Medal of Honor: Kenneth L. Olson – Vietnam War – May 13, 1968

Name: Kenneth L. Olson
Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light)
Date of Action: May 13, 1968
Location: Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 13 May 1968, Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth L. Olson displayed extraordinary heroism while serving as a team leader during combat operations in Vietnam.

His company had moved to reinforce a reconnaissance platoon heavily engaged against a well-entrenched Viet Cong force.

As Olson’s platoon assaulted the enemy positions, they succeeded in overrunning the first line of bunkers.

Believing another enemy defensive line lay ahead, Olson and another soldier pushed forward beyond the platoon to investigate.

Suddenly, intense automatic weapons fire erupted from a concealed enemy bunker only about 10 meters away.

The two men were pinned down.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Olson exposed himself to enemy fire and hurled a grenade into the hostile position.

The bunker continued firing.

Determined to destroy the position, Olson again rose under the intense barrage to launch another assault.

As he prepared to throw a second grenade, enemy fire struck and wounded him.

The activated grenade slipped from his hand and fell directly into the position occupied by Olson and his fellow soldier.

Realizing there was no time to escape, Olson instantly threw himself onto the grenade and pulled it tightly against his own body.

The explosion killed him instantly.

His sacrifice shielded the other soldiers nearby from the blast and saved their lives.

Inspired by Olson’s courage and selflessness, his comrades renewed the assault and completely defeated the enemy force.

His extraordinary heroism reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

OLSON, KENNETH L.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Olson distinguished himself at the cost of his life while serving as a team leader with Company A. Sp4c. Olson was participating in a mission to reinforce a reconnaissance platoon which was heavily engaged with a well-entrenched Viet Cong force. When his platoon moved into the area of contact and had overrun the first line of enemy bunkers, Sp4c. Olson and a fellow soldier moved forward of the platoon to investigate another suspected line of bunkers. As the 2 men advanced they were pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from an enemy position 10 meters to their front. With complete disregard for his safety, Sp4c. Olson exposed himself and hurled a hand grenade into the Viet Cong position. Failing to silence the hostile fire, he again exposed himself to the intense fire in preparation to assault the enemy position. As he prepared to hurl the grenade, he was wounded, causing him to drop the activated device within his own position. Realizing that it would explode immediately, Sp4c. Olson threw himself upon the grenade and pulled it in to his body to take the full force of the explosion. By this unselfish action Sp4c. Olson sacrificed his own life to save the lives of his fellow comrades-in-arms. His extraordinary heroism inspired his fellow soldiers to renew their efforts and totally defeat the enemy force. Sp4c. Olson’s profound courage and intrepidity were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.