Medal of Honor: Peter M. Guenette - Vietnam War - May 18, 1968

Name: Peter M. Guenette
Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company D, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)
Date of Action: May 18, 1968
Location: Quan Tan Uyen Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 18 May 1968, Specialist Fourth Class Peter M. Guenette displayed extraordinary heroism during combat operations in Quan Tan Uyen Province, Republic of Vietnam.

Guenette served as a machine gunner with Company D during a sweep of a suspected enemy base camp.

As the platoon advanced through the dense terrain, it came under light but persistent harassing fire from a well-equipped North Vietnamese delaying force positioned at the entrance to the base camp.

The enemy occupied heavily fortified positions hidden in the jungle.

As the American soldiers moved within ten meters of the bunkers, the enemy fire suddenly intensified.

Recognizing the danger, Guenette and his assistant gunner immediately opened fire with their machine gun to suppress the enemy positions and protect the advancing platoon.

During a brief pause in firing, his assistant gunner prepared to throw a grenade into one of the bunkers.

At that moment, an enemy grenade landed beside Guenette’s position.

Instantly understanding that the explosion would kill or wound several nearby soldiers and destroy the platoon’s machine gun position, Guenette shouted a warning to his comrades.

Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own life, he threw himself directly onto the grenade.

The explosion killed him instantly but shielded the nearby soldiers from the blast.

Through his selfless sacrifice, Guenette saved the lives of at least three fellow soldiers and allowed the platoon to maintain fire superiority during the battle.

Medal of Honor Citation

GUENETTE, PETER M.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Guenette distinguished himself while serving as a machine gunner with Company D, during combat operations. While Sp4c. Guenette’s platoon was sweeping a suspected enemy base camp, it came under light harassing fire from a well equipped and firmly entrenched squad of North Vietnamese Army regulars which was serving as a delaying force at the entrance to their base camp. As the platoon moved within 10 meters of the fortified positions, the enemy fire became intense. Sp4c. Guenette and his assistant gunner immediately began to provide a base of suppressive fire, ceasing momentarily to allow the assistant gunner time to throw a grenade into a bunker. Seconds later, an enemy grenade was thrown to Sp4c. Guenette’s right flank. Realizing that the grenade would kill or wound at least 4 men and destroy the machine gun, he shouted a warning and smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing its blast. Through his actions, he prevented loss of life or injury to at least 3 men and enabled his comrades to maintain their fire superiority. By his gallantry at the cost of his life in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, Sp4c. Guenette has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.