Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Marine Corps

Allan Jay Kellogg Jr.

Details
  • Rank: Staff Sergeant (rank at presentation: Gunnery Sergeant; highest rank: Sergeant Major)
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company G, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines,
    1st Marine Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: March 11, 1970
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company G, in connection with combat operations against the enemy on the night of 11 March 1970. Under the leadership of G/Sgt. Kellogg, a small unit from Company G was evacuating a fallen comrade when the unit came under a heavy volume of small-arms and automatic-weapons fire from a numerically superior enemy force occupying well-concealed emplacements in the surrounding jungle. During the ensuing fierce engagement, an enemy soldier managed to maneuver through the dense foliage to a position near the marines, and hurled a hand grenade into their midst which glanced off the chest of GSgt. Kellogg. Quick to act, he forced the grenade into the mud in which he was standing, threw himself over the lethal weapon and absorbed the full effects of its detonation with his body, thereby preventing serious injury or possible death to several of his fellow marines. Although suffering multiple injuries to his chest and his right shoulder and arm, G/Sgt. Kellogg resolutely continued to direct the efforts of his men until all were able to maneuver to the relative safety of the company perimeter. By his heroic and decisive action in risking his life to save the lives of his comrades, G/Sgt. Kellogg reflected the highest credit upon himself and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: October 15, 1973

    The White House, presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon

  • Born: October 1, 1943, Bethel, Fairfield County, CT, United States
 
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