It was a long and bitter struggle between South Vietnam and North Vietnam’s communist regime that had the United States support. Wider hostilities between the US and the USSR during the Cold War worsened it.
More than 3 million people died in the conflict, including over 58,000 Americans, with Vietnamese civilians accounting for a significant share of the deaths. The conflict profoundly affected both Vietnam and American society and had a significant influence on public opinion and future US foreign policy. The bravery and sacrifices of some of the most memorable Vietnam War heroes have influenced history and motivated future generations.
Carl Robert Arvin
Bob was born on January 19, 1943, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He was a two-time Silver Star recipient and a distinguished US Army officer. Bob had the best of both worlds at his childhood home in academics and athletics; he excelled. He served as president of his high school class, became an Eagle Scout, and was known for his citizenship.
A promising student, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he excelled both academically and athletically, earning the role of First Captain of the Corps of Cadets. After graduating in 1965, he completed Ranger and Airmaster Jumpmaster schools before joining the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.
In 1967, Bob was dispatched to Vietnam as a military advisor and, during fierce battles, distinguished himself, winning a Silver Star and Purple Heart for acts of bravery. He tragically was killed in action on October 8, 1967, while fighting in Vietnam. Leadership and sacrifice were recognized posthumously by additional awards of a second Silver Star and Purple Heart and promotion to Captain.
Bob’s legacy lives on not only at West Point but also in Arvin Gymnasium, now named after him, and Ypsilanti, where a VFW post bears his name.
Harvey Barnum
Harvey Barnum, Jr., joined the Platoon Leadership Class at St. Anselm College. He officially swore into the Marine Corps on November 12, 1958.
Colonel Harvey C. Barnum, Jr., USMC (Ret), dedicated over 27 years to service, including two combat tours in Vietnam. Just two weeks into his first tour, he earned the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary valor, becoming the fourth Marine to receive it during the war.
In the chaos of battle during the Vietnam War, Lieutenant Harvey Barnum found himself and his company trapped under relentless enemy fire, cut off from their battalion by over 500 meters of open ground. Bullets rained down, and casualties piled up quickly. Despite the danger, Barnum didn’t hesitate. He moved through the battlefield, searching for enemy positions to direct artillery fire. When he found the rifle company commander gravely wounded and the radio operator dead, he rushed to help—offering comfort to the dying officer before taking the radio and stepping into command without a second thought.
Under heavy fire, Barnum rallied the shaken troops, offering them direction and hope in the face of overwhelming odds. Calm and focused, he stood in the open to identify enemy targets, showing a level of courage that inspired everyone around him.
With support from two armed helicopters, he coordinated airstrikes and led a counterattack that drove the enemy back. Once the immediate threat was neutralized, he organized the evacuation of the wounded and fallen before pressing on to secure the battalion’s objective.
Barnum’s fearless leadership and selfless actions embodied the very spirit of the Marine Corps, leaving behind a legacy of honor and bravery.
William M. Bryant
William Maud Bryant was born on February 16, 1933. Cochran, Georgia, where he spent his small, close community and developed a sense of discipline with a responsibility of an early childhood life. William joined the United States Army and started his long-term career in it, which would be promoted to Staff Sergeant after years of distinguished service.
He had struggled hard during his early years in the Army to demonstrate excellence and worked well in a series of roles. This garnered him much respect from peers as well as superiors through professionalism and steadfast dedication. During the onset of the Vietnam War, Bryant had already established himself as a good leader with the tendency to place other needs of the unit over those of his.
In March 1969, Bryant was serving as a platoon leader with Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. During operations in Vietnam, his unit came under heavy enemy fire. Severely outnumbered, Bryant took command and rallied his men to hold their position. Over the period of 34 hours, he exposed himself time and again to enemy fire in directing air strikes, tending to wounded comrades, and distributing ammunition. His leadership and courage were instrumental in repelling the enemy assault.
William M. Bryant was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in this battle. The citation spoke of the very virtues he displayed against such heavy odds: selflessness, leadership, and extraordinary bravery. Bryant’s act as a symbol of ultimate sacrifice inspires countless generations of soldiers to lead honorably and courageously.
George E. Day
George Everett “Bud” Day was born on February 24, 1925, in Sioux City, Iowa. Born in the Great Depression, Day’s upbringing taught him hard work and determination. Day fought as a pilot in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In August 1967, enemy fire struck Day’s F-100 Super Sabre in North Vietnam, where he was ejected with serious injuries and was soon captured by the enemy. He escaped from the prison but was recaptured ten days later.
Day endured torture, beatings, and inhumane living conditions for several years in the notorious “Hanoi Hilton,” but he never surrendered. His example has been a beacon of hope for mankind and an inspiration for his fellow inmates.
Day was imprisoned for more than six years, being released in 1973. The Medal of Honor was awarded to him in 1976 for exceptional valor, leadership, and tenacity. After retiring as a colonel, Day devoted his life to working on behalf of veterans and their families. His legacy stands as an overwhelming testimony of courage, selflessness, and absolute loyalty to the cause of freedom.
Dieter Dengler
Dieter Dengler was born on May 22, 1938, in Wildberg, Germany. He grew up in post-World War II Germany, where adversity and poverty defined his resilience and resourcefulness. He had an early interest in aviation and wanted to be a pilot. Dengler arrived in the United States at age 18, enlisted in the American Air Force, and eventually became a pilot in the Navy.
In February 1966, Dengler was flying an A-1 Skyraider over Laos during the Vietnam War. He flew an aircraft that was struck by hostile fire. The Pathet Lao soldiers quickly grabbed him after he had to crash-land in enemy terrain. Dengler suffered from malnutrition, abuse, illness, and months of harsh confinement. He never gave up on getting out in spite of everything.
Dengler and a few other inmates made an incredible escape from the jungle prison camp in June 1966. American Marines recovered Dengler after he had been in the thick Laotian jungle for 23 days. One of the most inspiring tales of survival and tenacity throughout the Vietnam War was his escape.
Following his return, Dengler kept sharing his experiences to motivate others. Later, his tale was memorialized in the feature film Rescue Dawn and the documentary Little Dieter Needs to Fly. Although Dengler passed away in 2001, his legacy endures as a tribute to bravery and survival instinct.
Roger Donlon
Roger Hugh Charles Donlon was born on January 30, 1934, in Saugerties, New York. Donlon, the youngest of 10 children, grew up in a family that valued hard work and faith.
Donlon eventually became part of the most elite Special Forces, known generally as the Green Berets. In 1964, now a captain, he was deployed in Vietnam and commanded Detachment A-726 of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). His heroic acts would very soon be enshrined into history.
On July 6, 1964, Donlon was in Nam Dong Special Forces Camp when a huge force of Viet Cong attacked his position. He led a small team of American and allied Vietnamese soldiers in a heroic display. Although he was wounded several times, he continued to command the defense of the camp and especially resupplying his men with ammunition, then again treating the wounded and finally throwing himself on a grenade to prevent its explosion from harming others.
He had an excellent military career spanning many decades until he retired as a colonel. This story of Roger Donlon endures as the finest example of selflessness, bravery, and outstanding leadership under fire.
Joseph L. Galloway
Joseph Lee Galloway was born on November 13, 1941, in Refugio, Texas. Rural Texas was where Galloway grew up. Galloway participated in the crucial Battle of Ia Drang in November 1965 while attached to the 1st Cavalry Division of the US Army. He witnessed the chaos and carnage of war over the course of four brutal days. By actively assisting soldiers and even grabbing a rifle to defend their position and evacuate wounded guys under fire, he refused to remain a passive observer. He was awarded a Bronze Star with a “V” decoration for braver.
Galloway continued to work in journalism after the Vietnam War, covering the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Galloway passed away on August 18, 2021.
Carlos Hathcock II
Carlos Norman Hathcock II was born on May 20, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was fascinated as a young child by the idea of serving his country after hearing stories about heroes from World War II.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959 at 17 years old. His aptitude for handling firearms was instantly noticed, and he became one of the marksman and snipers in the field. During the Vietnam War, Hathcock became a legendary figure among the snipers, to the extent that the enemy had begun to fear his exploits.
His career was cut short when, in 1969, he suffered severe burns while trying to rescue fellow Marines from a burning vehicle. He was rewarded with the Silver Star for his bravery.
He retired from the Marine Corps in 1979 because of health reasons. In his later years, he continued to train the new generation of snipers and also advocated for veterans. He died on February 22, 1999, but his legacy continues.
Jimmie E. Howard
Jimmie Earl Howard was born on July 27, 1929, in Burlington, Iowa. He was trained by his parents with high levels of responsibility and patriotism that led to his volunteering for service in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1950. During both Korea and Vietnam wars, Howard was positioned as one of the courageous and brave leaders in history due to his courageous actions.
He was also awarded the Medal of Honor, which became the symbol of the Marine Corps’ valor. The medal was conferred upon him by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the White House on August 21, 1967. His leadership and that of his men at Hill 488 became one of the most celebrated moments of the Vietnam War.
After he retired in 1977 from the Marine Corps, he continued serving with the vets while still wearing proudly the spirit of the Marines’ ethos until he died on 12th November 1993.
Joe M. Jackson
Joe Madison Jackson was born in Newnan, Georgia, on March 14, 1923. He was actively engaged in World War II and the Korean War. During his time of duty in the Vietnam War, he became renowned for extraordinary heroism.
On 12 May 1968, Lieutenant Colonel Jackson was piloting a C-123 Provider transport aircraft when he was ordered to retrieve a three-man combat control team pinned at Kham Duc Airfield in South Vietnam. In the face of anti-aircraft fire and mortar attacks, Jackson landed his plane, brought aboard the pinned crewmen, and then took off, all this while being attacked. For saving these three combat team members from Kham Duc, Jackson received the Medal of Honor awarded by President Lyndon B. Johnson on January 16, 1969.
In 1973, Jackson retired from the Air Force and devoted himself to raising his family and being a part of his community. Joe M. Jackson died on January 12, 2019, at the age of 95, but his legacy will continue with fortitude and sacrifice.
Peter Lemon
Born to Australian parents on 5 June 1950, in the city of Toronto, Canada, Peter Charles Lemon enlisted into the US Army in the year 1969 during the Vietnam War. Naturalized as a US citizen, a way he would emerge as one of the youngest living members to receive the Medal of Honor by far.
On 1 April 1970, Lemon was serving as a Specialist Four with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He was attacked with his unit at Fire Support Base Illingworth in Tay Ninh Province, South Vietnam. A large force of North Vietnamese soldiers made a nighttime attack on Lemon’s position, where he demonstrated exceptional valor.
Despite being hit several times by enemy fire and shrapnel, Lemon fought bravely. He used machine guns, grenades, and his bare hands to repel the attackers. At one point, he carried a wounded comrade to safety while still under fire. Exhausted and injured, he continued to fight until the enemy withdrew.
For his heroic actions that night, Peter Lemon was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 7, 1971, by President Richard Nixon. His selflessness and bravery epitomized the spirit of service members who faced incredible challenges during the Vietnam War.
After leaving the Army, Lemon went on to a very successful civilian career, becoming an author, motivational speaker, and advocate for veterans. He continues to inspire others to live life with purpose and resilience.
John Lee Levitow
John Lee Levitow was born on November 1, 1945, in Hartford, Connecticut. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1966, following his high school graduation. He was assigned as a loadmaster on AC-47 “Spooky” gunships. This was to prove the moment of time that would establish Levitow as the only enlisted airman to receive the Medal of Honor for the Vietnam War.
On February 24, 1969, over Long Binh, South Vietnam, during a mission, a mortar shell hit Levitow’s aircraft. The explosion wounded all the crew inside the aircraft, causing total chaos. With over 40 shrapnel wounds inflicted on him, Levitow felt a live flare rolling inside the aircraft in a potentially deadly situation.
In complete disregard for his safety, Levitow crawled across the aircraft to secure the flare and threw it out of the plane just before it detonated. His efforts saved the crew and aircraft from destruction.
Levitow received the Medal of Honor from President Richard Nixon in 1970 on Armed Forces Day. In 1970, he retired from the Air Force and devoted the rest of his life to service for veterans. He died on November 8, 2000, but his legend lives on, inspiring generations of Air Force people.
Timothy S. Lowry
Timothy S. Lowry was a highly decorated US Army veteran of the Vietnam War. While details of Lowry’s specific wartime actions are less publicized, his legacy is marked by his dedication to his comrades and his enduring commitment to veterans’ causes.
Lowry became an outspoken advocate for soldiers who served in Vietnam, working tirelessly to ensure they received the recognition and support they deserved. His efforts were instrumental in bringing attention to the medical care, as well as the reintegration into civilian life, that Vietnam veterans faced.
Lowry’s leadership extended beyond his service; he inspired people to support and honor those who served in one of America’s most challenging conflicts.
James McCloughan
James McCloughan was born on April 30, 1946, in South Haven, Michigan. After earning a degree in physical education and sociology, he was drafted into the US Army in 1968. He was assigned as a combat medic with the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 23rd Infantry Division, which distinguished him by his exceptional heroism during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill in May 1969.
During the space of two days, McCloughan consistently exposed himself to certain death in an effort to save wounded comrades. Carrying soldiers to safety while under intense enemy fire, making on-field treatments, and even shielding them from incoming attacks, McCloughan showed unrelenting heroism even after being wounded several times himself refused to be evacuated.
For his exceptional heroism, President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to McCloughan on July 31, 2017. After the military service, he returned to Michigan and became a beloved teacher and coach who spent his life shaping young lives and honoring fallen comrades.
Mike Novosel
Michael J. Novosel Sr. was born on September 3, 1922, in Etna, Pennsylvania. He enlisted during World War II in the US Army Air Corps, but ended up becoming a pilot in the B-29 Superfortresses and flew several combat missions. After World War II, he transitioned to the Air Force but eventually found himself serving in the US Army as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.
On 2 October 1969, serving as a Chief Warrant Officer with the 82d Medical Detachment in South Vietnam’s Kien Tuong Province, Novosel executed an extraordinary medevac mission into an apparently densely defended combat area while receiving intense enemy fire. He repeatedly piloted his UH-1 Huey helicopter into the combat zone to evacuate wounded soldiers for an entire 15-hour period, rescuing 29 soldiers during this time, exhibiting extraordinary valor and skill.
For his action, Novosel was awarded the Medal of Honor on June 15, 1971, by President Richard Nixon. Saving lives would become the hallmark of a 44-year military career spanning three wars.
Novosel retired in 1985 as one of the most celebrated aviators in US military history. He died on 2 April 2006, but his legacy lives on and represents bravery and selflessness.
Dewey Canyon
Operation Dewey Canyon was a U.S. Marine Corps offensive launched in 1969 during the Vietnam War. The operation targeted the A Shau Valley near the Laotian border, with objectives to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines and eliminate enemy strongholds. The commander of the 3rd Marine Division, based in Da Nang, was Major General Raymond G. Davis.
The Marines fought against tough terrain and enemy resistance that did not abate, but their resolve yielded great success. The operation led to the capture of large quantities of enemy supplies and weapons, which significantly reduced the North Vietnamese Army’s capability in the region.
Dewey Canyon is remembered as one of the most successful Marine operations of the Vietnam War, exhibiting the resilience and tactical skill of the US forces.
Jaime Pacheco
Jaime Pacheco was an excellent soldier during the Vietnam War. After the war, Pacheco remained dedicated to his comrades and eventually became a great veterans’ rights advocate.
He worked hard to ensure that the Vietnam veterans received proper medical care and received due recognition for their sacrifices. The efforts of Pacheco left an indelible mark that helped address the issues of those who were there during the conflict.
William Pitsenbarger
William Hart Pitsenbarger was born on July 8, 1944, in Piqua, Ohio. During the Vietnam War, Pitsenbarger was a pararescueman in the US Air Force and showed extraordinary heroism on April 11, 1966, when he parachuted into a dense forest near Cam My, South Vietnam.
Pitsenbarger descended from his helicopter to assist wounded soldiers on the ground. Despite intense enemy fire, he treated injuries, organized defenses, and refused evacuation to stay with the soldiers. He was killed in action, but his bravery saved many lives.
He received the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2000 for his acts of ultimate sacrifice.
Delbert Schmeling
Delbert Schmeling served with distinguished honor during the Vietnam War. With unwavering commitment to the mission and comrades, he executed his duties faithfully. Serving with the US Army, Schmeling was a major contributor to success in critical missions in tough battlegrounds.
Known for his leadership and resilience, Schmeling earned the respect of his peers and superiors alike. After his service, he became an advocate for Vietnam veterans, ensuring their sacrifices were remembered and honored.
The legacy of Schmeling is service, strength, and dedication to his country and fellow veterans.
Michael Thornton & Tom Norris
Thornton and Norris are recalled as brave military men who had served during the Vietnam War. Their commitment to their duties and fellow comrades demonstrated the highest qualities of military service.
Both showed the audacity of war and really gave themselves to the other men. They were responsible for the success of several missions, as well as for being so selfless in combat.
Their legacy serves to remind one and all of the heroism and sacrifices that were made by uncountable personnel in the Vietnam War.
Thomas Van Putten Sr.
Thomas Van Putten Sr. served with distinction in the Vietnam War, and he was recognized for his bravery and dedication. His contributions on the battlefield were marked by leadership and commitment to his unit.
After his service, Van Putten became a strong advocate for Vietnam veterans, ensuring that they received the support and recognition they deserved. His efforts helped to alleviate the problems that many veterans encountered in civilian life.
Van Putten’s life and service reflect the enduring strength and resilience of those who served in Vietnam.
Rocky Versace
Humbert Roque “Rocky” Versace was born on July 2, 1937, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was a graduate of West Point and a U.S. Army officer who served as an intelligence advisor with the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Vietnam.
In October 1963, on a mission near U Minh Forest, Versace and two other soldiers were ambushed and captured by the Viet Cong. For 23 months, Versace suffered severe treatment, even at one point insisting that he would not cooperate with his captors, sticking stubbornly to loyalty to the United States. His refusal to betray inspired fellow prisoners and even frustrated his captors.
On September 26, 1965, the Viet Cong executed Versace. His outstanding bravery would posthumously earn him the Medal of Honor, which was awarded to him on July 8, 2002, by President George W. Bush. Rocky Versace’s heroism and sacrifice still inspire generations of soldiers and Americans.
The stories of Vietnam War Heroes remind us of the extraordinary power of the human spirit and one person’s influence on many people’s lives. In these heroes’ acts of valor and selflessness, they have created a lasting, beautiful impact on this world and inspired us all to strive for a better tomorrow.
