In recognition of their extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War, two soldiers are set to receive the Medal of Honor: Army Pfc.
Kenneth J. David and Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr. Their courageous efforts, which include defending a firebase against overwhelming enemy forces and sacrificing their own safety to protect crew members, will be honored in a White House ceremony hosted by President Joe Biden on Friday.
This prestigious award upgrades the Distinguished Service Crosses they previously received for their valorous deeds.
Bravery in A Shau Valley
In the spring of 1970, Pfc.
Kenneth J. David found himself deployed in the treacherous A Shau Valley, Vietnam, as part of a small detachment from the 101st Airborne’s 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment.
This elite unit comprised just 18 soldiers, supplemented only by two additional platoons in the vicinity.
Upon arrival, David and his fellow troops confronted a deeply entrenched enemy, marked by a series of bunkers and an extensive underground hospital that underscored the imminent threat they faced.
David vividly recalls the tense atmosphere; it was palpable that the enemy was lurking close by.
As events unfolded, it became clear that his unit was severely undermanned—an unfortunate reality that would soon manifest when the North Vietnamese Army launched a fierce nighttime offensive on May 7.
During the chaotic fight, David found himself almost alone, injured, yet determined to maintain the defense.
With the help of his comrade Greg Phillips, who also distinguished himself with a Silver Star, David fought tenaciously to hold off the assault.
Though outnumbered, the two soldiers managed to fend off the attackers, who were only able to approach from the front.
In a display of remarkable bravery, David took up automatic fire, even leaving his cover to engage the enemy more directly.
In an act of deep selflessness, he drew enemy fire away from his wounded compatriots, sustaining injuries from an explosion in the process.
His courageous moves enabled the successful evacuation of injured personnel by U.S. helicopters.
Once the fighting subsided and the enemy retreated, David was eventually airlifted to safety for medical treatment.
Heroic Actions of Capt. Nelson
Meanwhile, on June 5, 1966, Capt. Hugh R. Nelson found himself in a harrowing situation.
While piloting a UH-1B Huey helicopter, he came under attack, leading to a crash landing caused by enemy gunfire.
With the enemy nearby—only about 30 feet away—Nelson exhibited astonishing courage by tearing off the helicopter’s door to rescue a fellow crew member.
Risking his life, he also worked to free another crew member trapped in the wreckage, bravely shielding them from enemy fire with his own body.
Despite sustaining multiple wounds during this selfless mission, Nelson’s heroic actions enabled other survivors to call in for assistance from U.S. forces.
In a touching moment, Nelson’s daughter shared how President Biden reached out to inform her about her father’s upcoming honor.
She reminisced about the president’s warm words, noting his compliment regarding her father’s good looks, a sentiment echoed by her mother.
Honoring Their Legacy
The Medal of Honor signifies a profound acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by Kenneth J. David and Hugh R. Nelson, honoring their unwavering dedication and remarkable bravery in the face of danger during their military service.
Source: Taskandpurpose.com