On June 2, 1967, the Marines from F. Co 2/5 came under heavy fire from a superior NVA force during a search and destroy mission in the Quang Tring Province, Vietnam.
With 2 heavy enemy machineguns and mortars concentrating their fire on an exposed platoon in the rice paddies, their CO Captain James A. Graham boldly led a fierce assault through enemy fire, clearing one MG position and killing 15 of the enemy in close quarter combat even though he was injured 2 separate times. Despite this brief victory, the enemy continued to pour manpower and devastating fire against the Marines.
After hours of fighting and with ammo depleting, Captain Graham ordered the survivors to withdraw to friendly lines, and although knowing that he had no chance of survival, he chose to remain with one man who could not be moved due to the seriousness of his wounds.
The last radio transmission from Captain Graham reported that he was being assaulted by a force of twenty-five enemy; he died while protecting himself and the wounded man he chose not to abandon.
At the only 26 years old, Captain Graham would posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. #leadership #hero #stayzero #zerofoxtrot