Medal of Honor: Michael John Fitzmaurice – Vietnam War – March 23, 1971

Name: Michael John Fitzmaurice
Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Troop D, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division
Date of Action: March 23, 1971
Location: Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 23 March 1971, at Khe Sanh, Specialist Fourth Class Michael John Fitzmaurice and three fellow soldiers occupied a bunker when a company of North Vietnamese sappers infiltrated the perimeter and launched a violent assault.

At the opening of the attack, three explosive charges were thrown into the bunker.

Recognizing the mortal danger to everyone inside, Fitzmaurice instantly hurled two of the charges back out of the bunker.

With no time left for the third, he threw his flak vest over it and then threw himself on top of the charge.

The blast tore into him, inflicting multiple serious wounds and partially blinding him, but it spared the men beside him.

Instead of seeking aid, Fitzmaurice charged from the bunker and engaged the attackers.

He continued firing until an enemy grenade blast damaged his rifle.

Searching for another weapon, he encountered an enemy sapper and defeated him in hand-to-hand combat.

Armed again, he returned to his fighting position and continued inflicting casualties on the enemy assault force.

Though gravely wounded, he refused evacuation and chose to remain at his post until the attack had been repelled.

His extraordinary courage saved the lives of fellow soldiers and played a decisive role in the successful defense of the position.

Medal of Honor Citation

FITZMAURICE, MICHAEL JOHN

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice, 3d Platoon, Troop D, distinguished himself at Khe Sanh. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and 3 fellow soldiers were occupying a bunker when a company of North Vietnamese sappers infiltrated the area. At the onset of the attack Sp4c. Fitzmaurice observed 3 explosive charges which had been thrown into the bunker by the enemy. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he hurled 2 of the charges out of the bunker. He then threw his flak vest and himself over the remaining charge. By this courageous act he absorbed the blast and shielded his fellow-soldiers. Although suffering from serious multiple wounds and partial loss of sight, he charged out of the bunker, and engaged the enemy until his rifle was damaged by the blast of an enemy hand grenade. While in search of another weapon, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice encountered and overcame an enemy sapper in hand-to-hand combat. Having obtained another weapon, he returned to his original fighting position and inflicted additional casualties on the attacking enemy. Although seriously wounded, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice refused to be medically evacuated, preferring to remain at his post. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice’s extraordinary heroism in action at the risk of his life contributed significantly to the successful defense of the position and resulted in saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. These acts of heroism go above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and the U.S. Army.