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CHARLES ALBERT VARNUM
Captain, United States Army
Company B, 7th Cavalry Regiment
White Clay Creek, South Dakota
30 December 1890
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Pensacola, Florida)
CITATION: "While executing an order to
withdraw, seeing that a continuance of the movement would expose another
troop of his regiment to being cut off and surrounded, he disregarded
orders to retire, placed himself in front of his men, led a charge upon
the advancing Indians, regained a commanding position that had just been
vacated, and thus insured a safe withdrawal of both detachments without
further loss."
The medal was officially issued 22
September 1897.
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CLARENCE M. CONDON
Sergeant, United States Army
Battery G, 3d U.S. Army
Near Calulut, Luzon, Philippine Islands
5 November 1899
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida (dually accredited to
Maine)
(City: St. Augustine, Florida)
CITATION: "While in command of a
detachment of 4 men, charged and routed 40 entrenched insurgents,
inflicting on them heavy loss."
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FRANCIS EDWARD ORMSBEE,
JR.
Chief Machinist Mate, United States Navy
Pensacola, Florida
25 September 1918
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Pensacola, Florida)
CITATION: "For extraordinary heroism
while attached to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida on 25
September 1918. While flying with Ensign J.A. Jova, Ormsbee saw a plane
go into a tailspin and crash about three-quarters of a mile to the
right. Having landed nearby, Ormsbee lost no time in going overboard and
made for the wreck, which was all under water except for 2 wing tips. He
succeeded in partially extricating the gunner so that his head was out
of water, and held him in this position until the speedboat arrived.
Ormsbee then made a number of desperate attempts to rescue the pilot,
diving into the midst of the tangled wreckage although cut about the
hands but was too late to save his life."
The medal was officially issued sometime
in late 1918.
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WILLIAM MERRILL CORRY, JR.
Lieutenant Commander, United State Navy
Aide for Aviation,
Staff Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet
Near Hartford, Connecticut
2 October 1920
Died of Injuries, 7 October 1920
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Quincy, Florida)
CITATION: "For heroic service in
attempting to rescue a brother officer from a flame-enveloped airplane.
On 2 October 1920, an airplane in which Lt. Comdr. Corry was a passenger
crashed and burst into flames. He was thrown clear of the plane and,
though injured, rushed back to the burning machine and endeavored to
release the pilot. In so doing he sustained serious burns, from which he
died 4 days later."
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ALEXANDER RAMSEY NININGER,
JR.
1st Lieutenant, United States Army
Company A, 57th Infantry (Philippine Scouts)
Philippine Division Near Abucay, Bataan, Luzon, Philippine Islands
12 January 1942
Killed in Action, 12 January 1942
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
CITATION: "For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy
near Abucay, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 12 January 1942. This
officer, though assigned to another company not then engaged in combat,
voluntarily attached himself to Company K, same regiment, while that
unit was being attacked by an enemy force superior in firepower. Enemy
snipers in trees and foxholes had stopped a counterattack to regain part
of the position. In hand-to-hand fighting which followed, 2nd Lieutenant
Nininger repeatedly forced his way to and into the hostile position.
Though exposed to heavy enemy fire, he continued to attack with rifle
and handgrenades and succeeded in destroying several enemy groups in
foxholes and enemy snipers. Although wounded 3 times, he continued his
attacks until he was killed after pushing alone far within the enemy
position. When his body was found after recapture of the position, 1
enemy officer and 2 enemy soldiers lay dead around him."
The medal was officially issued 10
February 1942.
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JAMES HENRY MILLS
Private, United States Army
Company F, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Near Cisterna, Italy
24 May 1944
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Fort Meade, Florida)
CITATION: "For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
Pvt. Mills, undergoing his baptism of fire, preceded his platoon down a
draw to reach a position from which an attack could be launched against
a heavily fortified strongpoint. After advancing about 300 yards, Pvt.
Mills was fired on by a machinegun only 5 yards distant. He killed the
gunner with 1 shot and forced the surrender of the assistant gunner.
Continuing his advance, he saw a German soldier in a camouflaged
position behind a large bush pulling the pin of a potato-masher grenade.
Covering the German with his rifle, Pvt. Mills forced him to drop the
grenade and captured him. When another enemy soldier attempted to throw
a handgrenade into the draw, Pvt. Mills killed him with 1 shot. Brought
under fire by a machinegun, 2 machine pistols and 3 rifles at a range of
only 50 feet, he charged headlong into the furious chain of automatic
fire shooting his M-1 from the hip. The enemy was completely demoralized
by Pvt. Mills' daring charge, and when he reached a point within 10 feet
of their position, all 6 surrendered. As he neared the end of the draw,
Pvt. Mills was brought under fire by a machine gunner 20 yards distant.
Despite the fact that he had absolutely no cover, Pvt. Mills killed the
gunner with 1 shot. Two enemy soldiers near the machine gunner fired
wildly at Pvt. Mills and then fled. Pvt. Mills fired twice, killing 1 of
the enemy. Continuing on to the position, he captured a fourth soldier.
When it became apparent that an assault on the strongpoint would in all
probability cause heavy casualties on the platoon, Pvt. Mills
volunteered to cover the advance down a shallow ditch to a point within
50 yards of the objective. Standing on the bank in full view of the
enemy less than 100 yards away, he shouted and fired his rifle directly
into the enemy position. His ruse worked exactly as planned. The enemy
centered its fire directly on Pvt. Mills. Tracers passed within inches
of his body, rifle and machinegun fire ricocheted off rocks at his feet.
Yet he stood there firing until his rifle was empty. Intent on covering
the movement of his platoon, Pvt. Mills jumped into the draw, reloaded
his weapon, climbed out again, and continued to lay down a base of fire.
Repeating his action 4 times, he enabled his platoon to reach the
designated spot undiscovered, from which position it assaulted and
overwhelmed the enemy, capturing 22 Germans and taking the objective
with out casualties.
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ROBERT EDWARD FEMOYER
2ND Lieutenant, United States Army Air Corps
711th Bomb Squadron, 447th Bomb Group (Heavy)
Air Mission, Meresburg, Germany
2 November 1944
Died of Wounds, 2 November 1944
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
CITATION: "For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
near Meresburg, Germany, on 2 November 1944. While on a mission, the
bomber, of which 2nd Lt. Femoyer was the navigator, was struck by 3
enemy anti-aircraft shells. The plane suffered serious damage and 2nd
Lt. Femoyer was severely wounded in the side and back by shell fragments
which penetrated his body. In spite of extreme pain and great loss of
blood, he refused an offered injection of morphine. He was determined to
keep his mental facilities clear in order to enable him to see his
charts and instruments. He successfully directed the navigation of his
lone bomber for 2-1/2 hours so well it avoided enemy flak and returned
to the field without further damage. Only when the plane had arrived in
the safe area over the English Channel did he feel that he had
accomplished his objective; then, and only then, he permitted an
injection of a sedative. He died shortly after being removed from the
plane. The heroism and self-sacrifice of 2nd Lt. Femoyer are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army".
The medal was officially cited in orders
9 May 1945.
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DAVID MCCAMPBELL
Commander, United States Navy
Commanding Air Group 15, USS ESSEX
First and Second Battles of the Philippine Sea
19 June and 24 October 1944
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: West Palm Beach, Florida)
CITATION: "For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as
Commander, Air Group 15, during combat against enemy Japanese aerial
forces in the First and Second Battles of the Philippine Sea. An
inspiring leader, fighting boldly in the face of terrific odds, Comdr.
McCampbell led his fighter planes against a force of 80 Japanese
carrier-based aircraft bearing down on our fleet on 19 June 1944.
Striking fiercely in valiant defense of our surface force, he personally
destroyed 7 hostile planes during this single engagement in which the
outnumbering attack force was utterly routed and virtually annihilated.
During a major fleet engagement with the enemy on 24 October, Comdr.
McCampbell, assisted by but 1 plane, intercepted and daringly attacked a
formation of 60 hostile land-based craft approaching our forces.
Fighting desperately but with superb skill against such overwhelming
airpower, he shot down 9 Japanese planes and, completely disorganizing
the enemy group, forced the remainder to abandon the attack before a
single aircraft could reach the fleet. His great personal valor and
indomitable spirit of aggression under extremely perilous combat
conditions reflect the highest credit upon Comdr. McCampbell and the US
Naval Service."
The medal was officially presented 10
January 1945.
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THOMAS BUCHANAN MCGUIRE
JR.
Major, United States Army Air Corps
13th Air Force, Far Eastern Air Force
Luzon, Philippine Islands
25-26 December 1944
Killed in Action, 7 January 1945
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Sebring, Florida)
CITATION: "He fought with conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity over Luzon, Philippine Islands, Voluntarily,
he led a squadron of 15 P-38's as top cover for heavy bombers striking
Mabalacat Airdrome, where his formation was attacked by 20 aggressive
Japanese fighters. In the ensuing action he repeatedly flew to the aid
of embattled comrades, driving off enemy assaults while himself under
attack and at that time outnumbered 3 to 1, and even after his guns
jammed, continuing the fight by forcing a hostile plane into his
wingman's line of fire. Before he started back to his base, he had shot
down 3 Zeros. The next day he again volunteered to lead escort fighters
on a mission to strongly defended Clark Field. During the resultant
engagement he again exposed himself to attacks so that he might rescue a
crippled bomber. In rapid succession he shot down 1 aircraft, parried
the attack of 4 enemy fighters, 1 of which he shot down, single-handedly
engaged 3 more Japanese, destroying 1, then shot down still another, his
38th victory in aerial combat. On January 7, 1945, while leading a
voluntary fighter sweep over Los Negros Island, he risked an extremely
hazardous maneuver at low altitude in an attempt to save a fellow flyer
from attack, crashed, and was reported missing in action. With gallant
initiative, deep and unselfish concern for the safety of others, and
heroic determination to destroy the enemy at all costs, Major McGuire
set an inspiring example in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service.
The medal was officially
presented to McGuire's family 8 May 1946.
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ROBERT MILLER MCTUREOUS JR.
Private, United States Marine Corps
Company H, 3rd Battalion, 29th Marine Regiment 6th Marine Division
Okinawa, Ryuku Islands
7 June 1945
Died of Wounds, 11 June 1945
Officially Accredited to the State of
Florida
(City: Altoona, Florida)
CITATION: "For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty,
while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 29th Marines, 6th Marine Division,
during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa in the Ryuku
Chain, 7 June 1945. Alert and ready for any hostile counteraction
following his company's seizure of an important hill objective, Pvt.
McTureous was quick to observe the plight of company stretcher bearers
who were suddenly assailed by slashing machine-gun fire as they
attempted to evacuate wounded at the rear of the newly won position.
Determined to prevent casualties, he quickly filled his jacket with
handgrenades and charged the enemy-occupied caves from which a
concentrated barrage was emanating. Coolly disregarding all personal
danger as he waged his furious 1-man assault, he smashed grenades into
cave entrances, thereby diverting the heaviest fire from the stretcher
bearers to his own person and, resolutely returning to his own lines
under a blanketing hail of rifle and machine- gun fire to replenish his
supply of handgrenades, dauntlessly continued his systematic reduction
of Japanese strength until he himself sustained serious wounds after
silencing a large number of hostile guns. Aware of his own critical
condition and unwilling to further endanger the lives of his comrades,
he stoically crawled a distance of 200 yards to a sheltered position
within friendly lines before calling for aid. By his fearless initiative
and bold tactics, Pvt. McTureous had succeeded in neutralizing the enemy
fire, killing 6 Japanese troops and effectively disorganizing the
remainder of the savagely defending garrison. His outstanding valor and
heroic spirit of self-sacrifice during a critical stage of operations
reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.
The medal was officially presented to
Pvt. McTureous next of kin 6 August 1945.
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BALDOMERO LOPEZ
1ST Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps
Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment 1st Marine Division
Inchon, Republic of Korea
15 September 1950
Killed in Action, 15 September 1950
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Tampa, Florida)
CITATION: "For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as
a rifle platoon commander of Company A, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. With his platoon Lt. Lopez was engaged in the
reduction of immediate enemy beach defenses after landing with the
assault waves. Exposing himself to hostile fire, he moved forward
alongside a bunker and prepared to throw a handgrenade into the next
pillbox whose fire was pinning down that sector of the beach. Taken
under fire by an enemy automatic weapon and hit in the right shoulder
and chest as he lifted his arm to throw, he fell backward and dropped
the deadly missile. After a moment, he turned and dragged his body
forward in an effort to retrieve the grenade and throw it. In critical
condition from pain and loss of blood, and unable to grasp the grenade
firmly enough to hurl it, he chose to sacrifice himself rather than
endanger the lives of his men and, with a sweeping motion of his wounded
right arm, cradled the grenade under him and absorbed the full impact of
the explosion. His exceptional courage, fortitude, and devotion to duty
reflect the highest credit upon 1st Lieutenant Lopez and the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
The medal was officially presented to Lt.
Lopez's next of kin 30 August 1951.
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EMORY L. BENNETT
Private First Class, United States Army
Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Near Sobangsan, Republic of Korea
24 June 1951
Killed in Action, 24 June 1951
Officially Accredited to Florida
(City: Cocoa, Florida)
CITATION: "Pfc. Bennett, a member of Company B, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United
Nations. At approximately 0200 hours, 2 enemy battalions swarmed up the
ridge line in a ferocious banzai charge in an attempt to dislodge Pfc.
Bennett's company from its defensive position. Meeting the challenge,
the gallant defenders delivered destructive retaliation, but the enemy
pressed the assault with fanatical determination and the integrity of
the perimeter was imperiled. Fully aware of the odds against him, Pfc.
Bennett unhesitatingly left his foxhole, moved through withering fire,
stood within full view of the enemy, and, employing his automatic rifle,
poured crippling fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants,
inflicting numerous casualties. Although wounded, Pfc. Bennett gallantly
maintained his 1-man defense and the attack was momentarily halted.
During this lull in battle, the company regrouped for counterattack, but
the numerically superior foe soon infiltrated the position. Upon orders
to move back, Pfc. Bennett voluntarily remained to provide covering fire
for the withdrawing elements, and, defying the enemy, continued to sweep
the charging foe with devastating fire until mortally wounded. His
willing self-sacrifice and intrepid actions saved the position from
being overrun and enabled the company to effect an orderly withdrawal.
Pfc. Bennett's unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty
reflect lasting glory on himself and the military service.
The medal was officially presented to
Pfc. Bennett's next of kin 16 January 1952.
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LARRY EUGENE SMEDLEY
Corporal, United States Marine Corps
Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment 1st Marine Division
(Reinforced) Fleet Marine Force
Near Phoc Ninh, Quang Nam, Province, Republic of Vietnam
20-21 December 1967
Died of Wounds, 21 December 1967
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Orlando, Florida)
CITATION: "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 D, in connection with
operations against the enemy. On the evenings of 20-21 December 1967,
Cpl. Smedley led his 6-man squad to an ambush site at the mouth of Happy
Valley, near Phouc Ninh in Quang Nam Province. Later that night an
estimated 20 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army Regulars, carrying 122
mm rocket launchers and mortars, were observed moving toward Hill 41.
Realizing that this was a significant enemy move to launch an attack on
the vital Danang complex, Cpl. Smedley immediately took sound and
courageous action to stop the enemy threat. After he radioed for a
reaction force, he skillfully maneuvered his men to a more advantageous
position and led an attack on the numerically superior enemy force. A
heavy volume of fire from an enemy machinegun positioned on the left
flank of the squad inflicted several casualties on Cpl. Smedley's unit.
Simultaneously, an enemy rifle grenade exploded nearby, wounding him in
the right foot and knocking him to the ground. Cpl. Smedley disregarded
this serious injury and valiantly struggled to his feet, shouting words
of encouragement to his men. He fearlessly led a charge against an enemy
machinegun emplacement, firing his rifle and throwing grenades, until he
was struck by enemy fire and knocked to the ground. Gravely wounded and
weak from loss of blood, he rose and commenced a 1-man assault against
the enemy position. Although his aggressive and single-handed attack
resulted in the destruction of the machinegun, he was struck in the
chest by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded. Cpl. Smedley's inspiring
and courageous actions, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty
in the face of certain death was in keeping with the highest traditions
of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life for his country."
The medal was officially presented to
Cpl. Smedley's next of kin 20 June 1969.
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CLIFFORD CHESTER SIMS
Staff Sergeant, US Army
Company D, 2nd Battalion (Airborne) 501st Regiment, 101st Airborne
Division
Near Hue, Republic of Vietnam
21 February 1968
Killed in Action, 21 February 1968
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Port St. Joe, Florida)
CITATION: "For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty. S/SGT Sims distinguished himself while serving as a squad
leader with Company D. Company D was assaulting a heavily fortified
enemy position concealed within a densely wooded area when it
encountered strong enemy defensive fire. Once within the wood line,
S/SGT Sims led his squad in a furious attack against the enemy force
which had pinned down the 1st Platoon and threatened to overrun it. His
skillful leadership provided the platoon with freedom of movement and
enabled it to regain the initiative. S/SGT Sims was then ordered to move
his squad to a position where he could provide covering fire for the
company command group and link up with the 3rd Platoon, which was under
heavy enemy pressure. After moving no more than 30 meters, S/SGT Sims
noticed that a brick structure in which ammunition was stocked was on
fire. Realizing the danger, S/SGT Sims took immediate action to move his
squad from this position. Though in the process of leaving the area, 2
members of his squad were injured by the subsequent explosion of the
ammunition, S/SGT Sims' prompt actions undoubtedly prevented more
serious casualties from occurring. While continuing through the dense
woods amidst heavy enemy fire, S/SGT Sims and his squad were approaching
a bunker when they heard the unmistakable noise of a booby trap being
triggered immediately to their front. S/SGT Sims warned his comrades of
the danger and unhesitatingly hurled himself upon the device as it
exploded, taking full impact of the blast. In so protecting his fellow
soldiers, he willingly sacrificed his life. S/SGT Sims' extraordinary
heroism at the cost of his life is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself and the U.S. Army."
The medal was officially presented to
S/SGT Sim's next of kin 2 December 1969.
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NICHOLAS J. CUTINHA
Specialist 4th Class, United States Army
Company C, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Near Gia Dinh, Republic of Vietnam
2 March 1968
Died of Wounds, 2 March 1968
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Fernandina Beach, Florida)
CITATION: "For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty. While serving as a machine gunner with Company C, Sp4c Cutinha
accompanied his unit on a combat mission near Gia Dinh. Suddenly, his
company came under small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and rocket
propelled grenade fire from a battalion size enemy unit. During the
initial hostile attack, communications with the battalion was lost and
the company commander and numerous members of the company became
casualties. When Sp4c Cutinha observed that his company was pinned down
and disorganized, he moved to the front with complete disregard for his
safety, firing his machinegun at the charging enemy. As he moved forward
he drew fire on his own position and was seriously wounded in the leg.
As hostile fire intensified and half of the company was killed or
wounded, Sp4c Cutinha assumed command of all the survivors in his area
and initiated a withdrawal while providing covering fire for the
evacuation of the wounded. He killed several enemy soldiers but
sustained another leg wound when his machinegun was destroyed by
incoming rounds. Undaunted, he crawled through a hail of enemy fire to
an operable machinegun in order to continue the defense of his wounded
comrades who were being administered medical treatment. Sp4c Cutinha
maintained his position, refused assistance, and provided defensive fire
for his comrades until he fell mortally wounded. He was solely
responsible for killing 15 enemy soldiers while saving the lives of at
least 9 members of his own unit. Sp4c Cutinha's gallantry and
extraordinary heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the U.S. Army."
The medal was officially presented to
Sp4c Cutinha's next of kin 7 April 1970.
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CLYDE EVERETT LASSEN
Lieutenant, United States Navy
Helicopter Squadron 7, Detachment 104
Embarked in USS PREBLE, Republic of Vietnam
16 June 1968
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Fort Myers, Florida)
CITATION: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty as pilot and aircraft commander
of a search and rescue helicopter, attached to Helicopter Support
Squadron 7, during operations against enemy forces in North Vietnam.
Launched shortly after midnight to rescue 2 downed aviators, Lt. (then
Lt.(jg)) Lassen skillfully piloted his aircraft over unknown and hostile
terrain to a steep, tree-covered hill on which the survivors had been
located. Although enemy fire was being directed at the helicopter, he
initially landed in a clear area near the base of the hill, but, due to
the dense undergrowth, the survivors could not reach the helicopter.
With the aid of flare illumination, Lt. Lassen successfully accomplished
a hover between 2 trees at the survivors' position. Illumination was
abruptly lost as the last flares were expended, and the helicopter
collided with a tree, commencing a sharp descent. Expertly righting his
aircraft and maneuvering clear, Lt. Lassen remained in the area,
determined to make another rescue attempt, and encouraged the downed
aviators while awaiting resumption of flare illumination. After another
unsuccessful, illuminated rescue attempt, and with his fuel dangerously
low and his aircraft significantly damaged , he launched again and
commenced another approach in the face of continuing enemy opposition.
When flare illumination was again lost, Lt. Lassen, fully aware of the
dangers in clearly revealing his position to the enemy, turned on his
landing lights and completed the landing. On this attempt, the survivors
were able to make their way to the helicopter. En route to the coast, he
encountered and successfully evaded hostile anti-aircraft fire and, with
fuel for only 5 minutes of flight remaining, landed safely aboard the
USS JOUETT."
The medal was officially presented 16
January 1969.
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ROBERT H. JENKINS JR.
Private First Class, United States Marine Corps
3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (Reinforced) Fleet
Marine Force Fire Support Base Argonne,
Near the Demilitarized Zone Republic of Vietnam
5 March 1969
Died of Wounds, 5 March 1969
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Interlachen, Florida)
CITATION: "For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
while serving as a machine gunner with Company C, 3rd Reconnaissance
Battalion, in connection with operations against enemy forces. Early in
the morning Pfc. Jenkins' 12-man reconnaissance team was occupying a
defensive position at Fire Support Base Argonne south of the
Demilitarized Zone. Suddenly, the marines were assaulted by a North
Vietnamese Army platoon employing mortars, automatic weapons, and hand
grenades. Reacting instantly, Pfc. Jenkins and another marine quickly
moved into a 2-man fighting emplacement, and as they boldly delivered
accurate machine gun fire against the enemy, a North Vietnamese soldier
threw a hand grenade into the friendly emplacement. Fully realizing the
inevitable results of his actions, Pfc. Jenkins quickly seized his
comrade, and pushing the man to the ground, he leaped on top of the
marine to shield him from the explosion. Absorbing the full impact of
the detonation, Pfc. Jenkins was seriously injured and subsequently
succumbed to his wounds. His courage, inspiring valor and selfless
devotion to duty saved a fellow marine from serious injury or possible
death and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
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HAMMETT BOWEN, JR.
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army,
Company C, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 27 June 1969
Killed in Action, 27June 1969
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Ocala, Florida)
CITATION: "S/Sgt. Bowen
distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant during combat
operations in Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam. S/Sgt. Bowen's
platoon was advancing on a reconnaissance mission into enemy controlled
terrain when it came under the withering crossfire of small arms and
grenades from an enemy ambush force. S/Sgt. Bowen 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
S/Sgt. Bowen and 3 of his men. Sensing the danger to his comrades,
S/Sgt. 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. S/Sgt. Bowen's extraordinary courage and concern
for his men at the cost of his life served as an inspiration to his
comrades and are in the highest traditions of the military service and
the U.S. Army."
The medal was officially presented to
Staff Sergeant Bowen's next of kin 17 July 1974.
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BRUCE WAYNE CARTER
Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps
Company H, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF.
Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 7 August 1969.
Killed in Action, 7 August 1969
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Miami Springs, Florida)
CITATION: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving as grenadier with Company H in connection
with combat operations against the enemy. Pfc. Carter's unit was
maneuvering against the enemy during Operation Idaho Canyon and came
under a heavy volume of fire from a numerically superior hostile force.
The lead element soon became separated from the main body of the squad
by a brush fire. Pfc. Carter and his fellow marines were pinned down by
vicious crossfire when, with complete disregard for his safety, he stood
in full view of the North Vietnamese Army soldiers to deliver a
devastating volume of fire at their positions. The accuracy and
aggressiveness of his attack caused several enemy casualties and forced
the remainder of the soldiers to retreat from the immediate area.
Shouting directions to the marines around him, Pfc. Carter then
commenced leading them from the path of the rapidly approaching brush
fire when he observed a hostile grenade land between him and his
companions. Fully aware of the probable consequences of his action but
determined to protect the men following him, he unhesitatingly threw
himself over the grenade, absorbing the full effects of its detonation
with his body. Pfc. Carter's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative,
and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the
Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in
the service of his country .
The medal was officially
presented to PFC Carter's next of kin on 9 September 1971.
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ROBERT R. INGRAM
Hospital Corpsman Third Class, USN
Company C, 1st Bn, 7th Marines
Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam
28 March 1966
Officially Accredited to the State of Florida
(City: Clearwater, Florida)
For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as Corpsman with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh
Marines against elements of a North Vietnam Aggressor (NVA) battalion in
Quang Ngai Province Republic of Vietnam on 28 March 1966. Petty Officer
Ingram accompanied the point platoon as it aggressively dispatched an
outpost of an NVA battalion. The momentum of the attack rolled off a
ridge line down a tree covered slope to a small paddy and a village
beyond. Suddenly, the village tree line exploded with an intense hail of
automatic rifle fire from approximately 100 North Vietnamese regulars.
In mere moments, the platoon ranks were decimated. Oblivious to the
danger, Petty Officer Ingram crawled across the bullet spattered terrain
to reach a downed Marine. As he administered aid, a bullet went through
the palm of his hand. Calls for "CORPSMAN" echoed across the ridge.
Bleeding, he edged across the fire swept landscape, collecting
ammunition from the dead and administering aid to the wounded. Receiving
two more wounds before realizing the third wound was life-threatening,
he looked for a way off the face of the ridge, but again he heard the
call for corpsman and again, he resolutely answered. Though severely
wounded three times, he rendered aid to those incapable until he finally
reached the right flank of the platoon. While dressing the head wound of
another corpsman, he sustained his fourth bullet wound. From sixteen
hundred hours until just prior to sunset, Petty Officer Ingram pushed,
pulled, cajoled, and doctored his Marines. Enduring the pain from his
many wounds and disregarding the probability of his demise, Petty
Officer Ingram's intrepid actions saved many lives that day. By his
indomitable fighting spirit, daring initiative, and unfaltering
dedications to duty, Petty Officer Ingram reflected great credit upon
himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval
Service.
The medal was officially
presented to Petty Officer Ingram 32 years later, on 10 July 1998.
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ADAM
PAINE
Private, Seminole Negro Indian Scouts
4th U.S. Cavalry
Staked Plains, Texas
20 September 1874
Born in Florida
The Letter of Recommendation submitted by
Col. Mackenzie read in part:
31 August 1875
...(I) "have the honor to designate the
men of the 4th Cavalry who particularly distinguished themselves during
my late campaign against hostile Indians, with the particular act of
gallantry of each and to whom Medals of Honor were suggested to be
awarded, as follows: (There follow seven names and acts, the eighth and
last being)
"Seminole Negro Adam Paine for Gallantry
on September 20th (1874) when attacked by a hugely superior party of
Indians. This man is a scout of great courage."
The medal was officially issued 13
October 1875.
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CECIL HAMILTON
BOLTON
First Lieutenant, United
States Army
Company E, 413th Infantry, 104th Infantry Division
Mark River, Holland
2 November 1944
Officially Accredited to the State of Alabama
(Born: Crawfordville,
Florida)
CITATION:
“As leader of the weapons platoon of Company E, 413th
Infantry, on the night of 2 November 1944, he fought gallantly in a
pitched battle which followed the crossing of the Mark River in Holland.
When two machineguns pinned down his company, he tried to
eliminate, with mortar fire, their grazing fire which was inflicting
serious casualties and preventing the company’s advance from an
area rocked by artillery shelling.
In the moonlight it was impossible for him to locate accurately
the enemy’s camouflaged positions; but he continued to direct fire until
wounded severely in the legs and rendered unconscious by a German shell.
When he recovered consciousness he instructed his unit and then
crawled to the forward rifle platoon positions.
Taking a two-man bazooka team on his voluntary mission, he
advanced chest deep in chilling water along a canal toward one enemy
machinegun. While the
bazooka team covered him, he approached alone to within 15 yards of the
hostile emplacement in a house.
He charged the remaining distance and killed the two gunners with
hand grenades. Returning to
his men he led them through intense fire over open ground to assault the
second German machinegun.
An enemy sniper who tried to block the way was dispatched, and the trio
pressed on. When discovered
by the machinegun crew and subjected to direct fire, 1st Lt.
Bolton killed one of the three gunners with carbine fire, and his two
comrades shot the others.
Continuing to disregard his wounds, he led the bazooka team toward an 88
mm. Artillery piece which was having telling effect on the American
ranks, and approached once more through icy canal water until he could
dimly make out the gun’s silhouette. Under his fire direction, the two soldiers knocked out the
enemy weapon with rockets.
On the way back to his own lines he was again wounded.
To prevent his men being longer subjected to deadly fire, he
refused aid and ordered them back to safety, painfully crawling after
them until he reached his lines, where he collapsed.
1st Lt. Bolton’s heroic assaults in the face of
vicious fire, his inspiring leadership, and continued aggressiveness
even through suffering from serious wounds, contributed in large measure
to overcoming strong enemy resistance and made it possible for his
battalion to reach its objective.
The medal was
officially presented September 1, 1945.
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THOMAS
ROLLAND NORRIS
Lieutenant, United States Navy
SEAL Advisor, Strategic Technical Directorate Assistance Team
Headquarters, U.S. Military Assistance Command
Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam
10 to 13 April 1972
Officially Accredited to the State of Maryland
(Born: Jacksonville, Florida)
Citation:
“Lt. Norris completed an unprecedented ground rescue of two
downed pilots deep within heavily controlled enemy territory in Quang
Tri Province. Lt. Norris,
on the night of 10 April, led a five-man patrol through 2,000 meters of
heavily controlled enemy territory, located one of the downed pilots at
daybreak, and returned to the Forward Operating Base (FOB).
On 11 April, after a devastating mortar and rocket attack on the
small FOB, Lt. Norris led a three-man team on two unsuccessful rescue
attempts for the second pilot. On the afternoon of the 12th, a forward air
controller located the pilot and notified Lt. Norris.
Dressed in fishermen disguises and using a sampan, Lt. Norris and
one Vietnamese traveled throughout that night and found the injured
pilot at dawn. Covering the
pilot with bamboo and vegetation, they began the return journey,
successfully evading a North Vietnamese patrol.
Approaching the FOB, they came under heavy machinegun fire.
Lt. Norris called in an air strike
which provided suppression fire and a smoke screen, allowing the
rescue party to reach the FOB.
By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, undaunted
courage, and selfless dedication in the fact of extreme danger, Lt.
Norris enhanced the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.”
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