List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War
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The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, the Vietnam Conflict, and the American War in Vietnam, took place from 1965 to 1973. It was fought between the communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the anticommunist Republic of Vietnam. The est conclues by the defeat of the United States, which had backed the latter.[1]
The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War. It is the highest military decoration presented by the US government to a member of its armed forces. Recipients must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. The nature of the medal makes it commonly be presented after the recipient has been killed (posthumously).[2]
During the Vietnam War, 248 Medals of Honor were received of which 156 were presented posthumously. Soldiers of the US Army received the most, at 161. The US Marines got 57, the US Navy had 16, and the remaining 14 went to the US Air Force.[3] The first medal of the war was presented to Roger H. C. Donlon for rescuing and administering first aid to several wounded soldiers and for leading a group against an enemy force.[4] The first African American recipient during the war was Milton L. Olive, III, who sacrificed himself to save others by smothering a grenade with his body.[5] Riley L. Pitts was killed after attacking an enemy force with rifle fire and grenades and was the first African American commissioned officer of the war to receive the medal.[6] Thomas Bennett was a conscientious objector who received the medal for his actions as a medic.[7] Three chaplains received the medal, including Vincent R. Capodanno, who served with the Marine Corps and was known as the grunt padre.[8]