Medal of Honor: Michael R. Blanchfield – Vietnam War, July 3, 1969

Michael R. Blanchfield

Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Company A, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade
Date of Action: July 3, 1969
Location: Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action:
Specialist Fourth Class Michael R. Blanchfield served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade—“Sky Soldiers”—a highly decorated airborne infantry unit that was the first major U.S. Army ground combat unit deployed to Vietnam. Known for their aggressiveness, discipline, and daring, the 173rd carved out a fierce reputation in the Central Highlands and coastal regions, including Binh Dinh Province, where Blanchfield's final act of heroism unfolded.

On July 3, 1969, during a combat patrol in that volatile region, Blanchfield’s platoon had surrounded a group of rural dwellings to search for Viet Cong suspects. While other troops entered one of the huts, Blanchfield stood sentry just outside. Suddenly, a man bolted from the structure, sprinting toward the tree line. Blanchfield reacted instantly, ordering him to halt and firing as the man fled.

In retreat, the suspect hurled a grenade toward the hut. The explosion wounded Blanchfield and several others, but he refused to go down. Bloodied and dazed, he rose again, pursuing the enemy. A second grenade was thrown—this time landing near a group of soldiers and Vietnamese civilians. In an instant, Blanchfield understood what had to be done. Shouting a warning, he dove onto the grenade, shielding everyone around him from the blast. He was killed instantly.

Blanchfield's sacrifice spared the lives of four fellow soldiers and several civilians. He was only 19 years old. In keeping with the best traditions of the "Sky Soldiers," his final act was one of selfless courage, a split-second decision that defined a lifetime of honor.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Blanchfield distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company A on a combat patrol. The patrol surrounded a group of houses to search for suspects. During the search of one of the huts, a man suddenly ran out toward a nearby tree line. Sp4c. Blanchfield, who was on guard outside the hut, saw the man, shouted for him to halt, and began firing at him as the man ignored the warning and continued to run. The suspect suddenly threw a grenade toward the hut and its occupants. Although the exploding grenade severely wounded Sp4c. Blanchfield and several others, he regained his feet to continue the pursuit of the enemy. The fleeing enemy threw a second grenade which landed near Sp4c. Blanchfield and several members of his patrol. Instantly realizing the danger, he shouted a warning to his comrades. Sp4c. Blanchfield unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full and fatal impact of the explosion. By his gallant action and self-sacrifice, he was able to save the lives and prevent injury to four members of the patrol and several Vietnamese civilians in the immediate area. Sp4c. Blanchfield’s extraordinary courage and gallantry at the cost of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.