Soldier Spotlight

Today, the Medal of Honor will be awarded to SGT Kyle J. White, who will accept it in honor of the five Soldiers and one Marine “who gave their lives in the defense of freedom and the American way of life.”

“On May 13th, when I’m awarded the Medal of Honor, I will tell their stories and preserve their memories. They will not be forgotten,” the Seattle native told the press and bloggers. “Their sacrifice and the sacrifices of so many others is what motivates me to wake up each and every day to be the best I can. Everything I do in my life is done to make them proud.”

The Battle

On Nov. 8, 2007, members of 1st Platoon, Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, headquartered at Combat Outpost Bella, prepared for movement to the village of Aranas, Afghanistan, for a Shura meeting with village elders. There had been little communication with the village after their suspected collusion on a major attack months earlier on Combat Outpost Ranch House – a former American post situated on the mountain overlooking the large village, that resulted in eleven wounded and the closure of the out-post.

Moving under cover of darkness, the 14 Americans and approximately one squad of Afghan National Army, or ANA, soldiers, made for the American-built schoolhouse in the heart of the village, where they would bunk for the night.   READ ABOUT THE BATTLE

Biography

Medal of Honor nominee Jack Weinstein was born in Lamar, Mo., Oct. 18, 1928.

He was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1950.

Weinstein is being recognized for his exceptionally valorous actions on Oct. 19, 1951, in the vicinity of Kumson, Korea, when his platoon came under enemy attack. He volunteered to stay back and provide cover while his men withdrew from their positions. Weinstein killed six enemy combatants and, after running out of ammunition, used enemy grenades around him to keep the enemy forces back. Weinstein held his position until friendly forces moved back in and pushed the enemy back.

After a year and a half in Korea, Weinstein returned home, married, and settled in Saint Francis, Kan. Weinstein and his wife had five children, nine grand-children, and four great-grand-children. Weinstein passed away, April 20, 2006.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Weinstein received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, and Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

Sgt. Jack Weinstein, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company G, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy near Kumson, Korea.

On Oct. 19, 1951, near Hill 533, Sgt. Weinstein was in the lead as the first platoon of Company G attempted to take an enemy-held position. After gaining the ground, the platoon, consisting of two five-man squads, was hit by a fierce counter-attack by about 30 fanatical Chinese Communist troops. Most of the members of the platoon had been wounded in the previous action and withdrew under the heavy attack. Weinstein remained in his position and continued to fight off the onrushing enemy. At least six of the enemies were killed by Weinstein’s M-1 rifle before he ran out of ammunition. Although under extremely heavy enemy fire, he refused to withdraw and continued fighting by throwing enemy hand grenades which were lying near his position. Again, the enemy was stopped and suffered my casualties. Alone and unaided he held the ground his platoon had fought hard to take.

He held out against overwhelming odds until another platoon was able relieve him and drive-back the enemy. Weinstein’s leg had been broken by an enemy grenade and old wounds suffered in previous battles had reopened, but he refused to do withdraw in order that his wounded comrades could reach friendly lines.

His outstanding courage and complete disregard for his own life was an inspiration to his comrades and reflect great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.

Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action

Medal of Honor

Weinstein is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Biography

Medal of Honor nominee Miguel Armando “Nando” Vera was born in Puerto Rico.

Vera joined the U.S. Army when he was 17 years old.

Vera is being recognized for his heroic actions at Chorwon, Korea, Sept. 21, 1952. While Vera’s unit attempted to retake the right sector of “Old Baldy”, they came under heavy fire at close range and were forced back. Vera selflessly chose to stay behind and cover the troop’s withdrawal, and lost his life during this action.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Vera received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, Wharang Distinguished Military Service Medal with Silver Star.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Pvt. Miguel A. Vera, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations, while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Vera distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Chorwon, Korea, on Sept. 21, 1952.

On that date, Vera’s unit was committed to assault and secure the right sector of “Old Baldy” and, although wounded in an earlier engagement, he voluntarily rejoined elements of the platoon regrouping at the base of the hill to resume the attack. Forging up the bare, rocky slope in skirmisher formation, the troops came within twenty yards of hostile positions when they were subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages and intense cross-fire from automatic weapons and grenades, which forced them to move back. He selflessly remained behind to cover the withdrawal and, maintaining a determined stand, poured crippling fire into enemy emplacements. During this action he lost his life.

Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action

Medal of Honor

Vera is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Biography

Medal of Honor nominee Donald K. Schwab was born, Dec. 6, 1918, in Hooper, Neb.

He joined the U.S. Army upon graduation from high school.

Schwab distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on Sept. 17, 1944. His courage and determination resulted in the dismantling of a strong German position and he would take one prisoner of war.

Schwab served with the US Army until Oct. 26, 1945. Upon exiting the service Schwab returned to Hooper, Neb. and began a farming career. He later was employed with the postal service in Nebraska until retirement. In Hooper, Schwab was highly active in the church and community. He also enjoyed sports and played on various local softball and basketball teams.

Donald Schwab died on Feb. 19, 2005, at the age of 86.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Schwab received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver Service Star, two Bronze Service Stars and Bronze Arrowhead Device, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, French Fourragere, Honorable Service Lapel Button-WWII.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

1st Lt. Donald K. Schwab, Infantry, Company E, 15th Infantry, for extraordinary heroism in action. On Sept. 17, 1944, at about 2 p.m. near Lure, France, Schwab led his company over 400 yards of bare, coverless ground against a formidable line of machine-guns and machine-pistols. Meeting intense, grazing fire, which burst without warning from a fringe of woods directly to his front, Schwab extricated his men from the attempted ambush and led them back to a defiladed position.

Ordered to overwhelm the enemy line, he organized his men into a skirmish line and, with indomitable courage, again led them forward into the lethal enemy fire. When halted a second time, Schwab went from man to man to supervise collection of the wounded and organize the withdrawal of his company.

From defilade, he rallied his decimated force for a third charge on the hostile strong-point, worked his way to within 50 yards of the Germans and ordered his men to “hit the dirt.” While automatic weapons fire blazed around him, he rushed forward alone, firing his carbine at the German foxholes, straight for the key enemy machine pistol nest which had sparkplugged German resistance and caused heavy casualties among his men. Spotlighted through the mist and rain by enemy flares, he reached the German emplacement. Ripping off the shelter-half cover of the hostile firing pit, he clouted the German gunner on the head with his carbine butt and dragged him back, through a hall of fire, to friendly lines.

His action so disorganized hostile infantry resistance that the enemy withdrew, abandoning his formidable defensive line. Schwab’s gallantry and determination to carry on related in breaking a powerful German position.

Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action

Medal of Honor

Schwab is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Biography

Medal of Honor nominee Jose Rodela was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, June 15, 1937.

He entered the U.S. Army in September 1955, at the age of 17.

Rodela is being recognized for his valorous actions on Sept. 1, 1969, while serving as the company commander in Phuoc Long Province, Vietnam. Rodela commanded his company throughout 18 hours of continuous contact when his battalion was attacked and taking heavy casualties. Throughout the battle, in spite of his wounds, Rodela repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to attend to the fallen and eliminate an enemy rocket position.

Rodela retired from the Army in 1975. He currently resides in San Antonio, Texas.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Rodela received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with “V” Device, Army Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with Silver Clasp and one Loop, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star, Korea Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar, Special Forces Tab, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation First Class, Republic of Vietnam Special Forces Honorary Jump Wings, Columbian Army Parachutist Badge.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Sgt. 1st Class Jose Rodela, United States Army, Detachment B-36, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, Republic of Vietnam, distinguished himself while serving as the company commander with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Mobile Strike Force Command.

On Sept. 1, 1969, the 3rd Battalion had the mission of moving in support of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Mobile Strike Force, which had suffered heavy casualties as a result of enemy contacts in Phuoc Long Province. The terrain in the area consisted of steep hills covered by dense underbrush and a double to triple canopy jungle. The sky was overcast. The temperature and humidity were both in the 90s.

While enroute to and approximately 800 meters from the intended objective; the 3rd Battalion came under extremely heavy 81mm mortar, rocket, light and heavy machine-gun, and small arms fire, from an unknown sized enemy unit. The initial volume of fire placed on the 3rd Battalion was so vicious that the battalion suffered 42 casualties almost immediately. Because of the intensity of the enemy fire and the numerous casualties, a critical state of confusion was present and the battalion was on the brink of panic.

Rodela’s company was located to the battalion’s east flank, and it was his enemy that received the largest concentration of the enemy’s fire during the initial attack. He realized that if his troops did not overcome the initial shock and reorganize, the entire battalion might be overrun in an enemy assault. Rodela disregarded the withering enemy fire, immediately began to move from man to man in his company, physically pushing them into defensive positions to form a half moon perimeter.

His clear thinking and quick action prevented much heavier casualties in his company and relieved the pressure of the remainder of the battalion, providing time to organize a defensive perimeter. The immense concentration of enemy fire which was brought to bear on Rodela’s position is practically impossible to describe with any justice.

His entire company was hidden by dust, smoke, and exploding enemy mortar and rocket rounds. The dead and wounded were laying the entire length of his defensive line. That his unit did not break and run to the rear is a great tribute to Rodela’s leadership. It was later determined that his company suffered 33 wounded and 11 killed in action. This includes one platoon leader and five squad leader in the initial few minutes. As the fire slackened, Rodela suddenly jumped up. He was the only member of his company who was moving and he began to run from one position to the next checking for casualties.

A few minutes later, he was moving the survivors into different positions in an attempt to form a stable defensive line. While this was staking placing, the dust from the bullets landing all around him was clearly visible, but unbelievably he was not touched.

Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action

Medal of Honor

Rodela is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Biography

Medal of Honor nominee Michael C. Pena was born in Newgulf, Texas, November 1924.

He joined the U. S. Army as an infantryman in 1941, when he was 16-years-old. He fought in both World War II and the Korean War.

Pena is being recognized for his actions on the evening of Sept. 4, 1950, near Waegwan, Korea, when his unit was fiercely attacked. During the course of the counter-attack, Pena realized that their ammunition was running out, and ordered his unit to retreat. Pena then manned a machine-gun to cover their withdrawal. He single-handedly held back the enemy until morning when his position was overrun, and he was killed.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Pena received the Distinguished service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasp and two Loops, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars and Bronze Arrowhead Device, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award), Honorable Service Lapel Button- World War II, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Philippine Independence Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Gold Bravery Medal of Greece Unit Citation.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Master Sgt. Mike C. Pena, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations, while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division.

Pena distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Waegwan, Korea, Sept. 4, 1950. On that date, at approximately 11 p.m., an enemy battalion moved up to within a few yards of Pena’s platoon, under cover of darkness and an obscuring mist. Observing the enemy, Pena and his men immediately opened fire, but the sudden, point-blank fire of the hostile forces made it necessary for the friendly troops to withdraw. Rapidly reorganizing his men, Pena led them in a counter-attack, regained the lost positions, and attempted to hold back the enemy. Despite the devastating fire laid down by the friendly troops, the enemy continued to hurl themselves at the defenses in overwhelming numbers. Realizing that a scarcity of ammunition would soon make the positions untenable, Pena ordered his men to fall back, manning a machine-gun to cover their withdrawal. Single-handedly, he held back the enemy until the early hours of the following morning when his position was overrun, and he was killed.

Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action

Medal of Honor

Pena is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Biography

Medal of Honor nominee Alfred B. Nietzel was born, April 27, 1921, in Queens, N.Y.

He joined the U.S. Army, Oct. 5, 1940.

Nietzel is being recognized for his valorous actions in Heistern, Germany, Nov. 18, 1944. When an enemy assault threatened to overrun his unit’s position, Nietzel selflessly covered for the retreating members of his squad, expending all his ammunition and holding his post until he was killed by an enemy hand grenade.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Nietzel received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sgt. Alfred B. Nietzel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces, Nov. 18, 1944. Nietzel’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action

Medal of Honor

Nietzel is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Biography

Medal of Honor nominee Juan E. Negron was born in Corozal, Puerto Rico.

He entered the U.S. Army in March 1948.

Then-Sgt. Juan E. Negron distinguished himself on April 28, 1951, for actions near Kalma-Eri, Korea. Negron held the most vulnerable position on his company’s exposed right flank after an enemy force had overrun a section of the line. He held the position throughout the night, accurately hurling hand grenades at short range when hostile troops approached his position.

Following the war, Negron returned to the U.S. and remained on Active duty. He served a total of 23 years and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. His positions include the senior non-commissioned officer for the Directorate of Doctrine, which would help define the Army’s combat strategy, and the Inspector General in Thailand.

During his service he became a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, The Legion of Valor, and The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.

Upon retirement, Negron would become very involved in education and would enter into federal service in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Negron received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

Sgt. Juan E. Negron, a member of an Infantry regiment, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Kalma-Eri, Korea.

On April 28, 1951, Negron took up the most vulnerable position on his company’s exposed right flank, after an enemy force had overrun a section of the line. When notified that elements of the company were withdrawing, Negron refused to leave his exposed position, but delivered withering fire at hostile troops who had broken through a road block. When the hostile troops approached his position, Negron accurately hurled hand grenades at short range, halting their attack. Negron held the position throughout the night, while an allied counter attack was organized and launched. After the enemy had been repulsed, fifteen enemy dead were found only a few feet from Negron’s position.

The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Negron on this occasion, reflects great credit upon himself, and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.

Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action

Medal of Honor

Negron is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Biography

Medal of Honor nominee Melvin Morris was born in Okmulgee, Okla., Jan. 7, 1942.

Morris entered the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1959 and later requested to join the active Army. He became one of the first Soldiers to don the ‘green beret’ at the command of President John F. Kennedy, Fort Bragg, N.C., in 1961. Morris volunteered twice for deployments to Vietnam.

Melvin Morris is being recognized for his valorous actions on Sept. 17, 1969, while commanding the Third Company, Third Battalion of the IV Mobile Strike Force near Chi Lang. Then-Staff Sgt. Morris led an advance across enemy lines to retrieve a fallen comrade and single-handedly destroyed an enemy force that had pinned his battalion from a series of bunkers. Staff Sgt. Morris was shot three times as he ran back toward friendly lines with the American casualties, but did not stop until he reached safety.

The Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to then Staff Sgt. Morris in April 1970 for extraordinary heroism during this 1969 battle. After receiving the award, he returned to Vietnam the same month for his second tour. He retired at Fort Hood, Texas in May 1985. Morris currently resides in Cocoa, Fla.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Morris received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal Silver with one Loop, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral “3”, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral “4”, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar, Special Forces Tab, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device, Vietnam Parachutist Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Citation, First Class.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

Staff Sgt. Melvin Morris, with Detachment A-403, Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptional and extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, Sept. 17, 1969, while commanding the Third Company, Third Battalion of the IV Mobile Strike Force.

The First and Third battalion of the IV Mobile Strike Force were engaged in a search and clear operation, some five kilometers north and east of Chi Lang, in the IV Corps Tactical Zone. The battalions were deployed with the First and Second Company of each on line, and the Third Company in reserve positions immediately to the read of the main force. Their mission was to sweep an area upon which there was little known intelligence.

Within 15 minutes after leaving the line of departure, the Second Company of the Third Battalion entered a heavily mined and booby-trapped wood line, and suffered four serious casualties. Several minutes later, as the Second Company was removing its casualties to the rear, and attempting to determine the depth and width of the enemy mine field, the First Company, on the right flank of the Second Company, observed three NVA soldiers moving from west to east, across the front of the advancing friendly elements, as if to be evading the Second Company.

Sgt. 1st Class Ronald D. Hagen, the detachment’s Team Sergeant, and the commander of the First Company, ordered his lead elements to pursue the enemy soldiers, as he himself led the pursuit. The enemy fled into a thick wood line, and as the leading friendly elements entered the wood line, with Hagen in the lead, the enemy initiated a fusillade of fires from a heretofore undiscovered enemy bunker complex. Hagen was immediately wounded, and fell on the top of the most forward bunker. The intensity of the enemy fires was such as to make continued assault impossible, and the friendly forces withdrew. They were unable to retrieve Hagen, whose wounds were serious, and as a result, was unable to move himself.

Capt. Thomas M. Daniels III, the battalion commander, had observed the actions of First Company from his position with the Second Company. Aware of the seriousness of Hagen’s wounds, and the precariousness of his position, Daniels began to maneuver the Second Company into a flanking position in an effort to reach Hagen. As he moved forward, he was also met with an onslaught of enemy resistance, and also was wounded. Hit in the arm and the mouth, he was completely unable to suppress the enemy fires. However, as he advanced, the enemy’s fire again struck Hagen, killing him instantly. Unable to continue the advance into the maelstrom of fires, Daniels was forced to order his troops to withdraw, and the rapidly deteriorating situation forced him to call the Third Company forward to reinforce the badly demoralized main elements.

Morris’ company had also received some of the enemy fire. Continuously monitoring the radio, he realized that his Team Sergeant had been killed, and that his Team Leader was seriously wounded. He reacted instantly, moving his company into the First and Second Companies, and reorganizing these companies into a fighting force again. Designating several Soldiers to accompany him, Morris began moving up toward the body of his fallen Team Sergeant. There was a lull in the enemy fires, and Morris was able to reach the body and cover it with a poncho. However, as the enemy observed him doing so, they renewed their fires, and two of the men with Morris fell under the barrage. The remainder of those with him withdrew immediately, and Morris was left in a comparably exposed position with the two wounded Soldiers.

Continuously returning the enemy fire, Morris began assisting the wounded Soldiers in crawling back toward the friendly position. Once they reached a secure area, Morris jumped up, and with complete disregard for his own safety, began directing the fires of his elements by running from man to man and physically pointing their fires. Having established a base of fire, Morris again began advancing in a crawl toward Hagen.

Again, the enemy fires were merciless, and many of the Soldiers he had personally positioned began withdrawing. Morris reached an area within several meters of the bunker complex, and from that position, began throwing hand grenades onto the enemy bunkers nearest him. The enemy increased the volume of their fires, and Morris was again forced to withdraw. Returning to the completely demoralized force, Morris, be sheer strength of persuasion, forced the Soldiers to hold their positions. Hand picking his most loyal and dependable Soldiers, Morris requested the volunteer to help recover the body of Hagen. Appealing to them not necessarily as an American commander to his Soldiers, but as one man to another, Morris succeeded in getting together another element to make the attempt.

Again directing a base of fire against enemy positions, Morris began advancing. Realizing the futility of a covered, and thereby slower, advance, Morris began running toward the enemy positions. In retaliation, the enemy again blazed away with extraordinary fire power. As Morris approached the bunker on which the body of Hagen lay, a machine-gun inside the bunker was directed against him. The weapon firing from the port in the bunker was unable to elevate because of the narrowness of the port, and the rounds wet directly between Morris’ legs. Had he not been rapidly advancing, he would have been cut to pieces by those fires. As a result, however, Morris dove to the side and dropped a hand grenade into the bunker.

Successfully neutralizing the position, Morris was determined to achieve his objective, and realizing the necessity of neutralizing the adjacent enemy position before he could successfully evacuate his dead comrade, Morris began moving from bunker to bunker, using each bunker as cover from the next one, until he had successfully knocked out three of the immediately adjacent bunkers. So fierce was his single-handed attack, as Morris approached one of the bunkers, two NVA soldiers, totally bewildered by his actions, chose to flee the bunker in which they were fighting, rather than face the onslaught of this seemingly half-crazed American.

Morris promptly killed the two enemy soldiers. Single-handedly, Morris had succeeded in reducing the fires that had completely stopped his entire battalion. Remarkably, he had accomplished this improbably objective unscathed. Returning to the body of Hagen, Morris picked up his comrade and began returning to his forces.

However, the engagement was not yet over. As Morris came out of the wood line with Hagen, two enemy bunkers, one on each extremity of the complex, selected him as their singular target. Although the friendly forces were able to observe the firing of these bunkers, and attempted to suppress that fire, the enemy was finally able to stop the only force that had been able to penetrate their defense. Morris was hit in the chest, arm and hand. Although wounded, Morris continued to advance toward his own lines, and succeeded in returning Hagen’s body, before he collapsed from his efforts.

From the beginning of the encounter, until he was medically evacuated, Morris reacted to each situation with a professionalism, and single-minded determination possessed by few men. Ignoring his personal safety repeatedly, on no less than three occasions he faced insurmountable odds, and finally overcame them. His ability to direct and lead indigenous soldiers into what was for some, certain death, has rarely been equaled. His personal courage was of the highest order, and as a result of his actions, many casualties were avoided.

Morris’ extraordinary heroism, gallantry and intrepidity in the face of a superior enemy force, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and his determined application to his mission, his steadfast leadership, and his amazing physical accomplishments reflect the greatest of credit upon himself, the Special Forces, and the United States Army.

Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action

Medal of Honor

Morris is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.