257:. While in search of another weapon, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice encountered and overcame an enemy sapper in hand-to-hand combat. Having obtained another weapon, he returned to his original fighting position and inflicted additional casualties on the attacking enemy. Although seriously wounded, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice refused to be medically evacuated, preferring to remain at his post. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice's extraordinary heroism in action at the risk of his life contributed significantly to the successful defense of the position and resulted in saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. These acts of heroism go above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and the U.S. Army.
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threw his flak vest and himself over the remaining charge. By this courageous act he absorbed the blast and shielded his fellow-soldiers. Although suffering from serious multiple wounds and partial loss of sight, he charged out of the bunker, and engaged the enemy until his rifle was damaged by the blast of an enemy
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infiltrated the area. At the onset of the attack Sp4c. Fitzmaurice observed 3 explosive charges which had been thrown into the bunker by the enemy. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he hurled 2 of the charges out of the bunker. He then
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For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SPC. Fitzmaurice, 3d
Platoon, Troop D, distinguished himself at Khe Sanh. Spc4. Fitzmaurice and 3 fellow soldiers were occupying a bunker when a company of
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and body to protect other soldiers. Seriously wounded and partially blinded by the blast, he then continued to fight the enemy. After his rifle was damaged by a second explosive blast, Fitzmaurice proceeded to acquire another rifle from a
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The Medal of Honor being presented to SP4 Michael J. Fitzmaurice by
President Richard M. Nixon at the White House, while members of his family and another recipient look on.
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Fitzmaurice joined the South Dakota Army and Air
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sapper, defeating him with his bare hands, and continued to fight, refusing medical evacuation.
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Fitzmaurice survived his wounds, discharged in 1972 and was subsequently awarded the
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soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the
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368:"Michael Fitzmaurice, Medal of Honor recipient, is a reluctant hero"
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Specialist
Fitzmaurice's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
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US Army
Specialist 4, Medal of Honor & Purple Heart (1971)
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1969-1972 (US Army), 1987-2011 (South Dakota
National Guard)
382:"Michael Fitzmaurice: Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient"
354:"Michael Fitzmaurice: Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient"
304:"Michael Fitzmaurice: Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient"
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List of Medal of Honor recipients for the
Vietnam War
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145:Michael John Fitzmaurice
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221:Medal of Honor citation
185:101st Airborne Division
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123:Vietnam War
396:Categories
339:2009-09-21
290:References
67:Allegiance
51:1950-03-09
205:Viet Cong
200:flak vest
262:See also
192:Khe Sanh
75:Service/
250:sappers
129:Awards
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95:Rank
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39:1971
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