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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.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army 2LT Robert John Hibbs.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2877 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army 2LT Robert John Hibbs and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story about Hibbs in the Black Hawk County history on the North Iowa University website that was submitted by Josh Duey.

Army Second Lieutenant Robert John Hibbs, a 22-year-old from Cedar Falls, Iowa, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Vietnam on March 5, 1966.

Leading a platoon from the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Hibbs was tasked with disrupting a Viet Cong ambush near Don Dien Lo Ke. During the night, Hibbs and his men discovered a large enemy force. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Hibbs initiated a surprise attack to protect his unit and buy time for reinforcements.

In the chaos of battle, Hibbs personally led two charges against enemy positions. Despite heavy fire, he destroyed key enemy weapons and inflicted significant damage. As the enemy regrouped, Hibbs spotted two injured soldiers trapped under enemy fire. Without hesitation, he ordered his men to withdraw, but he stayed behind to rescue his comrades.

Carrying one soldier to safety, he returned for the second. In the final moments of the rescue, Hibbs was struck down by enemy gunfire. His selfless actions saved the lives of his fellow soldiers, though it cost him his own.

For his extraordinary bravery and devotion to his men, Robert John Hibbs was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage and sacrifice, embodying the highest values of the U.S. Army.

Listen to Episode 2877 and discover more about Army 2LT Robert John Hibbs and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 Frank A. Herda.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2876 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army Sp4 Frank A. Herda and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

Army Specialist Fourth Class (Sp4) Frank A. Herda was serving in Vietnam on June 29, 1968, when he faced an extraordinary moment of courage. Assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Herda was on a reconnaissance patrol in the rugged Kon Tum Province. As they moved through mountainous country, the patrol was suddenly ambushed by a well-entrenched enemy force. Intense gunfire erupted from all sides, pinning them down.

In the chaos, a grenade was hurled into the midst of Herda’s team. Without a second thought, Herda reacted selflessly and with remarkable bravery. He threw himself onto the grenade, shielding his comrades from the impending explosion. The grenade detonated beneath him, and though severely wounded, Herda’s quick action saved the lives of several soldiers who were in immediate danger.

Despite his injuries, he continued to call out instructions and ensured his squad could regroup and fight their way out of the ambush. His extraordinary valor and presence of mind under fire were key to their survival. For his actions, Herda was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 7, 1970, becoming one of the heroic figures of the Vietnam War.

Frank Herda’s story is a testament to the incredible sacrifice and bravery exhibited by soldiers in combat, a reminder of the human cost of war, and the enduring spirit of heroism in the face of unimaginable danger.

Listen to Episode 2876 and discover more about Army Sp4 Frank A. Herda and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SP4 Carmel Bernon Harvey Jr.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2875 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SP4 Carmel Bernon Harvey Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the West Virginia Veterans Memorial.

Specialist Fourth Class (SP4) Carmel Bernon Harvey Jr. was a young soldier with extraordinary courage, born  in Montgomery, West Virginia. On June 21, 1967, while serving in Vietnam with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), Harvey’s unit came under heavy enemy fire.

On June 21, 1967, while serving in the Binh Dinh Province of South Vietnam, his company was assigned a mission to secure a downed helicopter. His platoon established a defensive perimeter around the downed helicopter. Shortly after they established the perimeter, a large enemy force attacked them from three positions.

During the firefight, an enemy bullet hit and activated a hand grenade attached to Harvey’s belt. Unable to remove the live grenade from his belt, he ran toward an enemy machine-gun emplacement until the grenade exploded, killing him and momentarily halting the enemy’s fire. In recognition for his heroic sacrifice to save his squad, the U.S. government awarded SP4 Harvey the Medal of Honor on October 16, 1969.

For his selfless bravery and gallant actions, Carmel Bernon Harvey Jr. was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy of courage and sacrifice lives on, a testament to the heroism of one soldier’s commitment to his comrades and his country.

Listen to Episode 2875 and discover more about Army SP4 Carmel Bernon Harvey Jr.and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Robert Hartsock and Duke. Courtesy Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2874 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SSG Robert W. Hartsock and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the West Virginia Veterans Memorial.

Army Staff Sergeant Robert W. Hartsock was a dedicated and courageous soldier who served during the Vietnam War. Born on January 24, 1945, in Cumberland, Maryland, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 44th Infantry Platoon Scout Dog, 3rd Brigade Task Force, Americal Division. His mission in Vietnam was to lead patrols and protect his fellow soldiers, often accompanied by scout dogs trained to detect enemy forces.

On February 23, 1969, while serving near Dau Tieng, Vietnam, Hartsock’s unit was suddenly attacked by a large enemy force. Despite the overwhelming assault, Hartsock bravely fought to defend his position. When the enemy began advancing with rocket-propelled grenades, Hartsock noticed a critical danger: his platoon’s position, which held valuable communications equipment, was at risk of being overrun.

Without hesitation, Hartsock grabbed a machine gun and moved to a vulnerable spot to repel the enemy. He continued to fire at the advancing forces despite being severely wounded by enemy fire. At a critical moment, a grenade landed nearby. Realizing the danger to his comrades, Hartsock shielded them by throwing himself on the grenade, absorbing the blast and sacrificing his life.

For his extraordinary bravery and selflessness, Robert W. Hartsock was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions embodied the highest values of heroism, making him a true American hero who saved many lives through his ultimate sacrifice.

Listen to Episode 2874 and discover more about Army SSG Robert W. Hartsock and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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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.