244 Awards Compiled & Edited By C. Douglas Sterner
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Born: 12/25/1927 at Stephenville, Texas Home Town: San Angelo, Texas *  McDonald, Phill Gene
Private First Class, U.S. Army Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division Date of Action: June 7, 1968 Citation: The Medal of Honor is presented to Phill Gene McDonald, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a team leader with the 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kontum City, Republic of Vietnam, on 7 June 1968. While on a combat mission Private First Class McDonald platoon came under heavy barrage of automatic weapons fire from a well concealed company-size enemy force. Volunteering to escort two wounded comrades to an evacuation point, Private First Class McDonald crawled through intense fire to destroy with a grenade an enemy automatic weapon threatening the safety of the evacuation. Returning to his platoon, he again volunteered to provide covering fire for the maneuver of the platoon from its exposed position. Realizing the threat he posed, enemy gunners concentrated their fire on Private First Class McDonald's position, seriously wounding him. Despite his painful wounds, Private First Class McDonald recovered the weapon of a wounded machine gunner to provide accurate covering fire for the gunner's evacuation. When other soldiers were pinned down by a heavy volume of fire from a hostile machinegun to his front, Private First Class McDonald crawled toward the enemy position to destroy it with grenades. He was mortally wounded in this intrepid action. Private First Class McDonald's gallantry at the risk of his life which resulted in the saving of the lives of his comrades, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Born: 9/13/1941 at Avondale, West Virginia Home Town: Beckley, West Virginia * Sergeant, U.S. Army Troop B, 7th Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, Date of Action: December 8, 1968 Citation: The Medal of Honor is presented to Ray McKibben, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as team leader of the point element of a reconnaissance patrol of Troop B, 7th Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, in action against enemy aggressor forces operating in enemy territory near Song Mao, Republic of Vietnam, on 8 December 1968. Sergeant McKibben was leading his point element in a movement to contact along a well-traveled trail when the lead element came under heavy automatic weapons fire from a fortified bunker position, forcing the patrol to take cover. Sergeant McKibben, appraising the situation and without regard for his own safety, charged through bamboo and heavy brush to the fortified position, killed the enemy gunner, secured the weapon and directed his patrol element forward. As the patrol moved out, Sergeant McKibben observed enemy movement to the flank of the patrol. Fire support from helicopter gunships was requested and the area was effectively neutralized. The patrol again continued its mission and as the lead element rounded the bend of a river it came under heavy automatic weapons fire from camouflaged bunkers. As Sergeant McKibben was deploying his men to covered positions, he observed one of his men fall wounded. Although bullets were hitting all around the wounded man, Sergeant McKibben, with complete disregard for his safety, sprang to his comrade's side and under heavy enemy fire pulled him to safety behind the cover of a rock emplacement where he administered hasty first aid. Sergeant McKibben, seeing that his comrades were pinned down and were unable to deliver effective fire against the enemy bunkers, again undertook a single-handed assault of the enemy defenses. He charged through the brush and hail of automatic weapons fire closing on the first bunker, killing the enemy with accurate rifle fire and securing the enemy's weapon. He continued his assault against the next bunker, firing his rifle as he charged. As he approached the second bunker his rifle ran out of ammunition; however, he used the captured enemy weapon until it too was empty, at that time he silenced the bunker with well placed hand grenades. He reloaded his weapon and covered the advance of his men as they moved forward. Observing the fire of another bunker impeding the patrol's advance, Sergeant McKibben again single-handedly assaulted the new position. As he neared the bunker he was mortally wounded but was able to fire a final burst from his weapon killing the enemy and enabling the patrol to continue the assault. Sergeant McKibben's indomitable courage, extraordinary heroism, profound concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers and disregard for his personal safety saved the lives of his comrades and enabled the patrol to accomplish its mission. Sergeant McKibben's gallantry in action at the cost of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Born: 10/27/1946 at Felton, Georgia Home Town: Atlanta, Georgia *  McMahon, Thomas Joseph
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army Company A, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division Date of Action: March 19, 1969 Citation: The Medal of Honor is presented to Thomas Joseph McMahon, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an Aid Man with Company A, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 18 March 1969. When the lead elements of his company came under heavy fire from well-fortified enemy positions, three soldiers fell seriously wounded. Specialist Fourth Class McMahon, with complete disregard for his safety, left his covered position and ran through intense enemy fire to the side of one of the wounded, administered first aid and then carried him to safety. He returned through the hail of fire to the side of a second wounded man. Although painfully wounded by an exploding mortar round while returning the wounded man to a secure position, Specialist Fourth Class McMahon refused medical attention and heroically ran back through the heavy enemy fire toward his remaining wounded comrade. He fell mortally wounded before he could rescue the last man. Specialist Fourth Class McMahon's undaunted concern for the welfare of his comrades at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Born: 6/24/1948 at Washington, Washington, D.C. Home Town: Portland, Maine M  cNerney, David Herbert
First Sergeant, U.S. Army Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division Date of Action: March 22, 1967 Citation: The Medal of Honor is presented to David Herbert McNerney, First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces when his unit was attacked by a North Vietnamese battalion near Polei Doc, Republic of Vietnam, on 22 March 1967. Running through the hail of enemy fire to the area of heaviest contact, First Sergeant McNerney was assisting in the development of a defensive perimeter when he encountered several enemy at close range. He killed the enemy but was painfully injured when blown from his feet by a grenade. In spite of this injury, he assaulted and destroyed an enemy machinegun position that had pinned down five of his comrades beyond the defensive line. Upon learning his commander and artillery forward observer had been killed, he assumed command of the company. He adjusted artillery fire to within 20 meters of the position in a daring measure to repulse enemy assaults. When the smoke grenades used to mark the position were gone, he moved into a nearby clearing to designate the location to friendly aircraft. In spite of enemy fire he remained exposed until he was certain the position was spotted and then climbed into a tree and tied the identification panel to its highest branches. Then he moved among his men readjusting their position, encouraging the defenders and checking the wounded. As the hostile assaults slackened, he began clearing a helicopter landing site to evacuate the wounded. When explosives were needed to remove large trees, he crawled outside the relative safety of his perimeter to collect demolition material from abandoned rucksacks. Moving through a fusillade of fire he returned with the explosives that were vital to the clearing of the landing zone. Disregarding the pain of his injury and refusing medical evacuation 1st Sergeant McNerney remained with his unit until the next day when the new commander arrived. First Sergeant McNerney's outstanding heroism and leadership were inspirational to his comrades. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
Born: 6/2/1931 at Lowell, Massachusetts Home Town: Fort Bliss, Texas David McNerney's father, Edward McNerney, earned the Distinguished Service Cross in World War I. To of David McNerney's brothers served in World War II, and another brother served as a Navy pilot in Vietnam. * Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division Date of Action: June 21, 1967
The Medal of Honor is presented to Edgar Lee McWethy, Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 June 1967. Serving as a Medical Aidman with Company B, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy accompanied his platoon to the site of a downed helicopter. Shortly after the platoon established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft, a large enemy force attacked the position from three sides with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and grenades. The platoon leader and his radio operator were wounded almost immediately, and Specialist Fifth Class McWethy rushed across the fire-swept area to their assistance. Although he could not help the mortally wounded radio operator, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy's timely first aid enabled the platoon leader to retain command during this critical period. Hearing a call for aid, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy started across the open toward the injured men, but was wounded in the head and knocked to the ground. He regained his feet and continued on but was hit again, this time in the leg. Struggling onward despite his wounds, he gained the side of his comrades and treated their injuries. Observing another fallen rifleman lying in an exposed position raked by enemy fire, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy moved toward him without hesitation. Although the enemy fire wounded him a third time, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy reached his fallen companion. Though weakened and in extreme pain, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy gave the wounded man artificial respiration but suffered a fourth and fatal wound. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety, and demonstrated concern for his fellow soldiers, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy inspired the members of his platoon and contributed in great measure to their successful defense of the position and the ultimate rout of the enemy force. Specialist Fifth Class McWethy's profound sense of duty, bravery, and his willingness to accept extraordinary risks in order to help the men of his unit are characteristic of the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Born: 11/22/1944 at Leadville, Colorado Home Town: Denver, Colorado * Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army Company C, 4th Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, Date of Action: April 8, 1967 Citation: The Medal of Honor is presented to Don Leslie Michael, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 4th Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Republic of Vietnam, on 8 April 1967. Specialist Fourth Class Michael was part of a platoon which was moving through an area of suspected enemy activity. While the rest of the platoon stopped to provide security, the squad to which Specialist Fourth Class Michael was assigned moved forward to investigate signs of recent enemy activity. After moving approximately 125 meters, the squad encountered a single Viet Cong soldier. When he was fired upon by the squad's machine gunner, other Viet Cong opened fire with automatic weapons from a well-concealed bunker to the squad's right front. The volume of enemy fire was so withering as to pin down the entire squad and halt all forward movement. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Specialist Fourth Class Michael exposed himself to throw two grenades, but failed to eliminate the enemy position. From his position on the left flank, Specialist Fourth Class Michael maneuvered forward with two more grenades until he was within 20 meters of the enemy bunkers, when he again exposed himself to throw two grenades, which failed to detonate. Undaunted, Specialist Fourth Class Michael made his way back to the friendly positions to obtain more grenades. With two grenades in hand, he again started his perilous move towards the enemy bunker, which by this time was under intense artillery fire from friendly positions. As he neared the bunker, an enemy soldier attacked him from a concealed position. Specialist Fourth Class Michael killed him with his rifle and, in spite of the enemy fire and the exploding artillery rounds, was successful in destroying the enemy positions. Specialist Fourth Class Michael took up pursuit of the remnants of the retreating enemy. When his comrades reached Specialist Fourth Class Michael, he had been mortally wounded. His inspiring display of determination and courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and successfully eliminated a destructive enemy force. Specialist Fourth Class Michael's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Born: 7/31/1947 at Florence, Alabama Home Town: Montgomery, Alabama M Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces Date of Action: January 5, 1970 Citation: The Medal of Honor is presented to Franklin Douglas Miller, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 5 January 1970. Staff Sergeant Miller was serving as team leader of an American-Vietnamese long-range reconnaissance patrol operating deep within enemy controlled territory. Leaving the helicopter insertion point, the patrol moved forward on its mission. Suddenly, one of the team members tripped a hostile booby trap which wounded four soldiers. Staff Sergeant Miller, knowing that the explosion would alert the enemy, quickly administered first aid to the wounded and directed the team into positions across a small stream bed at the base of a steep hill. Within a few minutes, Staff Sergeant Miller saw the lead element of what he estimated to be a platoon-size enemy force moving toward his location. Concerned for the safety of his men, he directed the small team to move up the hill to a more secure position. He remained alone, separated from the patrol, to meet the attack. Staff Sergeant Miller single-handedly repulsed two determined attacks by the numerically superior enemy force and caused them to withdraw in disorder. He rejoined his team, established contact with a forward air controller and arranged the evacuation of his patrol. However, the only suitable extraction location in the heavy jungle was a bomb crater some 150 meters from the team location. Staff Sergeant Miller reconnoitered the route to the crater and led his men through the enemy controlled jungle to the extraction site. As the evacuation helicopter hovered over the crater to pick up the patrol, the enemy launched a savage automatic weapon and rocket-propelled grenade attack against the beleaguered team, driving off the rescue helicopter. Staff Sergeant Miller led the team in a valiant defense which drove back the enemy in its attempt to overrun the small patrol. Although seriously wounded and with every man in his patrol a casualty, Staff Sergeant Miller moved forward to again single-handedly meet the hostile attackers. From his forward exposed position, Staff Sergeant Miller gallantly repelled two attacks by the enemy before a friendly relief force reached the patrol location. Staff Sergeant Miller's gallantry, intrepidity in action, and selfless devotion to the welfare of his comrades are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
Born: 1/27/1945 at Elizabeth city, North Carolina Home Town: Albuquerque, New Mexico *  Miller, Gary Lee
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division Date of Action: February 16, 1969 Citation: The Medal of Honor is presented to Gary Lee Miller, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 February 1969. First Lieutenant Miller, Infantry, Company A, was serving as a platoon leader at night when his company ambushed a hostile force infiltrating from Cambodian sanctuaries. After contact with the enemy was broken, First Lieutenant Miller led a reconnaissance patrol from their prepared positions through the early evening darkness and dense tropical growth to search the area for enemy casualties. As the group advanced they were suddenly attacked. First Lieutenant Miller was seriously wounded. However, the group fought back with telling effect on the hostile force. An enemy grenade was thrown into the midst of the friendly patrol group and all took cover except First Lieutenant Miller, who in the dim light, located the grenade and threw himself on it, absorbing the force of the explosion with his body. His action saved nearby members of his patrol from almost certain serious injury. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the United States Army.
Born: 3/19/1947 at Covington, Virginia Home Town: Roanoke, Virginia * Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division Date of Action: May 20, 1967 Citation: The Medal of Honor is presented to Frankie Zoly Molnar, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, on May 20, 1967. Shortly after the battalion's defensive perimeter was established, it was hit by intense mortar fire as the prelude to a massive enemy night attack. Staff Sergeant Molnar immediately left his sheltered location to insure the readiness of his squad to meet the attack. As he crawled through the position, he discovered a group of enemy soldiers closing in on his squad area. His accurate rifle fire killed five of the enemy and forced the remainder to flee. When the mortar fire stopped, the enemy attacked in a human wave supported by grenades, rockets, automatic weapons, and small-arms fire. After assisting to repel the first enemy assault, Staff Sergeant Molnar found that his squad's ammunition and grenade supply was nearly expended. Again leaving the relative safety of his position, he crawled through intense enemy fire to secure additional ammunition and distribute it to his squad. He rejoined his men to beat back the renewed enemy onslaught, and he moved about his area providing medical aid and assisting in the evacuation of the wounded. With the help of several men, he was preparing to move a severely wounded soldier when an enemy hand grenade was thrown into the group. The first to see the grenade, Staff Sergeant Molnar threw himself on it and absorbed the deadly blast to save his comrades. His demonstrated selflessness and inspirational leadership on the battlefield were a major factor in the successful defense of the American position and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army. Staff Sergeant Molnar's actions reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Born: 2/14/1943 at Logan, West Virginia Home Town: Fresno, California *Monroe, James Howard Private First Class, U.S. Army |
McKibben, Ray
McWethy, Edgar Lee
Michael, Don Leslie
iller, Franklin Douglas
Molnar, Frankie Zoly
eneral Order No. 51, August 8, 1969