Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Army

Carmel Bernon Harvey Jr.

Details
  • Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry,
    1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: June 21, 1967
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Binh Dinh 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. Sp4c. Harvey distinguished himself as a fire team leader with Company B, during combat operations. Ordered to secure a downed helicopter, his platoon established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft, but shortly thereafter a large enemy force attacked the position from three sides. Sp4c. Harvey and two members of his squad were in a position directly in the path of the enemy onslaught, and their location received the brunt of the fire from an enemy machine gun. In short order, both of his companions were wounded, but Sp4c. Harvey covered this loss by increasing his deliberate rifle fire at the foe. The enemy machine gun seemed to concentrate on him and the bullets struck the ground all around his position. One round hit and armed a grenade attached to his belt. Quickly, he tried to remove the grenade but was unsuccessful. Realizing the danger to his comrades if he remained and despite the hail of enemy fire, he jumped to his feet, shouted a challenge at the enemy, and raced toward the deadly machine gun. He nearly reached the enemy position when the grenade on his belt exploded, mortally wounding Sp4c. Harvey, and stunning the enemy machine-gun crew. His final act caused a pause in the enemy fire, and the wounded men were moved from the danger area. Sp4c. Harvey's dedication to duty, high sense of responsibility, and heroic actions inspired the others in his platoon to decisively beat back the enemy attack. His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
Medal of Honor Recipient Carmel B. Harvey Jr.
Medal of Honor Recipient Carmel B. Harvey Jr.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: October 16, 1969
    The White House, presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his family
  • Born: October 6, 1946, Montgomery, Fayette County, WV, United States
  • Died: June 21, 1967, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Cedar Park Cemetery (MH) (H-1-SW1/2-9), Chicago, IL, United States
 

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