Medal of Honor: Leonard B. Keller - Vietnam War - May 2, 1967

Name: Leonard B. Keller
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company A, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division
Date of Action: May 2, 1967
Location: Ap Bac Zone, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 2 May 1967, Sergeant Leonard B. Keller distinguished himself during combat operations in the Ap Bac Zone of Vietnam.

While sweeping through an area where an ambush had recently occurred, his unit was suddenly hit by intense automatic weapons and small-arms fire from multiple enemy bunkers and snipers concealed in nearby trees.

Pinned down and taking fire from all directions, the situation quickly became critical.

Without hesitation, Keller moved forward under fire to engage the enemy.

Spotting a bunker delivering automatic fire, he maneuvered into position and opened fire, killing a Viet Cong attempting to escape.

Then, in a decisive moment, Keller and another soldier rose from cover and charged directly at the enemy positions.

Exposed to a deadly volume of fire, the two men launched a relentless, close-range assault.

Armed with a light machine gun, Keller suppressed enemy fire while his comrade destroyed the first bunker with a grenade.

They moved immediately to the next.

And the next.

One by one, they attacked and cleared the bunkers.

A third bunker, containing an automatic rifleman pinning down much of the platoon, was overrun and destroyed.

Still pressing forward under constant sniper fire, Keller and his comrade continued their assault, eliminating four more bunkers in rapid succession.

Their attack carried them beyond the enemy line and into the treeline, where snipers broke and fled.

The two men pursued them, driving the remaining enemy away from the friendly unit.

Only when his ammunition was exhausted did Keller return to his platoon.

He immediately shifted from assault to aid—helping evacuate the wounded.

In a matter of minutes, a two-man charge had shattered an entrenched enemy platoon, prevented further American casualties, and turned the tide of the engagement.

Sergeant Keller’s fearless aggression, selfless courage, and indomitable fighting spirit reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

KELLER, LEONARD B.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sweeping through an area where an enemy ambush had occurred earlier, Sgt. Keller’s unit suddenly came under intense automatic weapons and small-arms fire from a number of enemy bunkers and numerous snipers in nearby trees. Sgt. Keller quickly moved to a position where he could fire at a bunker from which automatic fire was received, killing 1 Viet Cong who attempted to escape. Leaping to the top of a dike, he and a comrade charged the enemy bunkers, dangerously exposing themselves to the enemy fire. Armed with a light machine gun, Sgt. Keller and his comrade began a systematic assault on the enemy bunkers. While Sgt. Keller neutralized the fire from the first bunker with his machine gun, the other soldier threw in a hand grenade killing its occupant. Then he and the other soldier charged a second bunker, killing its occupant. A third bunker contained an automatic rifleman who had pinned down much of the friendly platoon. Again, with utter disregard for the fire directed to them, the 2 men charged, killing the enemy within. Continuing their attack, Sgt. Keller and his comrade assaulted 4 more bunkers, killing the enemy within. During their furious assault, Sgt. Keller and his comrade had been almost continuously exposed to intense sniper fire as the enemy desperately sought to stop their attack. The ferocity of their assault had carried the soldiers beyond the line of bunkers into the treeline, forcing snipers to flee. The 2 men gave immediate chase, driving the enemy away from the friendly unit. When his ammunition was exhausted, Sgt. Keller returned to the platoon to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. The 2-man assault had driven an enemy platoon from a well prepared position, accounted for numerous enemy dead, and prevented further friendly casualties. Sgt. Keller’s selfless heroism and indomitable fighting spirit saved the lives of many of his comrades and inflicted serious damage on the enemy. His acts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.