Medal of Honor: Douglas E. Dickey – Vietnam War – March 26, 1967

Name: Douglas E. Dickey
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, 3d Marine Division (Reinforced)
Date of Action: March 26, 1967
Location: Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 26 March 1967, during Operation Beacon Hill I, the 2d Platoon was locked in a fierce close-range battle with Viet Cong forces in dense jungle terrain.

Private First Class Douglas E. Dickey had moved forward to replace a radio operator who had been wounded and was receiving treatment from a corpsman.

As the firefight raged around them, an enemy grenade suddenly landed in the middle of a group of Marines.

Among them was the wounded radio operator, unable to move.

There was no time to throw the grenade clear.

Fully understanding the consequences, Dickey acted instantly.

Without hesitation, he hurled himself onto the grenade and absorbed the full force of the explosion with his own body.

He was killed in the act.

His sacrifice saved the lives of several fellow Marines from certain injury or death.

Through his courage, valor, and selfless devotion to others, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

DICKEY, DOUGLAS E.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While participating in Operation Beacon Hill 1, the 2d Platoon was engaged in a fierce battle with the Viet Cong at close range in dense jungle foliage. Pfc. Dickey had come forward to replace a radio operator who had been wounded in this intense action and was being treated by a medical corpsman. Suddenly an enemy grenade landed in the midst of a group of marines, which included the wounded radio operator who was immobilized. Fully realizing the inevitable result of his actions, Pfc. Dickey, in a final valiant act, quickly and unhesitatingly threw himself upon the deadly grenade, absorbing with his body the full and complete force of the explosion. Pfc. Dickey’s personal heroism, extraordinary valor and selfless courage saved a number of his comrades from certain injury and possible death at the cost of his life. His actions reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.