Michael John Fitzmaurice

Shielding comrades and fighting on at Khe Sanh

Michael John Fitzmaurice was an Army specialist fourth class with Troop D, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division. During an attack at Khe Sanh, South Vietnam, on March 23, 1971, enemy sappers threw three explosive charges into his bunker. He threw two outside, then covered the remaining charge with his flak vest and body.

Despite severe wounds and impaired sight, Fitzmaurice left the bunker to fight, obtained another weapon after his rifle was damaged and returned to his position. His actions protected fellow soldiers and helped defend the area. Born in Jamestown, North Dakota, on March 9, 1950, he received the Medal of Honor in October 1973.

Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice, 3d Platoon, Troop D, distinguished himself at Khesanh. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and three fellow soldiers were occupying a bunker when a company of North Vietnamese sappers infiltrated the area. At the onset of the attack Sp4c. Fitzmaurice observed three 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 two of the charges out of the bunker. He then 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 hand grenade. 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.