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Medal of Honor

Episode 2990 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SGT William W. Seay. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story on The Defense Visual Information Distribution Service website.

SGT William W. Seay was a courageous U.S. Army soldier who displayed extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. Serving as a cargo truck driver with the 62nd Transportation Company, 7th Transportation Battalion, 48th Transportation Group, Seay was part of a critical resupply convoy near Ap Nhi, Republic of Vietnam, on August 25, 1968.

As the convoy moved through enemy territory, it came under sudden and intense attack by a well-entrenched North Vietnamese force. Amidst exploding mortar rounds and relentless machine gun fire, SGT Seay took immediate action, disregarding his own safety to protect his fellow soldiers. Armed with only his rifle, he left the cover of his truck and engaged the enemy with deadly accuracy. His precise fire neutralized multiple enemy combatants and inspired his comrades to fight back.

While repositioning for better cover, Seay noticed an enemy soldier attempting to throw a grenade toward his unit. With split-second reflexes, he shot the attacker, preventing a devastating explosion. Moments later, another grenade was hurled toward the convoy. Without hesitation, he kicked it away, saving nearby troops. Despite his heroic efforts, Seay was mortally wounded by enemy fire.

For his selfless bravery and sacrifice, SGT William W. Seay was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His valor and dedication embody the highest traditions of military service. Today, he is remembered as a true American hero, a soldier whose actions in Vietnam exemplify extraordinary courage, unwavering duty, and supreme sacrifice in the face of overwhelming danger.

Listen to Episode 2990 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SGT William W. Seay.

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Episode 2986 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an interview conducted by Andy Pham with Temple University professor Ralph Young who discusses his new book American Patriot.

In American Patriots, historian Ralph Young chronicles the key role dissent has played in shaping the United States. He explains that activists are not protesting against America, but pushing the country to live up to its ideals. As he guides the reader through the history of protest, Young considers how ordinary Americans, from moderates to firebrands, responded to injustice. He highlights the work of organizations like SNCC and ACT UP, and he follows iconic individuals like Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Woody Guthrie, charting the impact of their dissent. Some of these protesters are celebrated heroes of American history, while others are ordinary people, frequently overlooked, whose stories show that change is often accomplished through grassroots activism.

Andy conducts an extensive interview with Professor Young that covers the reasons why dissent and protests are good for the country. He explained how dissent help create the USA.

Listen to Episode 2986 and discover more about Professor Ralph Young’s new book American Patriot.

Below is a younger Ralph Young in Central Park.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army 1LT Ruppert L. Sargent.

Medal of Honor

Episode 2989 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army 1LT Ruppert L. Sargent. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story on the History Net website.

U.S. Army First Lieutenant Ruppert L. Sargent displayed extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War, earning the Medal of Honor for his selfless sacrifice. Born in Hampton, Virginia, Sargent served with Company B, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On March 15, 1967, in Hậu Nghĩa Province, South Vietnam, he led a patrol to investigate enemy activity near a suspected Viet Cong bunker.

As Sargent and his men approached, they encountered a hidden enemy force. Suddenly, two grenades were thrown into their midst. Without hesitation, Sargent shouted a warning and threw himself onto the explosives, absorbing the full blast to protect his fellow soldiers. His courageous actions saved the lives of two men at the cost of his own.

For his valor beyond the call of duty, 1LT Sargent was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first African American officer in the Vietnam War to receive the nation’s highest military decoration. His heroic sacrifice embodies the Army values of loyalty, duty, and selfless service.

Sargent’s legacy endures in Hampton, Virginia, where a National Guard Armory and a bridge are named in his honor. His bravery, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his comrades continue to inspire generations of soldiers and patriots.

Listen to Episode 2989 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army 1LT Ruppert L. Sargent.

Check out this channel of a veteran friend that connects current events in light of Bible prophecy: the byrum byline. Be amazed!

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SP4 Héctor Santiago-Colón.

Medal of Honor

Episode 2988 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SP4 Héctor Santiago-Colón. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

U.S. Army Specialist Four Héctor Santiago-Colón was a true hero of the Vietnam War, earning the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary self-sacrifice and bravery in combat. Born in Salinas, Puerto Rico, Santiago-Colón enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with Company B, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

On June 28, 1968, during an intense firefight in Quảng Trị Province, Vietnam, Santiago-Colón and his unit came under heavy enemy attack. As enemy grenades rained down on their position, one landed dangerously close to his comrades. Without hesitation, Santiago-Colón shouted a warning and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full impact with his body. His selfless act saved the lives of his fellow soldiers but cost him his own.

For his extraordinary courage and ultimate sacrifice, Santiago-Colón was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on April 7, 1970. His citation praised his heroic gallantry and profound sense of duty.

Today, Santiago-Colón’s legacy endures as a symbol of Puerto Rican military valor and selfless service. His name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and he is honored at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, where a training facility bears his name.

His sacrifice exemplifies the highest ideals of the U.S. Army—loyalty, duty, and personal courage. Specialist Héctor Santiago-Colón is remembered as a true American hero, whose bravery and dedication continue to inspire generations.

Listen to Episode 2988 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SP4 Héctor Santiago-Colón.

Check out this channel of a veteran friend that connects current events in light of Bible prophecy: the byrum byline. Be amazed!

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army CPT Eurípides Rubio.

Medal of Honor

Episode 2987 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army CPT Eurípides Rubio. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Civil Air Patrol website.

U.S. Army Captain Eurípides Rubio, a Medal of Honor recipient, displayed extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. On November 8, 1966, while serving as a communications officer with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in Tay Ninh Province, Captain Rubio’s unit was ambushed by a heavily armed Viet Cong force.

Despite sustaining multiple wounds, Rubio took command of the embattled troops, directing artillery fire and coordinating defensive positions. When he noticed an enemy smoke grenade marking their location for an imminent mortar attack, he ran through withering gunfire to retrieve it. Wounded again, he threw the grenade away, saving his men from a devastating strike.

Refusing medical evacuation, Rubio continued fighting, grabbing a fallen soldier’s M16 rifle and leading a counterattack. Engaging the enemy at point-blank range, he inflicted heavy casualties before being mortally wounded. His selfless courage and leadership inspired his unit to overcome the ambush and repel the attackers.

For his valorous actions, Captain Eurípides Rubio was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration. His legacy of bravery, sacrifice, and duty remains a shining example of the warrior spirit exhibited by Vietnam War heroes. His name is etched in history, a testament to his unwavering devotion to his fellow soldiers and his country.

Listen to Episode 2987 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army CPT Eurípides Rubio.

Check out this channel of a veteran friend that connects current events in light of Bible prophecy: the byrum byline. Be amazed!

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army MSG Jose Rodela.

Medal of Honor

Episode 2985 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army MSG Jose Rodela. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Army University Press – NCO Journal.

Master Sergeant Jose Rodela displayed extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War, earning the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions on September 1, 1969. A U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, Rodela led Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces in a fierce battle against overwhelming enemy forces in Phuoc Long Province, Vietnam.

As his unit was caught in an intense firefight, Rodela exposed himself to relentless enemy fire, rallying his troops and providing critical leadership under extreme conditions. He moved across the battlefield, eliminating multiple enemy positions and ensuring the safety of his men. Despite suffering serious wounds, he continued to fight, displaying exceptional valor, determination, and selflessness.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Rodela had dedicated over 17 years to military service by the time of his heroic actions. For decades, his bravery remained largely unrecognized until a Pentagon review of past awards for Hispanic and African American soldiers led to the upgrading of his Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of Honor in 2014. President Barack Obama personally awarded him the nation’s highest military honor for his gallantry and unwavering courage.

Rodela’s story serves as an inspiration to future generations, embodying the warrior ethos and the Special Forces motto: “De Oppresso Liber” (To Free the Oppressed). His legacy as a Vietnam War hero and Medal of Honor recipient remains a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of America’s elite soldiers.

Listen to Episode 2985 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army MSG Jose Rodela.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army CW2 Louis R. Rocco

Medal of Honor

Episode 2984 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army CW2 Louis R. Rocco. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the National Museum United States Army website.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) Louis R. Rocco was a fearless U.S. Army medic who earned the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. On May 24, 1970, near Katum, Vietnam, Rocco was aboard a medical evacuation helicopter when it was struck by enemy fire and crashed. Despite being severely injured, he crawled through flames to rescue three unconscious crew members, dragging them to safety under intense enemy fire.

Though suffering from burns and fractured bones, Rocco administered life-saving aid to his wounded comrades while shielding them from enemy attacks. His selfless courage ensured their survival until reinforcements arrived. His extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers earned him the Medal of Honor, awarded by President Gerald Ford in 1974.

Born in New Mexico in 1938, Rocco had a distinguished military career, serving in both the Vietnam War and later as an advocate for veterans’ healthcare. After retiring, he dedicated his life to mentoring at-risk youth and improving medical care for fellow veterans. His legacy of sacrifice, valor, and service continues to inspire generations.

CW2 Louis R. Rocco remains an American hero, embodying the Army values of selfless service, courage, and honor. His story is a testament to the bravery of combat medics who risk their lives to save others on the battlefield.

Listen to Episode 2984 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army CW2 Louis R. Rocco.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army COL Gordon Ray Roberts.

Medal of Honor

Episode 2983 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army COL Gordon Ray Roberts. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia, The Ohio Department of Veteran Affairs and Tara Ross.

COL Gordon Ray Roberts, a true American hero, received the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War. Serving with the 101st Airborne Division, then-Specialist Four Roberts displayed fearless courage on July 11, 1969, in the Ashau Valley in Thua Thien Province, Vietnam.

During a search-and-clear mission, his unit came under intense enemy fire from well-fortified North Vietnamese positions. Without hesitation, Roberts charged forward, dodging relentless gunfire to rescue wounded comrades. Despite the mortal danger, he single-handedly assaulted enemy bunkers, eliminating threats with precision. His fearless advance enabled his company to move forward and secure their objective.

For his selfless bravery, Roberts was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon in 1971. He continued his service, eventually rising to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army, dedicating his life to his fellow soldiers.

Beyond the battlefield, Roberts exemplified leadership and dedication. He later worked in veterans affairs, ensuring that America’s heroes received the recognition and care they deserved. His legacy remains one of valor, sacrifice, and patriotism.

Today, COL Gordon Ray Roberts stands as a testament to the warrior spirit of the 101st Airborne Division, a symbol of the courage and selflessness that defines America’s Medal of Honor recipients. His story continues to inspire generations of soldiers and patriots alike.

Listen to Episode 2983 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army COL Gordon Ray Roberts.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SGT Anund C. Roark.

Medal of Honor

Episode 2982 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SGT Anund C. Roark. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the San Diego Union-Tribune.

U.S. Army Sergeant Anund C. Roark displayed extraordinary bravery and selflessness during the Vietnam War, earning the Medal of Honor for his heroic sacrifice. Serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Roark and his unit were engaged in an intense firefight on May 16, 1968, in Kontum Province, South Vietnam.

As his squad patrolled a hostile area, they encountered a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army (NVA) force. The enemy unleashed heavy automatic weapons fire, forcing the unit into a perilous fight for survival. With unwavering courage, SGT Roark moved through intense fire, directing his men and engaging enemy positions. Suddenly, an enemy grenade landed among his squad. Without hesitation, Roark threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full explosion with his body. His selfless act saved his comrades but cost him his life.

For his gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, Sergeant Roark was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. His sacrifice embodied the Army values of duty, honor, and selfless service. Roark’s name is forever etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and his legacy lives on as a symbol of heroism and sacrifice.

SGT Anund C. Roark’s courageous actions continue to inspire generations of soldiers, reminding us of the ultimate price paid for freedom and valor in combat.

Listen to Episode 2982 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SGT Anund C. Roark.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine 1LT Frank S. Reasoner.

Medal of Honor

Episode 2981 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine 1LT Frank S. Reasoner. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

First Lieutenant Frank S. Reasoner, a United States Marine and Medal of Honor recipient, embodied the warrior ethos during the Vietnam War. On July 12, 1965, while leading Company A, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, near Da Nang, South Vietnam, Reasoner displayed extraordinary heroism under fire.

As his five-man reconnaissance team advanced through hostile terrain, they were suddenly ambushed by a large force of Viet Cong. Caught in a deadly crossfire, with machine guns and small arms pinning them down, Reasoner immediately took charge. With unwavering bravery, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, directing his men’s response and calling for supporting fire.

When his radio operator was wounded and immobilized, Reasoner, without hesitation, charged through the gunfire to provide aid. Disregarding his own safety, he engaged the enemy with his M14 rifle and grenades, attempting to suppress their relentless attack. While trying to carry the injured Marine to safety, Reasoner was fatally struck by enemy bullets.

His selfless courage and leadership under fire allowed his outnumbered team to withdraw safely. For his gallantry and sacrifice, First Lieutenant Frank S. Reasoner was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first Marine recipient of the Vietnam War.

His valor, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice remain an inspiration to Marines and all who serve. The Frank S. Reasoner Riflery Complex at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton honors his legacy, ensuring that his heroism is never forgotten.

Listen to Episode 2981 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine 1LT Frank S. Reasoner.