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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC James H. Monroe

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2949 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC James H. Monroe. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross.

The humid jungles of Vietnam buzzed with tension on February 16, 1967, as Army Private First Class James H. Monroe prepared for yet another perilous day. At just 22, Monroe had already earned the respect of his comrades for his courage, intelligence, and selflessness. A medic assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, he understood that in this war-torn land, lives depended on his ability to remain calm under fire.

On that fateful day, Monroe’s unit was ambushed near Bong Son. The air filled with the crack of gunfire and the thunder of explosions. Without hesitation, Monroe moved through the chaos, treating wounded soldiers and pulling them to safety. His actions embodied the Army medic’s creed: “To conserve fighting strength.”

Then, a grenade landed in the midst of his comrades. Without a second thought, Monroe threw himself on it, shielding his fellow soldiers with his body. The explosion claimed his life, but his bravery saved many others.

Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, Monroe’s citation praised his “gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” His sacrifice was a testament to the profound courage of young men in war, and his memory endures as an example of ultimate selflessness.

James H. Monroe’s name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a reminder of the cost of freedom. His story remains a beacon of heroism, inspiring generations to honor service and sacrifice.

Listen to Episode 2949 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC James H. Monroe.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Ferenc Zoltán Molnár.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2949 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Ferenc Zoltán Molnár. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story about him that appeared on the West Virginia Veterans Memorial website and Wikipedia.

Staff Sergeant Ferenc Zoltán Molnár was no stranger to adversity. Born to Hungarian immigrants in West Virginia, he grew up hearing stories of resilience and courage from his family. That legacy shaped him, and it was no surprise when Molnár enlisted in the Army, seeking to serve a nation that had given his family refuge.

By 1967, Molnár was in Vietnam as a squad leader in the 4th Infantry Division. On February 3, during Operation Francis Marion, his platoon was ambushed by a heavily fortified enemy near Kontum. Outnumbered and under intense fire, Molnár quickly assessed the dire situation.

Ignoring the danger, he moved through a hail of bullets, rallying his men and coordinating their defense. When an enemy machine gun pinned his squad down, Molnár charged the position alone, neutralizing it with grenades and silencing the enemy fire. Despite sustaining serious wounds, he continued to lead his squad, carrying injured comrades to safety and ensuring they reached safety.

As the battle raged, Molnár refused evacuation. Instead, he took up a rifle and held the perimeter, repelling wave after wave of attackers until reinforcements arrived. His fearless actions saved countless lives and turned the tide of the engagement.

For his extraordinary valor, SSG Molnár was awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy remains an enduring reminder of selflessness and courage, exemplifying the highest ideals of military service.

Listen to Episode 2949 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Ferenc Zoltán Molnár.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine COL Robert J. Modrzejewski.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2948 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine COL Robert J. Modrzejewski. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service titled: Medal of Honor recipient Col. Robert J. Modrzejewski Court that was submitted by Cpl Desmond Andrews.

Colonel Robert J. Modrzejewski, a Marine Corps legend, embodied valor during the Vietnam War. On July 15, 1966, as a captain commanding Company K, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, his courage and leadership would etch his name into history.

Deep in Quang Tri Province, Captain Modrzejewski and his company embarked on a critical blocking mission. Surrounded by dense jungle, they soon found themselves outnumbered and encircled by a determined North Vietnamese Army battalion. Facing overwhelming odds, he rallied his men, refusing to falter.

Over the next two days, Modrzejewski directed a fierce defense, holding the perimeter despite relentless assaults. Under continuous fire, he personally redistributed ammunition, inspired his Marines, and coordinated devastating counterattacks. On one occasion, he led a daring charge to secure an exposed flank, driving back enemy forces with rifle fire and grenades.

For his extraordinary heroism, Modrzejewski received the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967. His actions symbolized the Marine Corps’ core values: honor, courage, and commitment.

Even after retiring, Modrzejewski’s story inspired generations, a testament to selfless leadership in the crucible of combat. His legacy endures, not only in the annals of military history but in the hearts of those who serve.

Listen to Episode 2948 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine COL Robert J. Modrzejewski.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Gary Lee Miller.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2947 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Gary L. Miller. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story titled: Virginia Tech News Virginia Tech adds the name of Medal of Honor recipient 1st Lt. Gary Lee Miller to War Memorial Court that was Submitted by Travis Williams.

In the shadowy jungles of Vietnam on February 16, 1969, Army First Lieutenant Gary Lee Miller led his platoon with unyielding determination. At just 21 years old, he was the embodiment of courage, a beacon of hope for his men as they patrolled the perilous terrain of Bình Dương Province. The mission was treacherous—enemy forces lurked in the dense foliage, their presence an ever-present threat.

Suddenly, a deafening explosion tore through the silence. An enemy grenade landed amidst his men, its deadly arc a split-second harbinger of destruction. Without hesitation, Miller shouted a warning and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full force of the blast. His selfless act saved the lives of his comrades, a moment of ultimate sacrifice that spoke to his deep sense of duty and love for his brothers-in-arms.

Though mortally wounded, Miller’s actions inspired his platoon to repel the enemy attack. His bravery under fire was a testament to the spirit of a soldier who valued the lives of others above his own. For his extraordinary heroism, Gary Lee Miller was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, ensuring his name would forever echo in the halls of valor.

Today, his story lives on, a reminder of the profound sacrifices made by those who answer the call to serve. Miller’s legacy is etched not only in the medal he earned but in the hearts of the men he saved and the nation he so selflessly served.

Listen to Episode 2947 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Gary L. Miller.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Franklin D. Miller.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2946 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Franklin D. Miller. Information featured in this episode comes from The History of the MACV-SOG website.

In the dense jungles of Vietnam, then Army Staff Sergeant Franklin D. Miller’s legacy was forged in a cauldron of courage and unrelenting resolve. On January 5, 1970, Miller, then a staff sergeant assigned to the elite Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), embarked on a covert mission deep within enemy territory.

Miller and his small reconnaissance team were ambushed by a heavily armed North Vietnamese force. Outnumbered and surrounded, he quickly took command, rallying his men amidst chaos. As bullets tore through the foliage and grenades exploded around them, Miller directed the defense with remarkable calm and precision.

Though injured, he refused to falter. Taking charge of a machine gun, he unleashed a ferocious counterattack, holding the enemy at bay. His tenacity allowed his team to break contact and call for extraction.

Despite his wounds, Miller remained steadfast; ensuring every member of his team was safely evacuated before he climbed aboard the helicopter. His bravery and leadership saved countless lives that day.

For his extraordinary heroism, Franklin D. Miller received the Medal of Honor in 1971. Yet, he wore his accolades with quiet humility, viewing them as symbols of duty rather than personal glory. His story endures as a testament to the selfless courage of those who serve.

Listen to Episode 2946 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Franklin D. Miller.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Don Leslie Michael.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2945 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Don Leslie Michael. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and from a Redstone Rocket story by Skip Vaughn titled: Small town hero gave 50 years for his comrades.

In the dense jungles of Vietnam, on April 8, 1967, Army Specialist Fourth Class Don Leslie Michael found himself in the crucible of battle. His unit, part of the 1st Infantry Division, was ambushed by a larger, heavily armed enemy force. Surrounded by chaos and pinned under relentless gunfire, the 20-year-old from Florence, Alabama, refused to let fear dictate his actions.

As his comrades sought cover, Michael moved swiftly, his heart pounding with determination. He spotted an enemy machine gun nest tearing through their lines. Without hesitation, he grabbed his M16, slung extra grenades over his shoulder, and charged through the thick underbrush. Bullets zipped past him, but Michael was undeterred.

Reaching the enemy position, he unleashed his grenades with deadly precision, silencing the gunfire. But Michael wasn’t finished. He advanced further, attacking two additional positions that were hammering his unit. His actions disrupted the ambush, allowing his comrades to regroup and push back the enemy.

Michael’s courage came at the ultimate cost. Wounded multiple times, he fell in the final assault, but his selfless actions had saved countless lives.

For his extraordinary bravery, Don Leslie Michael was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy endures as a symbol of heroism, reminding us that one individual’s courage can alter the course of history. Today, his name is etched among the bravest, a testament to the selfless sacrifice of America’s heroes.

Listen to Episode 2945 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2944 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

The Bravery of Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.

Amidst the dense, unforgiving jungles of Vietnam in 1967, Army Specialist Fifth Class Edgar Lee McWethy Jr. epitomized the spirit of selflessness and valor. As a combat medic assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), McWethy faced a life-defining moment during a ferocious firefight in Binh Dinh Province.

On July 21, his unit was ambushed by a heavily fortified enemy force. Chaos erupted as bullets rained down and explosions shook the earth. Despite the imminent danger, McWethy’s instinct to save lives overpowered any thought of his own safety. He moved swiftly from one wounded soldier to the next, providing medical aid under intense fire.

When a soldier fell critically injured in an exposed area, McWethy did not hesitate. He dashed into the open, fully aware of the deadly risk. As he reached the soldier, enemy fire struck him multiple times. Severely wounded, McWethy continued his mission, shielding the injured soldier with his own body while rendering aid.

Though gravely injured, he refused evacuation and instead directed others in administering care, ensuring his comrades had a fighting chance to survive. Moments later, a fatal burst of fire claimed McWethy’s life.

For his extraordinary courage, self-sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to his fellow soldiers, McWethy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy endures as a beacon of heroism, reminding future generations of the price of freedom and the depths of human valor.

Edgar Lee McWethy Jr. was not merely a medic; he was a guardian angel in the hell of war.

Listen to Episode 2944 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 1SG David H. McNerney.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2943 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army 1SG David H. McNerney. Information featured in this episode comes from the Texas State Historical Association.

David H. McNerney, a seasoned Army First Sergeant, stood as the heart of his unit during the Vietnam War. On March 22, 1967, near Polei Doc in South Vietnam, his leadership and valor earned him the Medal of Honor.

That day, his company came under heavy enemy fire, pinned down in a deadly ambush. Mortar rounds and small-arms fire rained relentlessly, turning the dense jungle into a chaotic battlefield. Despite being wounded by shrapnel, McNerney’s resolve never wavered.

He sprinted through the hail of bullets, directing his men and reorganizing the defense. Realizing his company was in imminent danger, McNerney took the fight to the enemy. Armed with grenades, he led a counterattack, single-handedly neutralizing a machine gun position that threatened to decimate his unit.

When their commanding officer was killed, McNerney assumed command, rallying his soldiers under extreme conditions. He exposed himself to enemy fire to call in accurate airstrikes, risking his life to ensure the survival of his men.

Refusing medical evacuation, McNerney supervised the extraction of his company and ensured the wounded were safely evacuated. His indomitable spirit inspired his men to persevere and survive the ambush.

Years later, McNerney reflected on that harrowing day, insisting he had done only what was necessary to protect his brothers in arms. For his extraordinary heroism, unwavering leadership, and selflessness, David H. McNerney’s legacy endures as a symbol of courage and sacrifice in the annals of American military history.

Listen to Episode 2943 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army 1SG David H. McNerney.

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The Florida Medal of Honor Memorial on dedication day, December 12, 2024.

Retired Army COL Mike Borders who led the crusade to create the Florida Medal of Honor Memorial.

Episode 2942 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an interview with Mike Borders. He is a retired Army officer who led the committee that created the tremendous Florida Medal of Honor Memorial.

Nestled within the serene grounds of Sebring, Florida, the Florida Medal of Honor Memorial stands as a testament to the valor and sacrifice of the nation’s most distinguished heroes. This memorial, unveiled in 2024, honors the 24 Florida recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for bravery in the United States. Designed as a place of reflection and reverence, it features plaques bearing the names of recipients and tells their stories of courage across generations.

The vision for the memorial came to life under the leadership of retired U.S. Army  Colonel Mike Borders. As the president of the Medal of Honor Memorial Program and a decorated veteran himself, Borders spearheaded the effort to create a space that would not only honor the heroes but also educate visitors about the values of duty, service, and sacrifice. Rallying a committee of local volunteers and veterans, he led a fundraising effort that garnered widespread community support. Through their dedication, the project came to fruition at an estimated cost of $1,00,000.

The Memorial is not merely a static tribute; it is a living reminder of the bravery that defines the Medal of Honor recipients. Visitors often remark on the profound emotional impact of the site, which stands as a beacon of gratitude for those who gave everything in defense of freedom. Thanks to Borders’ leadership and the community’s dedication, Sebring now holds a piece of history that ensures these stories will never be forgotten.

Listen to Episode 2942 and discover more about the Florida Medal of Honor Memorial located in Sebring.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Thomas J. McMahon.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2941 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Thomas J. McMahon. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Army Specialist Fourth Class Thomas J. McMahon was a hero whose actions during the Vietnam War embodied selflessness and courage. Born in Maine in 1948, McMahon grew up with a strong sense of duty and a compassionate heart. His path led him to serve as a combat medic in the U.S. Army during one of the most turbulent times in American history.

On March 19, 1969, in Quang Tin Province, Vietnam, McMahon’s unit was ambushed by a heavily fortified enemy force. As bullets tore through the jungle and explosions shook the ground, McMahon’s instinct was not to seek cover but to save his comrades. Despite the overwhelming enemy fire, he repeatedly exposed himself to danger to assist the wounded.

During the chaos, McMahon spotted three soldiers immobilized and gravely injured in open terrain. Without hesitation, he braved enemy gunfire to reach the first soldier, providing medical aid and pulling him to safety. He then returned to rescue the second man, accomplishing the feat under relentless fire. Tragically, as McMahon attempted to save the third soldier, he was struck down by enemy fire, sacrificing his life in his unwavering mission to save others.

McMahon’s extraordinary bravery and ultimate sacrifice were recognized posthumously with the Medal of Honor. His citation honors him for his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity” and reflects his enduring legacy of heroism. Today, his story serves as a reminder of the courage and compassion that define true service to others, inspiring generations to follow his example.

Listen to Episode 2941 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Thomas J. McMahon.