinary heroism during an intense combat operation. His platoon came under heavy enemy fire, and despite the danger, he advanced to engage the enemy. While retrieving a wounded Marine, he noticed an enemy grenade. Without hesitation, he threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full impact with his body to protect his fellow Marines. This selfless act of valor saved the lives of his comrades but cost him his own.

De La Garza’s gallantry and unwavering dedication to his brothers-in-arms exemplify the highest traditions of military service. His Medal of Honor citation highlights his extraordinary heroism and intrepidity at the risk of his life, reflecting the ultimate sacrifice he made. Lance Corporal De La Garza’s legacy endures as a powerful testament to the bravery and selflessness inherent in the finest Marines. His story continues to inspire generations, underscoring the profound courage required in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Listen to episode 2833 and discover more about Marine LCpl Emilio A. De La Garza Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Air Force BG George Everette “Bud” Day

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2832 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Air Force BG George Everette “Bud” Day and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Escaping death even once is already a stroke of luck, but for a man who can evade it at least seven times—now that’s legendary! A feat one rarely achieves, veteran hero Bud Day had gone through an extraordinary journey throughout his military career. He put his life on the line and fought not only one major war but three, including World War II, Korean War, and the most pivotal one, Vietnam War. This honorable man’s strength and courage amid adversity have earned him decorations, recognition, and respect and fostered inspiration for his fellow prisoners of war.

George Everette Day, born and raised in the northwestern part of Iowa on February 24, 1925, dropped out of high school at age 17 to enlist in the US Marine Corps months after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. Bud, as everyone calls him, was among the thousands of men shipped and served in the Pacific theater as part of a 5-inch gun battery. He, however, didn’t see combat and was honorably discharged over two months after the war’s end.

Upon returning to the States, Bud attended college and earned his bachelor’s degree before proceeding to law school at the University of South Dakota, where he received a Juris Doctor. Besides his eventual thriving military career, Day had built himself quite an impressive educational background. By late 1946, he joined the US Army Reserve until 1949, when he subsequently passed his bar exam and entered the bar in South Dakota. Bud would go on to earn his Master of Arts degree, a doctor of humane letters, and a doctor of laws, as well as being admitted to the Florida Bar, but that would all happen later after his retirement.

As his retirement drew near in 1968, then Major Bud Day placed his life on the line for one last time as he volunteered for deployment in Southeast Asia at the height of the Vietnam War. There, he served as an F-100 Assistant Operations Officer before taking the role as the first commander of the 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron, or the Misty Super FACs, at Phu Cat Air Base in South Vietnam.

The above information about Bud Day comes from a story that appeared on the SOFREP website.

Listen to episode 2832 and discover more about Air Force BG George Everette “Bud” Day and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Congressional Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor recipient Army Artilleryman SFC Sammy L. Davis

Sammy L. Davis, private first class, U.S. Army Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 4th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division (Courtesy photo)

Episode 2831 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army Artilleryman SFC Sammy L. Davis and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from an essay titled: The ‘Real’ Forrest Gump: Medal of Honor Recipient Sammy L. Davis that appeared on the Military.com website. It was submitted by Peter Collier.

Sammy Lee Davis (born November 1, 1946) is an American soldier who served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the nation’s highest military medal for valor, the Medal of Honor.

He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on November 1, 1946. Davis was raised in French Camp, California. His family had a long tradition of military service; his grandfather served in the Spanish–American War, his father Robert Davis was in World War II, and his brothers Hubert and Darrell Davis served in Korea and Vietnam, respectively. Davis attended Manteca High School in Manteca, California, where he was a member of the football and diving teams. He also participated in Sea Scouting in Stockton. After his junior year of high school, Davis’ family moved to Indiana. He graduated from Mooresville High School in 1966.

In March 1967, Davis was sent to South Vietnam as a private first class, and was assigned to Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 4th Artillery Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On November 18, 1967, his unit at Firebase Cudgel west of Cai Lay, fell under machine gun fire and heavy mortar attack by an estimated three companies of Viet Cong from the 261st Viet Cong Main Force Battalion, which swarmed the area from the south and then west. Upon detecting an enemy position, Davis manned a machine gun to give his comrades covering fire so they could fire artillery in response. Davis was wounded, but ignored warnings to take cover, taking over the unit’s burning howitzer and firing several shells himself. He also disregarded his inability to swim due to a broken back, and crossed a river there on an air mattress to help rescue three wounded American soldiers. He ultimately found his way to another howitzer site to continue fighting the NVA attack until they fled. The battle lasted two hours.

Listen to episode 2831 and discover more about Army Artilleryman SFC Sammy L. Davis and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.