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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Don J. Jenkins.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2887 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Don J. Jenkins..  Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Army Staff Sergeant Don J. Jenkins, a Vietnam War hero, displayed extraordinary valor during one of the war’s most brutal engagements. Born in Quality, Kentucky, Jenkins enlisted in the U.S. Army, joining Company A, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. His Medal of Honor moment came on January 6, 1969, in Kien Phong Province, Vietnam.

That night, Jenkins’ unit was ambushed by a fierce North Vietnamese force. Under relentless enemy fire, his platoon was pinned down, surrounded, and suffering heavy casualties. Jenkins, a machine gunner, sprang into action with little regard for his own safety.

He repeatedly exposed himself to withering gunfire, providing cover for his comrades to reposition. When his weapon was destroyed, Jenkins did not retreat. Instead, he picked up a rocket launcher, engaging the enemy until it was damaged. He then grabbed a rifle and continued his one-man assault. During this battle, Jenkins carried wounded soldiers to safety, often crossing dangerous, open terrain to drag them out of harm’s way.

Despite being wounded himself, Jenkins stayed on the battlefield for hours, refusing evacuation. His actions saved numerous lives and helped turn the tide of the battle.

Jenkins was awarded the Medal of Honor for his unparalleled courage and commitment to his fellow soldiers. His heroism exemplified the highest ideals of military service—selflessness, bravery, and dedication. Today, his story stands as a testament to the valor and resilience of those who fought in Vietnam.

Listen to Episode 2887 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Don J. Jenkins.

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Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2886 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Navy Corpsman Third Class Robert R. Ingram. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Medal of Honor Speak Out website.

Navy Corpsman Third Class Robert R. Ingram was serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, on March 28, 1966, when his courage and dedication to his comrades earned him the Medal of Honor.

Ingram’s platoon was ambushed by a heavily armed North Vietnamese battalion. As the attack rained down, many Marines were wounded. Despite being shot through the hand early in the battle, Ingram rushed to their aid. Crawling across the battlefield under heavy enemy fire, he made his way from one wounded Marine to another, providing life-saving medical care. The firefight was brutal, but Ingram’s resolve never wavered.

Over the course of the engagement, Ingram was hit by enemy fire a total of four times, sustaining severe injuries to his chest and head. Even with these life-threatening wounds, he refused to stop. When his medical supplies ran low, he used whatever he had on hand to treat the injured, his own well-being secondary to the survival of his comrades.

Ingram’s determination and selflessness helped save numerous lives that day. His heroic actions exemplified the highest standards of valor and sacrifice. For his incredible bravery under fire and his refusal to abandon his fellow soldiers, Robert R. Ingram was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military honor. His story is a lasting tribute to the courage and dedication of all Navy corpsmen who have served on the battlefield.

Listen to Episode 2886 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Navy Corpsman Third Class Robert R. Ingram.

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 George Alan Ingalls.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2885 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 George Alan Ingalls. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Family Search.

Army Specialist Four George Alan Ingalls was a courageous soldier whose selfless actions earned him the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. Born on March 9, 1946, in Hanford, California, Ingalls enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966. By April 16, 1967, at just 21 years old, he found himself in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, serving as a rifleman in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.

That night, his squad was on an ambush mission when they were encountered a well-hidden enemy force. As the fight raged on, an enemy grenade was thrown into the midst of his squad. Without hesitation, Ingalls acted on pure instinct and heroism. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, he hurled himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full blast. His self-sacrifice saved the lives of his fellow soldiers but cost him his own.

For his extraordinary bravery and willingness to give his life for others, Ingalls was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His Medal of Honor citation describes his gallantry in action as “above and beyond the call of duty,” and his actions embody the highest ideals of military service.

Ingalls’ legacy lives on, a reminder of the profound courage and sacrifice displayed by soldiers during the Vietnam War. His name is engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., forever honoring a hero who gave everything to save his brothers in arms.

Listen to Episode 2885 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 George Alan Ingalls.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl James D. Howe.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2884 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl James D. Howe. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Marine Lance Corporal James D. Howe was a young man of uncommon bravery, a Marine who exemplified duty, sacrifice, and heroism during one of the most challenging conflicts in American history—the Vietnam War. Born in 1948 in Six Mile, South Carolina, Howe enlisted in the Marine Corps, driven by a strong sense of patriotism and duty.

In the early morning hours of 6 May 1970, Lance Corporal Howe and two other Marines were occupying a defensive position in a sandy beach area fronted by bamboo thickets. Enemy sappers suddenly launched a grenade attack against the position, utilizing the cover of darkness to carry out their assault.

Following the initial explosions of the grenades, Lance Corporal Howe and his two comrades moved to a more advantageous position in order to return suppressive fire. When an enemy grenade landed in their midst, Lance Corporal Howe immediately shouted a warning and then threw himself upon the deadly missile, thereby protecting the lives of his fellow Marines.

Howe’s extraordinary valor ultimately cost him his life, but his actions saved lives that day. For his selflessness and unwavering dedication to his comrades, LCpl James D. Howe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, symbolizing the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the American spirit. His legacy of heroism continues to inspire Marines and service members to this day.

Listen to Episode 2884 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl James D. Howe.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Robert L. Howard.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2883 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Robert L. Howard and his Silver Star award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Army Colonel Robert L. Howard is one of the most decorated soldiers in American history, earning the Silver Star, among many other honors, for his extraordinary valor during the Vietnam War. Born in 1939 in Opelika, Alabama, Howard served 36 years in the U.S. Army, most of them with the elite Special Forces. His heroic acts are the stuff of legend.

In December 1968, while serving as a staff sergeant in the highly secretive Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), Howard’s team was ambushed by a large North Vietnamese force deep in enemy territory. Despite being wounded by a grenade blast that tore through his body, Howard refused to abandon his comrades. With remarkable courage, he charged through enemy fire, rescuing wounded soldiers and dragging them to safety. When his commander was mortally wounded, Howard took command, fending off waves of attackers, and organizing an extraction under intense fire. His grit and leadership saved numerous lives that day.

Howard was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times in a span of just over a year. He received the Silver Star, a decoration given for gallantry in action, recognizing his relentless bravery and commitment to his fellow soldiers.

After the war, Howard continued to serve with distinction, eventually retiring as a full colonel. He dedicated his post-military life to advocating for veterans. Colonel Robert L. Howard’s legacy remains a powerful testament to courage, selflessness, and dedication to duty.

Listen to Episode 2883 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Robert L. Howard and his Silver Star award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Robert L. Howard.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2882 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army COL Robert L. Howard and his Distinguished Service Cross award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Colonel Robert L. Howard was one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. military history. Born on July 11, 1939, in Alabama, Howard joined the U.S. Army in 1956, eventually serving five tours in Vietnam as part of the elite Special Forces. His actions during the Vietnam War earned him a place among the bravest soldiers of his generation.

In December 1968, while on a covert mission deep within enemy territory, then-Sergeant First Class Howard’s unit was ambushed by a much larger force. Despite severe injuries from a grenade blast, Howard took charge of the remaining soldiers. Under relentless enemy fire, he carried wounded comrades to safety, organized a defense, and called in air support to hold off the attackers. His courage and leadership saved many lives, and he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions that day.

Howard’s bravery was so extraordinary that he was nominated three times for the Medal of Honor. He received the Medal of Honor in 1971 for separate heroic actions in a different battle. Over his career, Howard was awarded eight Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and four Bronze Stars, among numerous other decorations.

After retiring in 1992, Howard continued to serve his country by working with veterans and speaking on military service. He died in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary valor, resilience, and dedication to his fellow soldiers. Howard remains an inspiration to future generations of soldiers and a symbol of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.

Listen to Episode 2882 and discover more about Army COL Robert L. Howard. and his Distinguished Service Cross award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Robert L. Howard.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2881 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army COL Robert L. Howard and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on the MACV-SOG website and was titled: Charles L. Howard.

Colonel Robert L. Howard, one of the most highly decorated soldiers in U.S. history, exemplified bravery during the Vietnam War. Born in Alabama in 1939, Howard enlisted in the Army at 17 and quickly rose through the ranks. By the time he served in Vietnam, Howard had become a member of the elite Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), a highly classified special operations unit.

On December 30, 1968, during a mission deep in enemy territory, Howard’s team came under heavy fire from North Vietnamese forces. Despite being severely wounded by an exploding mine, which left him temporarily blinded, Howard fought back. His commanding officer had been killed, and the enemy was closing in, but Howard took charge of the situation. Under intense fire, he rallied his men, directing their defense while simultaneously attempting to rescue wounded comrades.

At great personal risk, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, using his own body to shield fellow soldiers. In an incredible display of heroism, he carried out a wounded teammate and held off the enemy until reinforcements arrived. For his extraordinary courage that day, Howard was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Nixon in 1971.

After Vietnam, Howard continued his distinguished military career, retiring as a Colonel in 1992. He passed away in 2009, but his legacy as a fearless warrior and selfless leader endures, forever honored by the nation he served so valiantly.

Listen to Episode 2881 and discover more about Army COL Robert L. Howard. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine 1SG Jimmie E. Howard.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2880 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine 1SG Jimmie E. Howard and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on the Home of Heroes website and was titled: Jimmie E. Howard. The story was submitted by Jim Fausone, a partner with Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC.

Marine 1st Sergeant Jimmie E. Howard, a Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient, led a legendary act of heroism during the Vietnam War. On the night of June 15, 1966, Howard’s 18-man reconnaissance patrol, codenamed Operation Utah, found themselves on Hill 488, deep in enemy territory. Tasked with observing enemy movements, the patrol came under heavy assault from a battalion of over 200 North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldiers.

Outnumbered and outgunned, Howard displayed extraordinary leadership. Despite being wounded multiple times, he refused medical treatment and coordinated the defense of his men. His calm demeanor under fire inspired the Marines to hold their ground, repelling wave after wave of enemy attacks through the night. Howard personally moved from position to position, directing fire and encouraging his men to keep fighting.

When ammunition ran low and the enemy pressed closer, Howard ordered his men to fix bayonets and prepare for hand-to-hand combat. At dawn, after hours of relentless fighting, air support finally arrived, breaking the NVA assault and forcing the enemy to retreat. Out of the 18 Marines, six were killed, and every survivor was wounded, yet their courage and determination prevented the annihilation of the patrol.

For his leadership, bravery, and refusal to surrender, Jimmie E. Howard was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions on Hill 488 became a symbol of the Marine Corps’ fighting spirit.

Listen to Episode 2880 and discover more about Marine 1SG Jimmie E. Howard. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army MSG Charles Ernest Hosking. Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2879 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army MSG Charles Ernest Hosking. Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on the Department of Defense website and was titled: Medal of Honor Monday: Army MSgt. Charles Hosking Jr. The story was submitted by Katie Lange.

Master Sergeant Charles Ernest Hosking Jr. was a Vietnam War hero whose bravery earned him the Medal of Honor. Born in 1924 in Ramsey, New Jersey, Hosking served in World War II and later in Korea before finding himself in the jungles of Vietnam.

On March 21, 1967, Hosking, then a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, was serving as a company advisor for a Civilian Irregular Defense Group unit in Đôn Hậu, South Vietnam. During a routine operation, Hosking and his men captured a Viet Cong prisoner. As they prepared to transport the prisoner for interrogation, the captive suddenly broke free. Armed with a hidden grenade, the prisoner ran toward Hosking’s group, ready to detonate the explosive and kill everyone in proximity.

Without hesitation, Hosking acted with the selflessness that had defined his military career. He grabbed the prisoner and threw himself on top of the man, pinning him down. The grenade exploded, killing both Hosking and the Viet Cong fighter, but saving the lives of the soldiers around them.

Hosking’s sacrifice exemplified the highest ideals of military service: courage, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to protect his fellow soldiers. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions, and his legacy lives on as a symbol of valor and honor. His selfless act continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the profound sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

Listen to Episode 2879 and discover more about Army MSG Charles Ernest Hosking. Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT John Noble Holcomb.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2878 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SGT John Noble Holcomb and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story about Holcomb in the Corvallis Gazette-Times that was submitted by Hans Boyle.

Army Sergeant John Noble Holcomb was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War. Born on June 11, 1946, in Baker City, Oregon, Holcomb joined the U.S. Army in 1967 and served as a squad leader in Company D, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

On December 3, 1968, during a fierce battle in Binh Dinh Province, Holcomb and his platoon were ambushed by an overwhelming North Vietnamese force. Despite being severely outnumbered, Holcomb displayed remarkable courage. When his squad leader was killed, Holcomb took command and organized a defense. Even after being wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade, he continued to lead his men, rallying them to fight against the enemy.

Holcomb personally charged an enemy machine gun position, taking out the gunner and allowing his platoon to regroup. He then exposed himself to enemy fire multiple times to assist wounded soldiers. Although wounded again, he refused medical treatment, remaining on the front lines to protect his comrades.

In the midst of battle, Holcomb directed artillery fire and coordinated air support, helping to break the enemy attack. His leadership and heroism saved the lives of many soldiers that day.

For his selflessness, valor, and devotion to duty, Sergeant Holcomb was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on October 15, 1969. His legacy lives on as a symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of American soldiers in Vietnam.

Listen to Episode 2878 and discover more about Army SGT John Noble Holcomb and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.