Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Vietnam War - U.S. Army
John Earl Warren Jr.
- Rank: First Lieutenant
- Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
- Unit/Command:
Company C, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 22d Infantry,
25th Infantry Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
- Medal of Honor Action Date: January 14, 1969
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Warren distinguished himself at the cost of his life while serving as a platoon leader with Company C. While moving through a rubber plantation to reinforce another friendly unit, Company C came under intense fire from a well-fortified enemy force. Disregarding his safety, 1st Lt. Warren with several of his men began maneuvering through the hail of enemy fire toward the hostile positions. When he had come to within six feet of one of the enemy bunkers and was preparing to toss a hand grenade into it, an enemy grenade was suddenly thrown into the middle of his small group. Thinking only of his men, 1st Lt. Warren fell in the direction of the grenade, thus shielding those around him from the blast. His action, performed at the cost of his life, saved three men from serious or mortal injury. 1st Lt. Warren's ultimate action of sacrifice to save the lives of his men was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
- Accredited to: New York, New York
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: August 6, 1970
The White House, presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his family
- Born: November 16, 1946, Brooklyn, Kings County, NY, United States
- Died: January 14, 1969, Republic of Vietnam
- Buried: Long Island National Cemetery (MH) (0-33144), Farmingdale, NY, United States
- Location of Medal: National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC