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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine CSM Allan J. Kellogg Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2913 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine CSM Allan J. Kellogg Jr. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and The Tales of Honor Podcast.

Allan Jay Kellogg Jr. was born on October 1, 1943. Today he is a retired sergeant major in the United States Marine Corps. He received the United States military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions as a staff sergeant on March 11, 1970, during the Vietnam War.

Marine Corps Sergeant Major Allan J. Kellogg Jr. is remembered as a Vietnam War hero who displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of imminent danger. On March 11, 1970, Kellogg, then a Staff Sergeant with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, found himself and his squad under intense enemy attack in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. During a nighttime ambush, an enemy soldier lobbed a grenade into their position, endangering his entire squad.

Without hesitation, Kellogg jumped on the grenade, using his own body to absorb the explosion. His instinctive act shielded his fellow Marines, saving their lives while severely wounding him. The blast caused serious injuries to his right shoulder, arm, and face, but Kellogg remained calm. Refusing immediate medical evacuation, he continued to command and support his squad until he was sure his men were safe and the threat was neutralized.

For his valor and self-sacrifice, Kellogg was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon in 1973. His citation praised his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity” at the risk of his life, exemplifying the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment. After Vietnam, Kellogg continued his service, eventually retiring as a Sergeant Major. His legacy lives on as an enduring testament to the bravery and resilience of the United States Marines, inspiring generations to come with his willingness to lay down his life for his comrades.

Listen to Episode 2913 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine CSM Allan J. Kellogg.

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South Dakota Marine Vietnam Vet John Tsitrian.

Episode 2912 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature the story about Marine Vietnam Vet John Tsitrian and what he had to say about the Vietnam War on Veterans Day. His opinion piece appeared on the South Dakota Standard .

John Tsitrian is a businessman and writer from the Black Hills. He was a weekly columnist for the Rapid City Journal for 20 years. His articles and commentary have also appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The Denver Post and The Omaha World-Herald. Tsitrian served in the Marines for three years (1966-69), including a 13-month tour of duty as a radioman in Vietnam. Republish with permission.

John said this pretty well summed up his time in country. I had just come back to the relatively secure airstrip at Dong Ha, slightly south of the Demilitarized Zone, after spending a few weeks at some — pick an adjective, they all fit — desolate, remote, bleak, lonely, dark, depressing, forlorn, gloomy, wretched and neglected outpost along the nearby Cua Viet river, where rocket and artillery attacks were part of the daily routine and potshots into our perimeter were an occasional part of the nightly routine.

It sucked, and it wasn’t just about me. Describing life for the Marines along the DMZ, Dispatches author Michael Herr titled his piece about us “Hell Sucks.”

To me, it’s little wonder that so many Vietnam vets have had post-war mental health issues. The confused situation of our war was indeed surreal, if not altogether schizophrenic. A 2022 Veterans Administration study on the subject concluded that “veterans who served in Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos during the Vietnam War have a higher prevalence of mental health issues, particularly PTSD, compared with both other Vietnam-era Veterans and non-Veterans.”

The whole mangled mess of it was an exercise in muddled objectives and wasted resources, so much so that when people died we didn’t say that they were killed. We said that they “got wasted.”

Thanks to that war, John couldn’t be more skeptical about the utterances of our political leadership.

Listen to Episode 2912 and discover more about Marine Vietnam Vet John Tsitrian and what he had to say about the Vietnam War on Veterans Day.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Navy CPT Thomas G. Kelley.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2911 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Navy CPT Thomas G. Kelley. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and The Medal of honor – Speak Out and Save Lives Organization.

In the dense jungles of Vietnam, Navy Captain Thomas G. Kelley led his men with unwavering bravery. On June 15, 1969, Kelley, then a lieutenant, was tasked with a critical mission. He commanded eight river assault boats on the Ong Muong Canal in Kien Hoa Province, a perilous area frequently ambushed by enemy forces. His mission was to extract a company of Army infantry who were under heavy enemy fire and pinned down in the open.

As Kelley’s boats approached the extraction point, they came under intense enemy attack from all sides. Despite the withering fire, Kelley maintained his composure, positioning the boats to shield the soldiers onshore. He realized that without swift action, his men and the troops they were rescuing would not survive.

Standing exposed on the boat’s bow, Kelley took full command of the situation, guiding each boat through precise maneuvers. Amid the chaos, a rocket-propelled grenade exploded near him, sending shrapnel into his head and shoulders. Severely wounded, Kelley’s vision was impaired, and blood covered his face, yet he refused to retreat. Ignoring his own safety, he continued directing his boats until every soldier was safely aboard.

Only after ensuring the mission’s success did Kelley allow himself to receive medical attention. His actions saved countless lives that day, demonstrating an exceptional level of bravery and selflessness. For his heroic efforts, Kelley was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration for valor.

Kelley’s story didn’t end with his heroics on the riverbanks of Vietnam. After recovering, he continued to serve in various roles, advocating tirelessly for veterans and becoming an inspiration for generations. Despite the severe injuries that plagued him for years, Kelley showed a steadfast commitment to service. His story serves as a powerful testament to the courage and dedication of those who put their lives on the line for others.

Today, Captain Thomas G. Kelley is remembered not only for his Medal of Honor but for his lasting legacy of leadership and sacrifice. His bravery under fire continues to stand as a symbol of the highest ideals of military service, inspiring others to live with courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

Listen to Episode 2911 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Navy CPT Thomas G. Kelley.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Raymond Wright.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2910 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Raymond Wright. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

On May 2, 1967, in the jungles of Vietnam, Army Specialist 4 Raymond Wright found himself in an intense and deadly firefight. His unit, part of the 1st Infantry Division, was caught off guard by a heavily armed North Vietnamese force. The ambush was brutal, and casualties mounted quickly. Despite being outnumbered, Wright charged forward, risking his life to save his fellow soldiers.

Amid relentless enemy fire, Wright noticed several wounded comrades lying exposed and helpless. Without hesitation, he crawled into the open, dragging each one to safety while bullets tore through the air around him. His selfless actions inspired his squad to push back with renewed strength, rallying them in the face of overwhelming odds.

When he saw that the enemy was moving to flank his unit, Wright took action once more. He retrieved an M60 machine gun from a fallen comrade and advanced alone toward the enemy line. Firing steadily, he held his ground, halting the enemy’s advance and giving his fellow soldiers precious time to regroup and counterattack.

Wright’s bravery that day was beyond measure, and his actions saved numerous lives. For his courage and unwavering dedication to his brothers in arms, Raymond Wright was awarded the Medal of Honor. His heroism serves as a testament to the extraordinary sacrifices made by soldiers in combat, embodying the highest values of courage, selflessness, and honor.

Listen to Episode 2910 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Raymond Wright.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Raymond Wright.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2909 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Leonard B. Keller. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross.

On May 2, 1967, during the Vietnam War, Army Sergeant Leonard B. Keller’s actions saved countless lives and exemplified heroism. Born in Rockford, Illinois, Keller was serving with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division when he and his platoon were ambushed by a well-fortified Viet Cong force. Intense gunfire pinned Keller’s squad down, and many were wounded. Realizing that his fellow soldiers were in immediate danger, Keller, without hesitation, leaped to his feet and charged forward through the enemy’s hail of bullets.

With only his rifle and grenades, Keller advanced on the enemy bunkers, firing and throwing grenades with remarkable precision. He systematically destroyed enemy positions one by one, sometimes within mere feet of the bunkers. Undeterred by the odds, he continued his solo assault until nearly all Viet Cong forces in the area were neutralized. His relentless courage allowed his squad to regroup and ultimately overcome the ambush, saving many lives that day.

For his extraordinary valor and selfless actions, Keller was awarded the Medal of Honor. His willingness to face death to protect his brothers-in-arms left a legacy of bravery and sacrifice. Leonard B. Keller’s actions that day were not only a turning point in the battle but also a testament to the indomitable spirit of a soldier who placed the lives of others above his own. His bravery continues to inspire generations of soldiers who serve with honor and courage.

Listen to Episode 2909 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Leonard B. Keller.

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Vietnam medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl Miguel Keith.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2908 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Marine LCpl Miguel Keith. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross.

Marine Lance Corporal Miguel Keith was born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where he grew up determined to serve his country. At 18, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was soon deployed to Vietnam, where he demonstrated exceptional bravery that would later earn him the Medal of Honor.

On May 8, 1970, Keith and his platoon were in Quang Ngai Province when they were ambushed by a numerically superior force of North Vietnamese soldiers. In the chaos of battle, Keith was gravely wounded by an enemy grenade, which severely injured his body. Despite the intense pain and injuries, he refused to fall back. Instead, Keith charged forward, single-handedly engaging the enemy soldiers. He repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, using every ounce of his strength and skill to repel the attackers, saving the lives of many of his fellow Marines in the process.

Even after sustaining additional wounds, Keith continued to push forward, his actions driven by an unbreakable determination to protect his platoon. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries that day, but his extraordinary courage had effectively turned the tide of the battle.

For his unwavering bravery and selflessness in the face of overwhelming odds, Miguel Keith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy remains an enduring reminder of the valor and sacrifice of those who serve, and his story continues to inspire future generations of Marines and Americans alike.

Listen to Episode 2908 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl Miguel Keith.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 John J. Kedenburg.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2907 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 John J. Kedenburg. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Kedenburg joined the Army from his birthplace of Brooklyn, New York in 1965,[1] and by June 13, 1968, was serving as a Specialist Five in the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. During a fierce firefight on that day, in the Republic of Vietnam/Laos, Kedenburg voluntarily gave the last spot on an extraction helicopter to a South Vietnamese soldier. Ordering the full helicopter to leave, he then continued to engage the enemy alone until being overrun. A road at Fort Bragg, NC is named in his honor.

Army Specialist 5 John J. Kedenburg, a member of the 5th Special Forces Group during the Vietnam War, exemplified selfless heroism on June 14, 1968. Leading a reconnaissance mission deep into enemy territory, Kedenburg and his South Vietnamese comrades were ambushed by a superior North Vietnamese force. As they faced overwhelming odds, Kedenburg quickly took command, organizing their defense and directing air support to counter the enemy.

When rescue helicopters arrived, Kedenburg insisted his men board first. As he prepared to board the final helicopter, he noticed that one South Vietnamese soldier remained on the ground. Without hesitation, Kedenburg sacrificed his seat for the man and stayed behind, fighting valiantly until he was killed by enemy fire. For his extraordinary courage and ultimate sacrifice, Kedenburg was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, leaving a legacy of valor and loyalty to his brothers-in-arms.

Listen to Episode 2907 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 John J. Kedenburg.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Kenneth Michael Kays.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2906 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Kenneth Michael Kays. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

In the dense jungles of Vietnam on May 7, 1970, Army Private First Class Kenneth Michael Kays, a young soldier from Illinois, showed extraordinary bravery. Kays, then only 20, was part of the 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles.” On this fateful day, his platoon was in a defensive position near FSB Maureen, a dangerous area near the A Shau Valley. Suddenly, they came under heavy fire from North Vietnamese forces, and the air was thick with bullets and explosions.

As chaos erupted around him, Kays watched in horror as his fellow soldiers were wounded, their cries echoing through the jungle. Despite the fear coursing through him, he sprang into action, tending to the wounded. Moments later, a nearby explosion tore through the ground, severely injuring Kays, who lost part of his leg in the blast.

With determination that defied logic, Kays fashioned a makeshift tourniquet on his leg, refused medical evacuation, and crawled through the combat zone. Under heavy enemy fire, he reached his injured comrades one by one, administering aid and pulling them to safety. His courage and sacrifice allowed the unit to evacuate the wounded, saving multiple lives that day.

For his remarkable valor and selflessness, Kays was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. Though his body bore the scars of war, Kays’ spirit embodied a heroism that remains a lasting legacy of sacrifice and resilience.

Listen to Episode 2906 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army PFC Kenneth Michael Kays.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army CPL Terry Teruo Kawamura.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2905 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army CPL Terry Teruo Kawamura. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Grateful Nation Project.

Terry Kawamura grew up in Wahiawa, near the pineapple fields of O‘ahu, Hawaii. Born on December 10, 1949, Kawamura lived with his grandparents while attending Leilehua High School during his junior and senior years.

After graduating in 1967, Kawamura’s grandparents urged him to continue his education. But he told them he wanted to volunteer for the U.S. Army. George Iguchi, Kawamura‘s grandfather, told The Honolulu Advisor, “We didn’t like it very much, but he said he wanted to do something for his country. He said he would like to make his parents proud.”

Kawamura worked for a few months in the pineapple fields, then enlisted in the United States Army in September 1967. He was sent to Fort Ord in Monterey Bay, California, for basic training.

In March 1969, Army Corporal Terry Teruo Kawamura was serving in the Vietnam War as a combat engineer with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. One night, his unit came under surprise attack at a base near Camp Radcliff, in the central highlands. An enemy force breached the perimeter and threw explosives into the sleeping quarters where Kawamura and his fellow soldiers were resting.

Without hesitation, Kawamura saw one of the grenades land near a group of his comrades. Understanding the risk but committed to saving them, he shouted a warning before throwing himself onto the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his own body. Kawamura died instantly, but his actions shielded his fellow soldiers from harm. For his selflessness and extraordinary bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Today, Kawamura’s heroism is remembered as a powerful example of sacrifice and dedication to his brothers-in-arms.

Listen to Episode 2905 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army CPL Terry Teruo Kawamura.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Stephen Karopczyc.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2904 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Stephen Karopczyc. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Army 1LT Stephen Edward Karopczyc was a young officer who exemplified bravery and sacrifice in the Vietnam War. Born in 1944 in New York, he joined the U.S. Army after college and was deployed to Vietnam in 1966 as part of the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

On March 12, 1967, while leading his platoon near Kontum Province, Karopczyc’s unit came under heavy enemy fire. Caught in a brutal ambush, the platoon was pinned down by intense gunfire and grenades. Without hesitation, Karopczyc moved through the hail of bullets to tend to his wounded soldiers, fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire. As he was helping a fellow soldier, a grenade landed nearby. Realizing the imminent danger to those around him, he shielded his comrades by throwing himself on the grenade, absorbing most of the blast. Severely wounded, he continued to lead his men and direct their defense, inspiring them to fight back with courage.

Karopczyc succumbed to his injuries two hours later, but his actions saved countless lives. His selflessness and unwavering courage were recognized posthumously with the Medal of Honor, awarded for his extraordinary heroism. His legacy lives on, a testament to the valor and sacrifice of soldiers who risk everything for their fellow troops. 1LT Stephen Karopczyc’s sacrifice is remembered not only in military history but in the hearts of those he saved.

Listen to Episode 2904 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army 1LT Stephen Karopczyc.