Medal of Honor: Douglas B. Fournet – Vietnam War – May 4, 1968

Name: Douglas B. Fournet
Rank: First Lieutenant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Date of Action: May 4, 1968
Location: A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 4 May 1968, First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet distinguished himself during combat operations in the A Shau Valley.

Leading his platoon uphill against fortified enemy positions, his men were suddenly pinned down by intense sniper fire.

Movement became nearly impossible.

Then, a warning rang out.

An enemy claymore mine—aimed directly at the advancing platoon—had been spotted.

Fournet immediately understood the danger.

If the enemy triggered the mine, it would tear through his men at point-blank range.

He had seconds to act.

Ordering his men to take cover, he moved forward alone—running uphill toward the deadly device.

Drawing his knife as he approached, he placed himself directly between the mine and his platoon.

His intention was clear.

Cut the control wires.

Stop the detonation.

Save his men.

With complete disregard for his own life, he used his body as a shield as he reached for the wires.

At that moment, the enemy detonated the mine.

The explosion killed him instantly.

But his sacrifice worked.

The men closest to the blast were only slightly wounded.

What would have been catastrophic loss of life was reduced to survivable injuries.

In a single, deliberate act, he absorbed the full force of the explosion to protect his platoon.

His courage, selflessness, and willingness to give everything for his men reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

FOURNET, DOUGLAS B.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Fournet, Infantry, distinguished himself in action while serving as rifle platoon leader of the 2d Platoon, Company B. While advancing uphill against fortified enemy positions in the A Shau Valley, the platoon encountered intense sniper fire, making movement very difficult. The right flank man suddenly discovered an enemy claymore mine covering the route of advance and shouted a warning to his comrades. Realizing that the enemy would also be alerted, 1st Lt. Fournet ordered his men to take cover and ran uphill toward the mine, drawing a sheath knife as he approached it. With complete disregard for his safety and realizing the imminent danger to members of his command, he used his body as a shield in front of the mine as he attempted to slash the control wires leading from the enemy positions to the mine. As he reached for the wire the mine was detonated, killing him instantly. Five men nearest the mine were slightly wounded, but 1st Lt. Fournet’s heroic and unselfish act spared his men of serious injury or death. His gallantry and willing self-sacrifice are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.