On June 14, 1968, deep into the jungle of Laos, Sp5 John J. Kedenburg (5th SF Group) was leading a small contingency of South Vietnamese irregulars while conducting a recon patrol when all of the sudden the team was attacked and encircled by a battalion-size NVA force.
After a fierce initial contact, the team managed to break out of the encirclement as Kedenburg conducted a gallant rear guard fight against the pursuing enemy and called for tactical air support and rescue helicopters.
Upon reaching the LZ, the rescue helicopters began extracting the team via drop slings while Kedenburg provided covering fire. As the last helicopter was preparing to lift him out of the area, a South Vietnamese team member who had been unaccounted for after the initial encounter with the enemy appeared in the landing zone.
Kedenburg unhesitatingly gave up his place in the sling to the man and directed the helicopter pilot to leave the area. He then continued to engage the enemy who were swarming into the landing zone, killing 6 enemy soldiers before he died.
At the age of 21, Kedenburgh's inspiring leadership, consummate courage and willing self-sacrifice, earned him the Medal of Honor. #hero #sacrifice #hardcore #stayzero #zerofoxtrot