Specialist Fourth Class Michael John Fitzmaurice

Michael John Fitzmaurice, born in Jamestown, North Dakota, in 1950, served with Troop D, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army. On March 23, 1971, at Khe Sanh in the Republic of Vietnam, he and three fellow soldiers were occupying a bunker when a company of North Vietnamese infiltrated the area. After three explosive charges were thrown into the bunker, Fitzmaurice hurled two back out and covered the remaining charge with his flak vest and his own body to shield the others. Though seriously wounded and partially blinded, he left the bunker and fought the enemy until his rifle was damaged, then overcame an enemy combatant in hand-to-hand fighting while seeking another weapon. After securing another weapon, he returned to his original position and inflicted additional casualties on the attackers, then refused medical evacuation and chose to remain at his post despite his wounds.

Minot, North Dakota · United States