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"The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while a member of the [armed forces], distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty

"(1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;

"(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or

"(3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opossing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party."

(III)

PREFACE

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS 1863-1973

The Medal of Honor takes its place in our country's heritage as the highest award for military valor. This recognition by the President in the name of the Congress may only be accorded an individual who "distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."

The history of this medal, the deeds for which it has been awarded, and the men who have earned it are of great interest to the Nation they have served. For while war is ugly and tragic, there is no question that many individuals who are called to battle display outstanding courage and valor and willingness to make sacrifice. The most supreme acts of heroism are recognized with the Medal of Honor.

Every war produces those who stand out as individuals who expressed their unique abilities through acts of uncommon courage and valor. The men who served in the Armed Forces in the conflict in Southeast Asia are no exception.

Since the formation of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs there has been considerable interest expressed in the recipients of the Medal of Honor. This publication prepared by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, records the names and deeds of those outstanding and brave individuals who have been recognized for their acts of heroism by our country's highest award: the Medal of Honor. Over 100 servicemen of the Vietnam era and their acts of courage are chronicled in this revised edition of the 1968 report. It adds the names and other appropriate information concerning those individuals who have received the Medal since 1863 and is complete through 1973. In addition, the format of the book has been rearranged and the content has been revised and brought up to date.

This document covers all recipients in all branches of the service— Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The term "recipients" covers those awardees of the Medal of Honor who are now recognized as lawful holders of the Medal by order of the President. It does not include the 911 names that were stricken from the Medal of Honor Roll by the Army Medal of Honor Board on February 15, 1917, under authority of section 122 of the Army Reorganization Act of June 3, 1916. The Board ruled that these 911 individuals had not performed acts of sufficient merit to earn the award.

A number of people have assisted in the preparation of this document. The committee wishes to express its thanks to: Ms. Muriel Haddock of the Department of Defense; Ms. Jeannie Barrett, Ms.

(V)

Trellis Wright, and Ms. Isabelle Payton, of the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress; and Eugene V. and Dixie C. McAndrews of Baltimore, Md.

Our Nation is founded upon the proud heritage of individual heroism, large and small, public and private. This publication records the names and deeds of those who have continued this tradition in military service, and who for their gallantry and courage have earned the highest military accolade: the Medal of Honor.

VANCE HARTKE,

Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs,

U.S. Senate.

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