Medal of Honor: Frank A. Herda – Vietnam War, June 29, 1968

Frank Aloysius Herda
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Company A, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division
Date of Action: June 29, 1968
Location: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action:
As night fell on June 29, 1968, Specialist Fourth Class Frank Herda and his unit of the 101st Airborne found themselves in a fierce firefight while conducting a reconnaissance mission in the rugged hills of Quang Tri Province. Enemy forces had launched a sudden and intense ambush, hurling grenades and unleashing automatic weapons fire against the advancing U.S. troops.

In the darkness and chaos, an enemy grenade landed amidst Herda and three of his fellow soldiers. With only seconds to act, he chose instinct over survival. Shouting a warning to his comrades, Herda threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full blast with his own body to shield those around him. Remarkably, although seriously wounded, he survived the explosion.

His selfless action saved the lives of three fellow soldiers and demonstrated a level of gallantry that transcends the battlefield. For his extraordinary courage and unwavering devotion to his comrades, Frank A. Herda was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Herda distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman with Company A during a night ambush mission. As the platoon was moving into the ambush position, it came under intense enemy grenade attack. One grenade fell near Sp4c. Herda and three fellow soldiers. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, he shouted a warning, threw himself over the grenade, and absorbed the blast with his body.

His gallant action undoubtedly saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and prevented the loss of the platoon’s position. Although seriously wounded by the explosion, Sp4c. Herda retained consciousness and remained calm, displaying exceptional courage throughout. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.