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Medal Of Honor

The following informaton was taken from the Medal of HonorWeb Page

The purpose of this page is to show the secrafice made by some of our N.C.O.C. Brothers. We salute them by not letting them or their deeds be forgotten.

Note: I only wish these Citations wouldn't read like a form letter. It takes away some of the integrity of the award.

Class 37-68

STONE, LESTER RAY JR.

Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SGT Stone distinguished himself while serving as squad leader of the 1st Platoon. The 1st Platoon was on a combat patrol mission just west of LZ Liz when it came under intence automatic weapons and grenade fire from a well concealed company size force of North Vietnamese regulars. Observing the platoon machine gunner fall critically wounded, Sgt. Stone remained in the exposed area to provide cover fire for the wounded soldier who was being pulled to safety by another memeber of the platoon. With enemy fire impacting all around him, Sgt. Stone had a malfunction in the maching gun, preventing him from fireing the weapon automatically. Displaying extraordinary courage under the most adverse conditions, Sgt. Stone repaired the weapon and continued to place on the enemy positions effective suppressive fire which enambled the rescue to be completed. In a desperate attempt to overun his position, an enemy force left its cover and charged Sgt. Stone. Disregarding the danger involved, Sgt. Stone rose to his knees and began placing intense fire on the enemy at point blank range, killing 6 of the enemy before falling mortally wounded. His actions of unsurpassed valor were a source of inspiration to his entire Unit and he was responsible for saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers.

His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military profession and reflect great credit on him, his Unit, and the U.S. Army

Class 2-69

PRUDEN, ROBERT JOSEPH

Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SSG Pruden, Company G, distinguished himself while serving as a reconnaissance team leader during an ambush mission. The 6 man team was inserted by helicopter into enemy controlled territory to establish an ambush postition and to obtain information concerning enemy movements. As the team moved into the preplanned area, SSG Pruden deployed his men into 2 groups on opposite sides of a well used trail. As the groups were establishing their defensive positions, 1 member of the team was trapped in the open by the heavy fire from an enemy squad. Realizing that the ambush postiion had been compromised, SSG Pruden directed his team to open fire on the enemy force. Immeadiately, the team came under heavy fire from a second enemy element. SSG Pruden, with full knowledge of the extreme danger involved, left his concealed position and, firing as he ran, advanced toward the enemy to draw the hostile fire. He was seriously wounded twice but continued his attack until he fell for a third time. in front of the enemy postions. SSG Pruden's actions resulted in several enemy casualties and withdrawal of the remaining enemy force. Although grievously wounded, he directed his men into defensive postions and called for evacuation helicopters, which safely withdrew the member of the team.

SSG Pruden's outstanding courage, selfless concern for the wefare of his men, and intrepidity in action as the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflet great credit upon himself and his Unit, and the U.S. Army.

Class 4-69

BOWEN, HAMMETT LEE Jr.

Citation

SSG Bowen distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Charlie Company 2/14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Bowen's platoon was advancing on a reconnaissance mission into enemy controlled terrain when it came under the withering cross fire of small arms and grenades, from an enemy ambush force. Sergeant Bowers placed heavy suppressive fire on the enemy positions and ordered his men to fall back. As the platoon was moving back, an enemy grenade was thrown amid Sergeant Bowen and three of his men. Sensing the danger to his comrades, Sergeant Bowen shouted a warning to his men and hurled himself on the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his body while saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.

SSG Bowen's extraordinary courage and concern for his men at the cost of his own life served as an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest tradition of the military service and the United States Army.

Class 38-69

MURRAY, ROBERT CHARLES

Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army .........................................................................7 June 1970
23rd Infantry Div. ( Americal )
Company B, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 1st Platoon, 196th Light Infantry Brigade,
Near the village of Hiep Duc, Republic of Vietnam
DOB: 10 December 1946, Bronx New York

Citation

SSG Murray distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader with Bravo Company. SSG Murray's squad was searching for an enemy mortar that had been threatening friendly positions when a member of the squad tripped an enemy grenade, rigged as a booby trap. Realizing that he had activated the enemy booby trap, the soldier shouted for everybody to take cover. Instantly assessing the danger to the men of his squad, SSG Murray unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, threw himself on the grenade absorbing the full and fatal impact of the explosion. By his gallant action and self sacrifice, he prevented the death or injury of the other members of his squad.

SSG Murray's extraordinary courage and gallantry, at the cost of his life above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his Unit, and the U.S. Army.

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This Page was created in November 1997
by Budd Russell

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