Medal of Honor: Rodney J. Evans – Vietnam War, July 18, 1969

Name: Rodney J. Evans
Rank: Sergeant
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), U.S. Army
Date of Action: July 18, 1969
Location: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action:
On July 18, 1969, just one day after his 21st birthday, Sergeant Rodney J. Evans led his squad through the dense, jungle-choked terrain of Tay Ninh Province during a reconnaissance mission against a heavily fortified enemy position. The thick vegetation concealed deadly threats, and every step forward carried the risk of sudden violence.

As the platoon moved along a well-worn jungle trail, their forward scout halted—the path ahead was booby-trapped. Without hesitation, Evans took charge, guiding his men onto a safer, parallel route. But just as they resumed their cautious advance, an explosion rocked the jungle—a nearby squad had triggered a hidden mine.

In the chaos that followed, Evans spotted another explosive device, just yards from his position.  Without regard for his own safety, he shouted a warning to his men, dove to the ground, and crawled directly toward the mine, determined to protect them. As he reached it, an enemy soldier detonated the device.

Evans absorbed the full force of the blast, sacrificing himself to shield his squad from almost certain death or injury. His final act was one of instinctive bravery and pure selflessness, a split-second decision that saved lives and echoed with the values of honor, leadership, and sacrifice.

His courage under fire and his willingness to lay down his life for others left an indelible mark on the men who served beside him. Sergeant Evans' legacy endures—not just in the medal he was awarded, but in the lives he preserved and the standard he set for what it means to lead.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Evans distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while serving as a squad leader in a reconnaissance sweep through heavy vegetation to reconnoiter a strong enemy position. As the force approached a well-defined trail, the platoon scout warned that the trail was booby-trapped. Sgt. Evans led his squad on a route parallel to the trail. The force had started to move forward when a nearby squad was hit by the blast of a concealed mine. Looking to his right Sgt. Evans saw a second enemy device. With complete disregard for his safety he shouted a warning to his men, dived to the ground and crawled toward the mine. Just as he reached it an enemy soldier detonated the explosive and Sgt. Evans absorbed the full impact with his body. His gallant and selfless action saved his comrades from probable death or injury and served as an inspiration to his entire unit. Sgt. Evans’ gallantry in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.