Medal of Honor: Melvin Morris, Vietnam War, September 17, 1969

Name: Melvin Morris
Rank: Staff Sergeant
War: Vietnam War
Date of Action: September 17, 1969
Unit: 3rd Company, 3rd Battalion, IV Mobile Strike Force
Place: Near Chi Lang, Vietnam
Born: January 7, 1942, Okmulgee, Oklahoma

Summary of Action

On September 17, 1969, Staff Sergeant Melvin Morris was commanding the 3rd Company of the IV Mobile Strike Force near Chi Lang when his unit came under heavy enemy fire. A fellow soldier was killed in action, and without hesitation, Morris led a daring advance across enemy lines to retrieve his comrade. Moving through a storm of bullets, he personally destroyed enemy bunkers that had pinned down his battalion, fighting with relentless determination despite overwhelming odds.

As he carried American casualties back toward friendly lines, Morris was struck by enemy fire—once, twice, then a third time. Yet he refused to stop. Bleeding and in tremendous pain, he pressed forward, dragging his comrades to safety. His selfless courage and indomitable spirit not only saved lives but rallied his men in the face of fierce resistance.

Morris’ actions went unrecognized for decades, a reflection of the discrimination faced by many African American soldiers during Vietnam. Finally, in 2014, his heroism was rightfully honored with the Medal of Honor, affirming his place among America’s greatest warriors.

Official Medal of Honor Citation

Melvin Morris is being recognized for his valorous actions on Sept. 17, 1969, while commanding the Third Company, Third Battalion of the IV Mobile Strike Force near Chi Lang. Then-Staff Sgt. Morris led an advance across enemy lines to retrieve a fallen comrade and single-handedly destroyed an enemy force that had pinned his battalion from a series of bunkers. Staff Sgt. Morris was shot three times as he ran back toward friendly lines with the American casualties, but did not stop until he reached safety.