On Dec 6, 1967, Company A from the 12/199th LIB were on a search and destroy mission near Phuoc-Lac, Vietnam when they walked into a deadly ambush.
Within minutes, American casualties began to mount as a reinforced NVA battalion swarmed their position. Amongst the troops, stood Capt. Charles Liteky, an Army Chaplain who always volunteered to go into the bush; without a weapon and often even without kevlar and flak jacket.
During the attack, Liteky rushed under fire and rescued 2 wounded soldiers who were within 15 meters of an enemy MG. He then began moving up and down the line rescuing, providing first aid to the wounded and last rites to the dying. He directed medevacs while completely exposed to enemy fire. In total, he saved the lives of over 20 soldiers despite being wounded several times in the process.
He would receive the Medal of Honor for his courage, making him one of 3 Chaplains to receive it during the war and the only one who would survive to wear it.
After his experiences in Vietnam, Liteky gave up the priesthood and became a pacifist; often speaking out against any war.
In 1986, he left an envelope addressed to President Reagan on the Vietnam Memorial Wall which contained his Medal of Honor. He wrote a clear message against US involvement in Central America and how he was giving back the Medal along with his pension; this made made him the only recipient in history to denounce the Medal of Honor.
The Medal is in display at the National Museum of American History.
#stayzero #zerofoxtrot #vietnamwar #humbling