Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. On January 1, 1969, he was a crew chief on a helicopter with the 11th Armored Air Cavalry that came under attack from small arms and anti aircraft fire. He returned fire and marked the enemy's position with smoke and phosphorus grenades. Within this action a grenade exploded prematurely, covering him with burning phosphorus and causing ammo inside the helicopter to detonate. Despite injuries that included being blinded, he tossed exploding ammo out of the helicopter, saving the aircraft and the lives of his crew. He died of his injuries and was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. On January 1, 1969, he was a crew chief on a helicopter with the 11th Armored Air Cavalry that came under attack from small arms and anti aircraft fire. He returned fire and marked the enemy's position with smoke and phosphorus grenades. Within this action a grenade exploded prematurely, covering him with burning phosphorus and causing ammo inside the helicopter to detonate. Despite injuries that included being blinded, he tossed exploding ammo out of the helicopter, saving the aircraft and the lives of his crew. He died of his injuries and was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
MEDAL OF HONOR
SFC US ARMY
VIETNAM
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