Unit/Command: 2d Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, 3d Marine Division (Rein) FMF
Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Medal of Honor Action Date: March 26, 1967
Medal of Honor Action Place: near Gio An, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While participating in Operation Beacon Hill 1, the 2d Platoon was engaged in a fierce battle with the Viet Cong at close-range in dense jungle foliage. Pfc. Dickey had come forward to replace a radio operator who had been wounded in this intense action and was being treated by a medical corpsman. Suddenly an enemy grenade landed in the midst of a group of marines, which included the wounded radio operator who was immobilized. Fully realizing the inevitable result of his actions, Pfc. Dickey, in a final valiant act, quickly and unhesitatingly threw himself upon the deadly grenade, absorbing with his body the full and complete force of the explosion. Pfc. Dickey's personal heroism, extraordinary valor and selfless courage saved a number of his comrades from certain injury and possible death at the cost of his life. His actions reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Medal of Honor Recipient Douglas E. Dickey
Additional Details
Accredited to: Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio
Awarded Posthumously: Yes
Presentation Date & Details: April 16, 1968 Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., presented by Sec. of the Navy Paul R. Ignatius to his family
Born: December 24, 1946, Greenville, Darke County, OH, United States
Died: March 26, 1967, Republic of Vietnam
Buried: Brock Cemetery (MH), Brock, OH, United States