Kern Wayne Dunagan

He Kept Leading After Being Wounded Twice to Bring His Men Out

Kern Wayne Dunagan was born on 20 February 1934 in Superior, Arizona. He served in the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of major. In Vietnam, he commanded Company A, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, Americal Division.

On 13 May 1969, Dunagan led his company in an effort to relieve pressure on the battalion's forward support base in Quang Tin Province. The company came under heavy fire from a larger, entrenched enemy force. Dunagan moved through the danger to identify enemy positions, direct supporting artillery, and position his soldiers. Wounded by a mortar attack, he stayed to oversee the evacuation of casualties and lead the company's withdrawal. He twice went back through fire to rescue critically wounded soldiers and was wounded again. On the following evening, after reaching a friendly perimeter, he went back out to find missing men and carried a wounded soldier to safety. He ensured his wounded received treatment and evacuation before agreeing to leave.

Medal of Honor Citation Summary (Paraphrased): During the fighting of 13 and 14 May 1969, Dunagan continued to command despite severe wounds, organized his company's withdrawal, and repeatedly risked himself to rescue wounded and missing soldiers. His leadership helped save lives and bring the unit to safety.

President Richard Nixon presented Dunagan the Medal of Honor at the White House on 15 June 1971. Kern Dunagan died on 27 December 1991 in Nevada City, California, and was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery.