Green Beret Finally Receives MOH 40 Years Later:
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris, a Medal of Honor Recipient, was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) during the Vietnam War. Morris earned the Medal of Honor for leading an assault behind enemy lines to retrieve a fallen comrade, single-handedly destroying the enemy.
“On that afternoon, Staff Sgt. Morris’ affiliated companies encountered an extensive enemy mine field and were subsequently engaged by a hostile force. Staff Sgt. Morris learned by radio that a fellow team commander had been killed near an enemy bunker and he immediately reorganized his men into an effective assault posture before advancing forward and splitting off with two men to recover the team commander’s body. Observing the maneuver, the hostile force concentrated its fire on Staff Sgt. Morris’ three-man element and successfully wounded both men accompanying him.
“After assisting the two wounded men back to his forces’ lines, Staff Sgt. Morris charged forward into withering enemy fire with only his men’s suppressive fire as cover. While enemy machine gun emplacements continuously directed strafing fusillades against him, Staff Sgt. Morris destroyed the positions with hand grenades and continued his assault, ultimately eliminating four bunkers.
“Upon reaching the bunker nearest the fallen team commander, Staff Sgt. Morris repulsed the enemy, retrieved his comrade and began the arduous trek back to friendly lines. He was wounded three times as he struggled forward, but ultimately succeeded in returning his fallen comrade to a friendly position.
“Staff Sgt. Morris’ extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.”
Asked about his heroic actions Morris simply replied, “you never leave a soldier behind.”
The Giant Killer book & page honors these incredible war heroes making sure their stories of valor and sacrifice are never forgotten. God Bless our Vets!🇺🇸🇺🇸
