Medal of Honor: James M. Sprayberry - Vietnam War - April 25, 1968

Name: James M. Sprayberry
Rank: Captain (then First Lieutenant)
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company D, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Date of Action: April 25, 1968
Location: Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 25 April 1968, Captain James M. Sprayberry distinguished himself during combat in the Republic of Vietnam.

Serving as executive officer of Company D, he faced a crisis after his company commander and many soldiers were wounded and cut off from the main body of the unit.

A daylight attempt to rescue them had already been driven back by heavy fire from well-entrenched enemy bunkers.

Determined to save the isolated men, Sprayberry organized and led a volunteer night patrol to break through the enemy positions.

Soon after moving out, the patrol came under machine-gun fire.

Quickly placing his men in cover, Sprayberry crawled alone to close range of the bunker and destroyed the gun with a hand grenade.

Spotting several nearby one-man positions, he attacked them with his remaining grenades.

After returning for more ammunition, two grenades were thrown at his patrol from another bunker.

Without hesitation, Sprayberry charged the enemy position and killed its occupants with a grenade.

Placing two men to cover him, he crawled forward again and destroyed three more bunkers.

Moments later, an enemy soldier rushed him from concealment.

Sprayberry killed the attacker with his pistol and immediately continued the assault, neutralizing another emplacement.

He then established radio contact with the isolated wounded soldiers and guided them toward his position.

When the two groups linked up, Sprayberry organized litter teams and began evacuating the casualties.

As the rescue neared completion, he spotted another enemy machine gun and silenced it with a grenade.

Only after securing the patrol did he move the wounded safely back to friendly lines.

The rescue operation lasted approximately seven and a half hours.

His actions saved many lives.

During the mission, Sprayberry personally killed twelve enemy soldiers, eliminated two machine guns, and destroyed numerous bunkers.

Through fearless leadership, relentless courage, and devotion to comrades, James M. Sprayberry reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

SPRAYBERRY, JAMES M.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Sprayberry, Armor, U.S. Army, distinguished himself by exceptional bravery while serving as executive officer of Company D. His company commander and a great number of the men were wounded and separated from the main body of the company. A daylight attempt to rescue them was driven back by the well entrenched enemy’s heavy fire. Capt. Sprayberry then organized and led a volunteer night patrol to eliminate the intervening enemy bunkers and to relieve the surrounded element. The patrol soon began receiving enemy machinegun fire. Capt. Sprayberry quickly moved the men to protective cover and without regard for his own safety, crawled within close range of the bunker from which the fire was coming. He silenced the machinegun with a hand grenade. Identifying several 1-man enemy positions nearby, Capt. Sprayberry immediately attacked them with the rest of his grenades. He crawled back for more grenades and when 2 grenades were thrown at his men from a position to the front, Capt. Sprayberry, without hesitation, again exposed himself and charged the enemy-held bunker killing its occupants with a grenade. Placing 2 men to cover his advance, he crawled forward and neutralized 3 more bunkers with grenades. Immediately thereafter, Capt. Sprayberry was surprised by an enemy soldier who charged from a concealed position. He killed the soldier with his pistol and with continuing disregard for the danger neutralized another enemy emplacement. Capt. Sprayberry then established radio contact with the isolated men, directing them toward his position. When the 2 elements made contact he organized his men into litter parties to evacuate the wounded. As the evacuation was nearing completion, he observed an enemy machinegun position which he silenced with a grenade. Capt. Sprayberry returned to the rescue party, established security, and moved to friendly lines with the wounded. This rescue operation, which lasted approximately 7 1/2 hours, saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. Capt. Sprayberry personally killed 12 enemy soldiers, eliminated 2 machineguns, and destroyed numerous enemy bunkers. Capt. Sprayberry’s indomitable spirit and gallant action at great personal risk to his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.