Medal of Honor: Joseph G. LaPointe Jr. – Vietnam War – June 2, 1969

Name: Joseph G. LaPointe Jr.
Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division
Date of Action: June 2, 1969
Location: Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 2 June 1969, Specialist Fourth Class Joseph G. LaPointe Jr. displayed extraordinary heroism while serving as a combat medic with the 101st Airborne Division during operations in Quang Tin Province.

Following a helicopter assault landing, LaPointe's patrol advanced through a nearby valley when it suddenly came under intense automatic-weapons fire from a large enemy force occupying a network of fortified bunkers.

In the opening seconds of the engagement, two soldiers at the front of the formation were seriously wounded and left exposed to enemy fire.

When LaPointe heard one of the wounded men calling for help, he immediately rushed forward despite the heavy volume of fire sweeping the area.

To reach the casualties, he was forced to crawl across open ground directly in front of an enemy bunker.

Completely exposed to hostile fire, he reached the wounded soldiers and immediately began administering emergency medical treatment.

While treating one casualty, he positioned his own body to shield the second wounded soldier from enemy fire.

As members of his patrol attempted to suppress the bunker, LaPointe continued working under the most dangerous conditions.

A burst of enemy automatic-weapons fire struck him while he was tending the wounded men.

Despite his wounds, he refused to abandon his patients.

Instead, he continued administering lifesaving aid while remaining exposed to enemy fire.

Moments later, he was hit again and knocked to the ground.

Although seriously wounded, he struggled back into position beside the casualties and continued his efforts to protect and treat them.

Determined to save the lives of the wounded soldiers regardless of the cost, he remained at their side until an enemy grenade exploded among them.

The blast mortally wounded all three men.

LaPointe's selfless courage, devotion to duty, and unwavering commitment to the lives of his fellow soldiers embodied the highest traditions of the United States Army. His sacrifice inspired those who witnessed it and remains one of the most profound examples of battlefield medical heroism during the Vietnam War.

Medal of Honor Citation

LAPOINTE, JOSEPH G., JR.

Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division.

Place and date: Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 June 1969.

Entered service at: Cincinnati, Ohio.

Born: 2 July 1948, Dayton, Ohio.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Lapointe, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman during a combat helicopter assault mission. Sp4c. Lapointe's patrol was advancing from the landing zone through an adjoining valley when it suddenly encountered heavy automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force entrenched in well fortified bunker positions. In the initial hail of fire, 2 soldiers in the formation vanguard were seriously wounded. Hearing a call for aid from 1 of the wounded, Sp4c. Lapointe ran forward through heavy fire to assist his fallen comrades. To reach the wounded men, he was forced to crawl directly in view of an enemy bunker. As members of his unit attempted to provide covering fire, he administered first aid to 1 man, shielding the other with his body. He was hit by a burst of fire from the bunker while attending the wounded soldier. In spite of his painful wounds, Sp4c. Lapointe continued his lifesaving duties until he was again wounded and knocked to the ground. Making strenuous efforts, he moved back again into a shielding position to continue administering first aid. An exploding enemy grenade mortally wounded all 3 men. Sp4c. Lapointe's courageous actions at the cost of his life were an inspiration to his comrades. His gallantry and selflessness are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.