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Vietnam War
Gave his life
Milton L. Olive III
Private First Class · U.S. Army
U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade
22 October 1965 · Phu Cuong, Republic of Vietnam
- Branch
- U.S. Army
- Era
- Vietnam War
- Home state
- Illinois
- Action
- Phu Cuong, Republic of Vietnam
The citation
Official citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Private First Class 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, Private First Class Olive and 4 other soldiers were moving through the jungle together with a grenade was thrown into their midst. Private First Class 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. Private First Class 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.