Medal of Honor, Kenneth L. Worley, Vietnam War, August 12, 1968
In the darkness of a quiet ambush site, grenades suddenly clattered across the floor. Without hesitation, Lance Corporal Kenneth L. Worley made the ultimate choice—throwing himself upon one to shield his fellow Marines from certain death.
August 12, 2025
Kenneth L. Worley
Vietnam War
August 12, 1968
Summary of Action:
On the early morning of August 12, 1968, Lance Corporal Kenneth L. Worley was serving as a machine gunner with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in Bo Ban Hamlet, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam. His unit had established a night ambush position inside a house, with security posted while the rest of the Marines rested in preparation for their watch rotations.
Suddenly, the stillness was shattered by the platoon leader’s urgent cry—“Grenades!” In that instant, Worley recognized the mortal danger to everyone inside. With complete disregard for his own life, he hurled himself onto the grenade closest to his fellow Marines, absorbing the full, devastating blast with his body. The explosion killed him instantly but shielded his comrades from serious injury; the remaining grenades detonated, causing only minor wounds to five Marines. His instantaneous sacrifice preserved the lives of those around him and stands as an enduring act of selfless valor.
Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with Company L, 3d Battalion, in action against enemy forces. After establishing a night ambush position in a house in the Bo Ban, Hamlet of Quang Nam Province, security was set up and the remainder of the patrol members retired until their respective watch. During the early morning hours the marines were abruptly awakened by the platoon leader’s warning that “grenades” had landed in the house. Fully realizing the inevitable result of his actions, L/Cpl. Worley, in a valiant act of heroism, instantly threw himself upon the grenade nearest him and his comrades, absorbing with his body, the full and tremendous force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved his comrades from serious injury and possible loss of life although 5 of his fellow marines incurred minor wounds as the other grenades exploded. L/Cpl. Worley’s gallant actions upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
