Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Army

Walter Joseph Marm Jr.

Details
  • Rank: Second Lieutenant (rank at time of presentation: First Lieutenant; highest rank: Colonel)
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry,
    1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 14, 1965
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: vicinity of Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. As a platoon leader in the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), 1st Lt. Marm demonstrated indomitable courage during a combat operation. His company was moving through the valley to relieve a friendly unit surrounded by an enemy force of estimated regimental size. 1st Lt. Marm led his platoon through withering fire until they were finally forced to take cover. Realizing that his platoon could not hold very long, and seeing four enemy soldiers moving into his position, he moved quickly under heavy fire and annihilated all four. Then, seeing that his platoon was receiving intense fire from a concealed machine gun, he deliberately exposed himself to draw its fire. Thus locating its position, he attempted to destroy it with an antitank weapon. Although he inflicted casualties, the weapon did not silence the enemy fire. Quickly, disregarding the intense fire directed on him and his platoon, he charged 30 meters across open ground and hurled grenades into the enemy position, killing some of the eight insurgents manning it. Although severely wounded, when his grenades were expended, armed with only a rifle, he continued the momentum of his assault on the position and killed the remainder of the enemy. 1st Lt. Marm's selfless actions reduced the fire on his platoon, broke the enemy assault, and rallied his unit to continue toward the accomplishment of this mission. 1st Lt. Marm's gallantry on the battlefield and his extraordinary intrepidity at the risk of his life are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: December 19, 1966

    The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of the Army Stanley R. Resor

  • Born: November 20, 1941, Washington, Washington County, PA, United States
 
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