Then Spec. 5 Dwight W. Birdwell took action as North Vietnamese forces launched the opening assault of what would come to be known as the Tet Offensive, marked by coordinated attacks across Vietnam on U.S. troops, South Vietnamese soldiers and their allies. Birdwell’s unit was called on to repel an attack on a major military installation, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, and was ambushed on the way. Birdwell took charge after his tank commander was gravely wounded, laying down suppressive fire as North Vietnamese soldiers shot at him. Birdwell was hit by shrapnel but kept fighting. Eventually, he was ordered to board a helicopter to evacuate, but he crawled out the opposite side of the aircraft and went back to fighting.
Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Learn Their Stories
Explore Living Recipients
Ronald E. Ray
Vietnam War
1966 - Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam
James C. McCloughan
Vietnam War
1969 - Tam Ky, Nui Yon Hill, Vietnam
Alfred V. Rascon
Vietnam War
1966 - Long Khanh Province, Vietnam
Walter J. Marm Jr.
Vietnam War
1965 - vicinity of Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam
Sammy L. Davis
Vietnam War
1967 - Firebase Cudgil, west of Cai Lay, Republic of Vietnam
Peter C. Lemon
Vietnam War
1970 - Fire Support Base Illingworth, Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam