Vietnam Veteran News

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Vietnam Medal of honor recipient Army LTC Charles C. Hagemeister.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2873 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army LTC Charles C. Hagemeister and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Army Lieutenant Colonel Charles C. Hagemeister’s courage during the Vietnam War exemplifies extraordinary heroism. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1946, Hagemeister enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966. As a Specialist Four serving with the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, his actions on March 20, 1967, would distinguish him among America’s bravest.

While on a reconnaissance mission near the village of Binh Dinh, his platoon came under intense enemy fire. Hagemeister, a combat medic, disregarded his own safety to reach wounded soldiers. Amidst the hail of bullets, he exposed himself repeatedly to provide lifesaving aid, demonstrating a profound sense of duty and humanity.

At one point, he noticed his platoon leader had been seriously wounded. Hagemeister fought his way to him through heavy fire, treating his wounds while under enemy attack. He then used the leader’s rifle to kill an enemy sniper, neutralizing the threat. Despite sustaining injuries himself, Hagemeister continued to lead his comrades in repelling the attack, inspiring others with his unwavering determination.

For his actions that day, Hagemeister was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, on May 14, 1968. His citation recognized not only his bravery but also his commitment to saving lives in the heat of battle. After the war, Hagemeister continued his military career, retiring as a lieutenant colonel, leaving a lasting legacy of valor and selflessness in service to his country.

Listen to Episode 2873 and discover more about Army LTC Charles C. Hagemeister and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor reipient Army SP4 Peter M. Guenette.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2872 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SP4 Peter M. Guenette and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story that appeared in The Times Union of Albany, NY and was titled: A Brother, a Hero, Memory – Pride, and pain of loss, inspire a memorial to a Medal of Honor winner. The story was submitted by  Dennis Yusko

Army Specialist Fourth Class Peter M. Guenette displayed the extraordinary courage that would earn him the Medal of Honor. Born in Lansingburgh, New York in  1948, Guenette enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving as a rifleman in Company D, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

On May 18, 1968, while on a reconnaissance mission near Quan Tan Uyen, his unit came under heavy enemy fire. Amid the chaos, an enemy grenade landed near Guenette and his fellow soldiers. Without hesitation, Guenette shouted a warning and threw himself on the grenade, shielding his comrades from the deadly blast. The explosion took his life, but his sacrifice saved several of his brothers-in-arms.

In recognition of his selfless bravery, Peter Guenette was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States. His actions exemplify the ultimate act of heroism: laying down one’s life to save others. Guenette’s sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and valor displayed by soldiers in the heat of battle.

Guenette’s name is etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., a testament to the profound impact of his actions on those who survived that fateful day. His legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the cost of freedom and the bravery of those who defend it.

Listen to Episode 2872 and discover more about Army SP4 Peter M. Guenetteand his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam MoH Recipient Marine 2LT Terrence C. Graves.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2871 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine 2LT Terrence C. Graves and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story that appeared on the Texas State Cemetery website.

Marine 2nd Lieutenant Terrence C. Graves was a man defined by courage and selflessness. Born on July 6, 1947, in Corpus Christi, Texas, he grew up with a deep sense of duty. After graduating from Miami University in Ohio, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967, seeking not only to serve but to lead.

In February 1968, during the Vietnam War, 2LT Graves was assigned to a reconnaissance mission with his platoon deep in enemy territory. The team’s objective was to gather intelligence, but they soon found themselves surrounded by a much larger North Vietnamese force. Under heavy fire, Graves immediately took charge, directing his men’s defense and coordinating their movement for extraction. As enemy forces closed in, a helicopter was sent for evacuation, but enemy fire raked the landing zone.

Rather than ensuring his own safety, Graves made sure his men were evacuated first. When the helicopter was hit and began to descend, Graves, exposed to enemy fire, ran toward the wreckage to assist in the rescue. His unwavering resolve and dedication saved several lives that day. Tragically, Graves was killed in action during this act of heroism.

For his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice, 2LT Terrence C. Graves was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions remain a powerful testament to the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment, ensuring his legacy lives on.

Listen to Episode 2871 and discover more about Marine 2LT Terrence C. Graves and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor Medal of Honor recipient Army CPT Joseph Grant.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2870 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army CPT Joseph Grant and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

In the dense jungles of Vietnam, Army Lieutenant Joseph Grant led his platoon on a critical mission. The air was thick with humidity, and every step felt like walking into the unknown. His men trusted him, and his courage was their anchor. They had been tasked with securing a strategic hill deep within enemy territory. Intelligence had warned them of hostile forces lying in wait, but the full scale of the danger wouldn’t reveal itself until it was too late.

As the platoon advanced, the enemy unleashed a barrage of fire. Bullets tore through the trees, and explosions shook the ground. Chaos erupted as soldiers scrambled for cover. Lieutenant Grant, realizing his men were at risk of being surrounded, took decisive action. With no regard for his own safety, he charged forward, rallying his men and calling for air support over the deafening gunfire.

A grenade landed near his squad. Without hesitation, Grant threw himself on it, shielding his men from the explosion. The blast severely wounded him, but his selfless act saved countless lives. Despite his injuries, he refused evacuation and continued to lead, providing cover fire and directing the extraction of his men.

His leadership and bravery under fire inspired his soldiers to fight harder, and they successfully held their ground until reinforcements arrived. For his extraordinary valor, Lieutenant Joseph Grant was awarded the Medal of Honor. His sacrifice that day echoed beyond the battlefield, a testament to his unyielding courage and love for his fellow soldiers, embodying the very best of American heroism.

Listen to Episode 2870 and discover more about Army CPT Joseph Grant and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor Recipient Army SFC Bruce Alan Grandstaff.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2869 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SFC Bruce Alan Grandstaff and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story titled: Bruce Alan Grandstaff is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony on July 10, 1969 that appeared on History Link website. The story was submitted by Duane Colt Denfeld, Ph.D.

Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) Bruce Alan Grandstaff was a dedicated soldier who exemplified bravery and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds. Born in Spokane, Washington, Grandstaff enlisted in the U.S. Army and quickly established himself as a committed leader, eventually serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

On May 18, 1967, during the Vietnam War, SFC Grandstaff’s platoon was conducting a reconnaissance mission near the Cambodian border when they were ambushed by a larger North Vietnamese force. Surrounded, outnumbered, and taking heavy fire, Grandstaff immediately took command, coordinating his platoon’s defense and calling in air and artillery support. Despite being severely wounded, he continued to rally his men, directing their fire and encouraging them to hold their position.

As enemy forces advanced, Grandstaff left the relative safety of cover to move through the battlefield, distributing ammunition and helping evacuate the wounded. In the heat of battle, his unit was overrun, but Grandstaff refused to give up. He made the ultimate sacrifice, continuing to fight until the end.

For his extraordinary heroism, SFC Bruce Alan Grandstaff was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His unwavering courage and selflessness in the face of certain death serve as a lasting testament to his character. Today, his legacy is remembered as a symbol of the highest ideals of military service and sacrifice.

Listen to Episode 2869 and discover more about Army SFC Bruce Alan Grandstaff and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine CPT James Albert Graham.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2868 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine CPT James Albert Graham and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story titled: Medal of Honor Monday: Marine Corps Capt. James A. Graham that appeared on the US Department of Defense website.

Marine Captain James Albert Graham was a Vietnam War hero whose bravery and sacrifice earned him the Medal of Honor. Born on August 25, 1940, in the small town of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, he joined the Marine Corps in 1963 and served with distinction.

In 1967, Captain Graham led Company L, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines during a fierce battle near the village of La Tho, Quang Tin Province. His unit was engaged in heavy combat with North Vietnamese forces, facing intense enemy fire. As they advanced, they were caught in a deadly ambush. Despite the overwhelming odds, Captain Graham remained calm and determined, rallying his men to press forward.

When the situation became critical and casualties mounted, Graham realized the only way to save his men was to take extraordinary action. He personally led an assault to clear the enemy’s position, exposing himself to intense enemy fire. As they neared the objective, a grenade landed nearby. Without hesitation, Graham threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full blast with his body. His selfless act saved the lives of several Marines at the cost of his own.

Captain Graham’s unwavering courage and dedication to his fellow Marines epitomized the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions, a symbol of his ultimate sacrifice and his place in the legacy of American military valor.

Listen to Episode 2868 and discover more about Marine CPT James Albert Graham and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Marine SGT Alfredo Cantu Gonzalez

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2867 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine SGT Alfredo Cantu Gonzalez and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia the Texas State Cemetery website.

As a platoon sergeant, Gonzalez was leading his men during the initial phase of the battle when they were ambushed by a well-entrenched enemy force. Despite being wounded by shrapnel, he refused evacuation and continued to lead his Marines. Displaying extraordinary courage, Gonzalez directed his platoon through intense enemy fire, clearing bunkers and laying down suppressive fire to ensure his comrades could advance.

During the grueling urban combat that followed, Gonzalez repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue wounded Marines and replenish ammunition. On February 4, 1968, while his platoon was under heavy enemy fire, Gonzalez spotted a concealed enemy rocket position that posed a severe threat to his men. Without hesitation, he charged the position, firing his weapon as he advanced. His heroic action destroyed the enemy emplacement, but he was mortally wounded in the process.

For his selfless bravery, determination, and sacrifice, Sergeant Alfredo Cantu Gonzalez was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions saved countless lives and embody the highest traditions of the Marine Corps, leaving behind a legacy of valor and heroism that continues to inspire.

In 1996, the USS Alfredo Gonzalez, a guided missile destroyer, was commissioned in Corpus Christi. Gonzalez’s mother was asked to be the ship’s sponsor; in 1996 she still worked as a waitress. There is a permanent display of his uniform and medals at the Hidalgo County Historical Museum. In Edinburg, Freddy Gonzalez Elementary School and the Alfredo Cantu Gonzalez American Legion Post are both named in his honor. Students at Edinburg High School can receive the Alfredo Gonzalez Athletic Award. The Alfredo Gonzalez Dining Hall at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi is named for him, as is Alfredo Gonzalez Boulevard at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. There is also a Freddy Gonzalez Drive in Edinburg. Gonzalez is buried at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Edinburg.

Listen to Episode 2867 and discover more about SSG John G. Gertsch and his Congrehttps://aw51bd4.aweb.page/p/74a965a7-be50-4e5c-be86-e2244a76dc18ssional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient Army SSG John G. Gertsch

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2866 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SSG John G. Gertsch and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia, The Hall of Honor Project and the 101st Airborne Division Vietnam Veterans Organization.

Staff Sergeant John G. Gertsch was a courageous soldier who served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. Born on September 29, 1944, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Gertsch enlisted in the Army and quickly gained a reputation as a brave and selfless leader. His actions during a critical mission in July 1969 would earn him the nation’s highest military honor—the Medal of Honor.

On July 15, 1969, Gertsch and his unit were involved in a fierce battle with a well-entrenched enemy force in the A Shau Valley. When his company commander was wounded, Gertsch took charge, directing the evacuation of the wounded and personally leading assaults against enemy positions. Despite being wounded himself, Gertsch repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to protect his fellow soldiers, eliminate enemy threats, and ensure the safety of his men. His leadership, bravery, and complete disregard for his own safety inspired his comrades to continue the fight.

Over the next few days, Gertsch’s actions remained vital to his unit’s survival. He continued to engage the enemy, often moving ahead of his men to clear dangerous paths. On July 19, while covering the withdrawal of his unit, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire.

For his extraordinary heroism, SSG John G. Gertsch was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His selfless actions exemplified the highest standards of military service, leaving a lasting legacy of sacrifice and valor.

Listen to Episode 2866 and discover more about SSG John G. Gertsch and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor Army 1LT James A. Gardner.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2865 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army 1LT James A. Gardner and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on Wikipedia.

First Lieutenant James A. Gardner was an Army officer who displayed extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War, earning him the Medal of Honor posthumously. Born on February 7, 1943, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Gardner was a natural leader who exhibited courage beyond compare.

On February 7, 1966, in Tây Ninh Province, Gardner was leading his platoon in an assault against a heavily fortified enemy position. His unit was pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire and mortars. Realizing the dire situation, Gardner decided to take decisive action. He ordered his men to hold their position while he personally led an assault on the enemy bunkers.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Gardner charged through the open field, firing his weapon and hurling grenades at enemy strongholds. His actions destroyed several bunkers, but Gardner wasn’t finished. He continued to advance, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, inspiring his soldiers to press forward.

Despite being wounded, Gardner refused to withdraw. He rallied his men for a final push against the enemy, continuing to move forward until he was fatally wounded by enemy fire. His fearless leadership and indomitable spirit turned the tide of the battle, allowing his platoon to achieve its objectives.

Gardner’s bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice are immortalized in the annals of military history. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor, a testament to the extraordinary courage he displayed that day.

Listen to Episode 2865 and discover more about Army 1LT James A. Gardner and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Candelario Garcia.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2864 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SGT Candelario Garcia, Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on Wikipedia.

Army Sergeant Candelario “Candy” Garcia was a quiet, humble man, but his bravery during the Vietnam War spoke volumes. Born in Corsicana, Texas, in 1944, he was raised in a large family of migrant farm workers. His strong work ethic and sense of duty led him to enlist in the Army during the height of the Vietnam War.

On December 8, 1968, during Operation Toan Thang II, Sgt. Garcia’s unit came under heavy fire near Lai Khe. Despite the intense enemy fire, Garcia took immediate action. Spotting two machine-gun bunkers that were pinning his platoon down, he fearlessly charged forward. Using hand grenades, he destroyed the first bunker, killing the enemy inside. Undeterred by the danger, he moved toward the second bunker, eliminating it with accurate rifle fire. His bravery didn’t stop there. Seeing that his comrades were still exposed to enemy fire, he crawled across open ground, providing cover for wounded soldiers and moving them to safety.

Garcia’s actions saved many lives that day, but for years, his heroism went unrecognized. It wasn’t until 2014 that he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, nearly 46 years after his extraordinary courage in Vietnam. Sergeant Garcia’s legacy is a reminder of the quiet heroism that defines the character of so many soldiers—selfless, courageous, and committed to their comrades. His story is now etched into the history of American valor, a tribute to his unwavering spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

Listen to Episode 2864 and discover more about Army SGT Candelario Garcia and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.