From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:
*OLIVE, MILTON L. III
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade.
Place and date: Phu Cuong, Republic of Vietnam, 22 October 1965. Entered service
at: Chicago, Ill. Born: 7 November 1946, Chicago, Ill. C.O. No.: 18, 26 April
1966. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Olive was a member of the 3d
Platoon of Company B, as it moved through the jungle to find the Viet Cong
operating in the area. Although the platoon was subjected to a heavy volume of
enemy gunfire and pinned down temporarily, it retaliated by assaulting the Viet
Cong positions, causing the enemy to flee. As the platoon pursued the
insurgents, Pfc. Olive and 4 other soldiers were moving through the jungle
together with a grenade was thrown into their midst. Pfc. Olive saw the grenade,
and then saved the lives of his fellow soldiers at the sacrifice of his by
grabbing the grenade in his hand and falling on it to absorb the blast with his
body. Through his bravery, unhesitating actions, and complete disregard for his
safety, he prevented additional loss of life or injury to the members of his
platoon. Pfc. Olive's extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and
reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
Milton Lee Olive III became the first African-American recipient of the Medal of Honor for Vietnam. His unit, 2/503rd Infantry and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team continue to serve our Nation today.
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