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Medal of Honor Recipient Army SFC Bruce Alan Grandstaff.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2869 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SFC Bruce Alan Grandstaff and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story titled: Bruce Alan Grandstaff is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony on July 10, 1969 that appeared on History Link website. The story was submitted by Duane Colt Denfeld, Ph.D.

Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) Bruce Alan Grandstaff was a dedicated soldier who exemplified bravery and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds. Born in Spokane, Washington, Grandstaff enlisted in the U.S. Army and quickly established himself as a committed leader, eventually serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

On May 18, 1967, during the Vietnam War, SFC Grandstaff’s platoon was conducting a reconnaissance mission near the Cambodian border when they were ambushed by a larger North Vietnamese force. Surrounded, outnumbered, and taking heavy fire, Grandstaff immediately took command, coordinating his platoon’s defense and calling in air and artillery support. Despite being severely wounded, he continued to rally his men, directing their fire and encouraging them to hold their position.

As enemy forces advanced, Grandstaff left the relative safety of cover to move through the battlefield, distributing ammunition and helping evacuate the wounded. In the heat of battle, his unit was overrun, but Grandstaff refused to give up. He made the ultimate sacrifice, continuing to fight until the end.

For his extraordinary heroism, SFC Bruce Alan Grandstaff was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His unwavering courage and selflessness in the face of certain death serve as a lasting testament to his character. Today, his legacy is remembered as a symbol of the highest ideals of military service and sacrifice.

Listen to Episode 2869 and discover more about Army SFC Bruce Alan Grandstaff and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine CPT James Albert Graham.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2868 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine CPT James Albert Graham and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and a story titled: Medal of Honor Monday: Marine Corps Capt. James A. Graham that appeared on the US Department of Defense website.

Marine Captain James Albert Graham was a Vietnam War hero whose bravery and sacrifice earned him the Medal of Honor. Born on August 25, 1940, in the small town of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, he joined the Marine Corps in 1963 and served with distinction.

In 1967, Captain Graham led Company L, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines during a fierce battle near the village of La Tho, Quang Tin Province. His unit was engaged in heavy combat with North Vietnamese forces, facing intense enemy fire. As they advanced, they were caught in a deadly ambush. Despite the overwhelming odds, Captain Graham remained calm and determined, rallying his men to press forward.

When the situation became critical and casualties mounted, Graham realized the only way to save his men was to take extraordinary action. He personally led an assault to clear the enemy’s position, exposing himself to intense enemy fire. As they neared the objective, a grenade landed nearby. Without hesitation, Graham threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full blast with his body. His selfless act saved the lives of several Marines at the cost of his own.

Captain Graham’s unwavering courage and dedication to his fellow Marines epitomized the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions, a symbol of his ultimate sacrifice and his place in the legacy of American military valor.

Listen to Episode 2868 and discover more about Marine CPT James Albert Graham and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Medal of Honor recipient Marine SGT Alfredo Cantu Gonzalez

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2867 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine SGT Alfredo Cantu Gonzalez and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia the Texas State Cemetery website.

As a platoon sergeant, Gonzalez was leading his men during the initial phase of the battle when they were ambushed by a well-entrenched enemy force. Despite being wounded by shrapnel, he refused evacuation and continued to lead his Marines. Displaying extraordinary courage, Gonzalez directed his platoon through intense enemy fire, clearing bunkers and laying down suppressive fire to ensure his comrades could advance.

During the grueling urban combat that followed, Gonzalez repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue wounded Marines and replenish ammunition. On February 4, 1968, while his platoon was under heavy enemy fire, Gonzalez spotted a concealed enemy rocket position that posed a severe threat to his men. Without hesitation, he charged the position, firing his weapon as he advanced. His heroic action destroyed the enemy emplacement, but he was mortally wounded in the process.

For his selfless bravery, determination, and sacrifice, Sergeant Alfredo Cantu Gonzalez was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions saved countless lives and embody the highest traditions of the Marine Corps, leaving behind a legacy of valor and heroism that continues to inspire.

In 1996, the USS Alfredo Gonzalez, a guided missile destroyer, was commissioned in Corpus Christi. Gonzalez’s mother was asked to be the ship’s sponsor; in 1996 she still worked as a waitress. There is a permanent display of his uniform and medals at the Hidalgo County Historical Museum. In Edinburg, Freddy Gonzalez Elementary School and the Alfredo Cantu Gonzalez American Legion Post are both named in his honor. Students at Edinburg High School can receive the Alfredo Gonzalez Athletic Award. The Alfredo Gonzalez Dining Hall at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi is named for him, as is Alfredo Gonzalez Boulevard at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. There is also a Freddy Gonzalez Drive in Edinburg. Gonzalez is buried at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Edinburg.

Listen to Episode 2867 and discover more about SSG John G. Gertsch and his Congrehttps://aw51bd4.aweb.page/p/74a965a7-be50-4e5c-be86-e2244a76dc18ssional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient Army SSG John G. Gertsch

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2866 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SSG John G. Gertsch and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia, The Hall of Honor Project and the 101st Airborne Division Vietnam Veterans Organization.

Staff Sergeant John G. Gertsch was a courageous soldier who served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. Born on September 29, 1944, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Gertsch enlisted in the Army and quickly gained a reputation as a brave and selfless leader. His actions during a critical mission in July 1969 would earn him the nation’s highest military honor—the Medal of Honor.

On July 15, 1969, Gertsch and his unit were involved in a fierce battle with a well-entrenched enemy force in the A Shau Valley. When his company commander was wounded, Gertsch took charge, directing the evacuation of the wounded and personally leading assaults against enemy positions. Despite being wounded himself, Gertsch repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to protect his fellow soldiers, eliminate enemy threats, and ensure the safety of his men. His leadership, bravery, and complete disregard for his own safety inspired his comrades to continue the fight.

Over the next few days, Gertsch’s actions remained vital to his unit’s survival. He continued to engage the enemy, often moving ahead of his men to clear dangerous paths. On July 19, while covering the withdrawal of his unit, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire.

For his extraordinary heroism, SSG John G. Gertsch was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His selfless actions exemplified the highest standards of military service, leaving a lasting legacy of sacrifice and valor.

Listen to Episode 2866 and discover more about SSG John G. Gertsch and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor Army 1LT James A. Gardner.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2865 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army 1LT James A. Gardner and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on Wikipedia.

First Lieutenant James A. Gardner was an Army officer who displayed extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War, earning him the Medal of Honor posthumously. Born on February 7, 1943, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Gardner was a natural leader who exhibited courage beyond compare.

On February 7, 1966, in Tây Ninh Province, Gardner was leading his platoon in an assault against a heavily fortified enemy position. His unit was pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire and mortars. Realizing the dire situation, Gardner decided to take decisive action. He ordered his men to hold their position while he personally led an assault on the enemy bunkers.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Gardner charged through the open field, firing his weapon and hurling grenades at enemy strongholds. His actions destroyed several bunkers, but Gardner wasn’t finished. He continued to advance, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, inspiring his soldiers to press forward.

Despite being wounded, Gardner refused to withdraw. He rallied his men for a final push against the enemy, continuing to move forward until he was fatally wounded by enemy fire. His fearless leadership and indomitable spirit turned the tide of the battle, allowing his platoon to achieve its objectives.

Gardner’s bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice are immortalized in the annals of military history. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor, a testament to the extraordinary courage he displayed that day.

Listen to Episode 2865 and discover more about Army 1LT James A. Gardner and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SGT Candelario Garcia.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2864 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army SGT Candelario Garcia, Jr. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on Wikipedia.

Army Sergeant Candelario “Candy” Garcia was a quiet, humble man, but his bravery during the Vietnam War spoke volumes. Born in Corsicana, Texas, in 1944, he was raised in a large family of migrant farm workers. His strong work ethic and sense of duty led him to enlist in the Army during the height of the Vietnam War.

On December 8, 1968, during Operation Toan Thang II, Sgt. Garcia’s unit came under heavy fire near Lai Khe. Despite the intense enemy fire, Garcia took immediate action. Spotting two machine-gun bunkers that were pinning his platoon down, he fearlessly charged forward. Using hand grenades, he destroyed the first bunker, killing the enemy inside. Undeterred by the danger, he moved toward the second bunker, eliminating it with accurate rifle fire. His bravery didn’t stop there. Seeing that his comrades were still exposed to enemy fire, he crawled across open ground, providing cover for wounded soldiers and moving them to safety.

Garcia’s actions saved many lives that day, but for years, his heroism went unrecognized. It wasn’t until 2014 that he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, nearly 46 years after his extraordinary courage in Vietnam. Sergeant Garcia’s legacy is a reminder of the quiet heroism that defines the character of so many soldiers—selfless, courageous, and committed to their comrades. His story is now etched into the history of American valor, a tribute to his unwavering spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

Listen to Episode 2864 and discover more about Army SGT Candelario Garcia and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam MoH recipient Army LTC Harold A. Fritz.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2863  of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army LTC Harold A. Fritz and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from stories that appeared on Wikipedia and the Medal of Honor Speak Out – Save Lives website.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold A. Fritz is a living embodiment of courage under fire. On January 11, 1969, while serving as a platoon leader in Vietnam, then First Lieutenant Fritz was leading a convoy of armored personnel carriers when they were ambushed by a force of enemy soldiers that far outnumbered his men.

The enemy initiated the attack with a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons fire, severely wounding Fritz and many of his comrades. Despite his injuries, Fritz immediately leapt into action. Realizing that the enemy was attempting to overrun their position, he disregarded his own safety, moving through heavy gunfire to rally his troops.

Fritz organized his men into a defensive perimeter, personally directing their efforts and returning fire with precision. At one point, he left the safety of cover to man a machine gun on a disabled vehicle, providing critical support to his men. His leadership and calm in the chaos inspired his troops to stand their ground.

As the battle raged, Fritz coordinated a successful counterattack, leading his men in a charge that drove the enemy back and secured the safety of the convoy. His actions saved countless lives and prevented a catastrophic defeat.

For his extraordinary heroism, Fritz was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1971, becoming a symbol of selfless service and valor. His legacy remains a testament to the power of leadership, bravery, and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

Listen to Episode 2863 and discover more about Army LTC Harold A. Fritz and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam MoH Recipient Army CPL Frank R. Fratellenico

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2862  of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army CPL Frank R. Fratellenico and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from stories that appeared on Wikipedia and the Find a Grave website and was titled: Frank Rocco Fratellenico.

Army Corporal Frank R. Fratellenico was a brave soldier who gave his life for his comrades and country during the Vietnam War. Born in 1947 in New York, Fratellenico joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to Vietnam as part of the 101st Airborne Division. On August 19, 1970, while serving in Quang Tri Province, his unit came under heavy enemy fire during a patrol. As the battle intensified, one of his fellow soldiers was critically wounded and lay exposed in the open, vulnerable to the relentless enemy fire.

Without hesitation, Fratellenico raced through the hail of bullets to reach his comrade. Despite the danger, he managed to reach the wounded soldier and began to drag him to safety. As he shielded the soldier with his own body, Fratellenico was struck and fatally wounded. His selfless action saved the life of his comrade, but it cost him his own.

For his extraordinary heroism and sacrifice, Frank R. Fratellenico was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His courage in the face of overwhelming danger remains an enduring example of valor and devotion to his brothers in arms.

Listen to Episode 2862 and discover more about Army CPL Frank R. Fratellenico and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Vietnam MoH recipient Marine COL Wesley L. Fox

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2861  of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine COL Wesley L. Fox and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on Wikipedia and the Virginia Tech  website that was titled: In Memoriam: Col. Wesley L. Fox, Medal of Honor recipient and honorary Virginia Tech alumnus. It was submitted by Shay Barnhart.

Colonel Wesley L. Fox, a U.S. Marine Corps legend, epitomized leadership, bravery, and selflessness during his storied career. Born in 1931, Fox enlisted in the Marines in 1950, quickly rising through the ranks due to his dedication and exceptional combat skills.

His heroism during the Vietnam War earned him the Medal of Honor. On February 22, 1969, then-Captain Fox led Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, during Operation Dewey Canyon in Quang Tri Province. While under intense enemy fire, his company faced heavy casualties, including all key officers. Despite being wounded, Fox assumed command and organized his men for a counterattack.

He moved fearlessly through the battlefield, directing fire, coordinating air support, and inspiring his troops to repel the enemy. His personal courage and steadfast leadership turned the tide of the battle, ensuring the survival of his men and a decisive victory. Refusing evacuation for his injuries, Fox led his company through the mission, embodying the Marine Corps ethos of never leaving a man behind.

Fox continued his service after Vietnam, ultimately retiring as a colonel in 1993 after 43 years of service. His life serves as a testament to the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Beyond the battlefield, Fox was a mentor, passing his knowledge and leadership skills to the next generation of Marines. His legacy endures as a symbol of unwavering duty to his country and comrades.

Listen to Episode 2861 and discover more about Marine COL Wesley L. Fox and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.

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Recommended Reading

Buy Now

Episode 2860  of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an interview with Eva Nguyen Whitfield and Jason Nulton, authors of the excellent book Uncommon Cargo.

In this episode, Jason and Eva will describe the events leading up to the creation of this impactful book. Eva was a three year old child when her family escaped the carnage of the communist takeover of her home country.

She recounts the actions taken by her father Chau Nguyen, a South Vietnamese Air Pilot, to get his family out of the war torn country.

In April 1975, Saigon was a dangerous place. American forces had left Vietnam two years prior, and the northern and southern governments were functioning as two independent countries following the Paris Peace Accords of 1973. But peace wouldn’t last. By the early months of 1975, northern communist forces had begun making their way violently southward to depose the American-backed South Vietnamese government and “unify” the country.

Knowing his family could face imprisonment or execution if they stayed, Chau Tan Nguyen, a 40-year old lieutenant colonel and C-130 pilot in the South Vietnamese Air Force, hatched a daring plan to save his family – his wife, Mai, their 3-year-old daughter Truc, 18-month-old son Trung, Mai’s parents, Hong and Dat, and Mai’s three younger brothers, Son, Dzung, and Tuan.

Uncommon Cargo is based on the true story of the Nguyen family’s harrowing race against time to escape South Vietnam and reach freedom. It would not be without heartache, tragedy, and despair, but it is also a story of love, strength of family, and raw determination.

Much has been written about the American war experience in Vietnam, but precious little chronicles the lives of the Vietnamese families who survived it. Uncommon Cargo is the incredible story of one that did.

Listen to Episode 2860 and discover more about the excellent book Uncommon Cargo from the authors.