MOH

Medal of Honor: Donald W. Evans, Jr. – Vietnam War – Republic of Vietnam – January 1967

He ran toward the wounded while others were pinned down by fire. Again and again, he crossed open ground until his strength—and his life—were spent saving others.

January 27, 2026

Name: Donald W. Evans Jr.
Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division
Place: Tri Tam, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Covina, California
Born: Covina, California

Summary of Action

On 27 January 1967, near Tri Tam, Republic of Vietnam, Specialist Fourth Class Donald W. Evans, Jr., serving as a combat medic with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, voluntarily left the relative safety of his own platoon to answer urgent calls for medical aid from another platoon heavily engaged with an enemy force.

Without hesitation, Sp4c. Evans dashed across 100 meters of open ground swept by intense enemy fire and exploding grenades. Reaching the wounded, he administered lifesaving treatment to one soldier and then continued moving from casualty to casualty, fully exposed to enemy fire, treating wounds and offering encouragement. Recognizing that one man required immediate evacuation, he dragged the wounded soldier back across the fire-swept area to a secure position, enabling further medical care.

Miraculously unharmed, Sp4c. Evans returned to the forward area, where he was struck by grenade fragments while treating additional casualties. Despite serious and painful wounds, he evacuated another wounded soldier, then rejoined his platoon as it entered the fight and continued treating the injured. While carrying yet another wounded comrade across the open field, he was again severely wounded.

Refusing medical attention and ignoring repeated advice to remain behind, Sp4c. Evans summoned his remaining strength to rescue still another wounded soldier. Weak from heavy blood loss and suffering from multiple wounds, he continued providing aid until he was killed while treating a fellow soldier. His selfless devotion, repeated acts of courage, and total disregard for his own life saved several comrades and inspired all who witnessed his actions.

Medal of Honor Citation

EVANS, DONALD W., JR.

Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Tri Tam, Republic of Vietnam, 27 January 1967.

Entered service at: Covina, Calif.

Birth: Covina, Calif.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. He left his position of relative safety with his platoon which had not yet been committed to the battle to answer the calls for medical aid from the wounded men of another platoon which was heavily engaged with the enemy force. Dashing across 100 meters of open area through a withering hail of enemy fire and exploding grenades, he administered lifesaving treatment to 1 individual and continued to expose himself to the deadly enemy fire as he moved to treat each of the other wounded men and to offer them encouragement.

Realizing that the wounds of 1 man required immediate attention, Sp4c. Evans dragged the injured soldier back across the dangerous fire-swept area to a secure position from which he could be further evacuated. Miraculously escaping the enemy fusillade, Sp4c. Evans returned to the forward location. As he continued the treatment of the wounded, he was struck by fragments from an enemy grenade. Despite his serious and painful injury he succeeded in evacuating another wounded comrade, rejoined his platoon as it was committed to battle and was soon treating other wounded soldiers.

As he evacuated another wounded man across the fire-covered field, he was severely wounded. Continuing to refuse medical attention and ignoring advice to remain behind, he managed with his waning strength to move yet another wounded comrade across the dangerous open area to safety. Disregarding his painful wounds and seriously weakened from profuse bleeding, he continued his lifesaving medical aid and was killed while treating another wounded comrade. Sp4c. Evans’ extraordinary valor, dedication, and indomitable spirit saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers, served as an inspiration to the men of his company, were instrumental in the success of their mission, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.