Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

or
  • Filter Recipient Database here
    • Service Branch
    • Conflict / Era
    • Additional Filters
      -  
    or

Vietnam War - U.S. Army

David Paul Nash

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company B, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry,
    9th Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: December 29, 1968
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Giao Duc District, Dinh Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Nash distinguished himself while serving as a grenadier with Company B, in Giao Duc district. When an ambush patrol of which he was a member suddenly came under intense attack before reaching its destination, he was the first to return the enemy fire. Taking an exposed location, Pfc. Nash suppressed the hostile fusillade with a rapid series of rounds from his grenade launcher, enabling artillery fire to be adjusted on the enemy. After the foe had been routed, his small element continued to the ambush site where he established a position with three fellow soldiers on a narrow dike. Shortly past midnight, while Pfc. Nash and a comrade kept watch and the two other men took their turn sleeping, an enemy grenade wounded two soldiers in the adjacent position. Seconds later, Pfc. Nash saw another grenade land only a few feet from his own position. Although he could have escaped harm by rolling down the other side of the dike, he shouted a warning to his comrades and leaped upon the lethal explosive. Absorbing the blast with his body, he saved the lives of the three men in the area at the sacrifice of his life. By his gallantry at the cost of his life and in the highest traditions of the military service, Pfc. Nash has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Medal of Honor Recipient David P. Nash
Medal of Honor Recipient David P. Nash
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: April 7, 1970
    The White House, presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his family
  • Born: November 3, 1947, Whitesville, Daviess County, KY, United States
  • Died: December 29, 1968, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Saint Mary's of the Woods Cemetery (MH), Whitesville, KY, United States
 

Questions? For More Information Contact Us!