Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Vietnam War - U.S. Army

Milton Lee Olive III

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    3d Platoon, Company B, 2d Battalion [Airborne], 503d Infantry,
    173d Airborne Brigade
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: October 22, 1965
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Phu Cuong, Republic of Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Olive was a member of the 3d Platoon of Company B, as it moved through the jungle to find the Viet Cong operating in the area. Although the platoon was subjected to a heavy volume of enemy gunfire and pinned down temporarily, it retaliated by assaulting the Viet Cong positions, causing the enemy to flee. As the platoon pursued the insurgents, Pfc. Olive and four other soldiers were moving through the jungle together when a grenade was thrown into their midst. Pfc. Olive saw the grenade, and then saved the lives of his fellow soldiers at the sacrifice of his by grabbing the grenade in his hand and falling on it to absorb the blast with his body. Through his bravery, unhesitating actions, and complete disregard for his safety, he prevented additional loss of life or injury to the members of his platoon. Pfc. Olive's extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Medal of Honor Recipient Milton L. Olive III
Medal of Honor Recipient Milton L. Olive III
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: April 21, 1966

    The White house, presented by Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson to his family

  • Born: November 7, 1946, Chicago, Cook County, IL, United States
  • Died: October 22, 1965, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: West Grove Baptist Church Cemetery (PMH), Lexington, MS, United States
 

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