Medal of Honor: Rodney J. T. Yano – Vietnam War, January 1, 1969

Rodney James Takahashi Yano
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
Date of Action: January 1, 1969
Location: Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action:
On New Year’s Day, 1969, SFC Rodney Yano flew aboard the command-and-control helicopter of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment as it circled over dense jungle in the thick of battle. With enemy troops dug in and returning fire from below, Yano leaned out of the aircraft, exposed and under constant fire, marking enemy positions with smoke and white phosphorus grenades. His accurate spotting allowed devastating artillery strikes to be called in—turning the tide of the firefight below.

Then disaster struck.

A white phosphorus grenade exploded prematurely inside the aircraft. The blast tore into Yano—blinding him, ripping through his body, and scattering flaming chemicals across the helicopter cabin. Ammunition began to cook off. Smoke choked the cockpit. The pilot lost visual control. The entire aircraft was seconds from destruction.

Yano could have collapsed. Instead, he fought back.

With one usable arm, partially blind and burning alive, he began throwing flaming ammunition out of the aircraft—round by round, clawing through the chaos. His actions saved the crew, gave the pilot back his vision, and allowed the helicopter to regain control and escape the fight.

SFC Yano died from his wounds shortly after. But because of his sacrifice, everyone else on that aircraft lived.

Medal of Honor Citation:
*"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

SFC Yano distinguished himself while serving with the Air Cavalry Troop. He was the crew chief aboard the command-and-control helicopter supporting troop operations against a well-entrenched enemy force. He delivered suppressive fire and marked enemy positions with smoke and white phosphorus grenades from his exposed position.

A grenade exploded prematurely, wounding SFC Yano and covering him with burning phosphorus. The explosion ignited supplies and ammunition inside the helicopter, filling the aircraft with dense smoke and causing a loss of flight control. Despite his wounds and partial blindness, SFC Yano began throwing the burning ammunition from the aircraft, further injuring himself.

His actions cleared the smoke, restored visibility, and allowed the pilot to regain control.

SFC Yano’s extraordinary heroism and selfless devotion to duty saved the lives of his comrades and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army."*