US Army SP4 Michael Fitzmaurice: Medal of Honor Recipient Vietnam War

On March 23, 1971, during a violent nighttime attack at Khe Sanh, Vietnam, Specialist Four Michael Fitzmaurice of the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, performed one of the most selfless acts of the war.

As a North Vietnamese sapper unit infiltrated the perimeter, Fitzmaurice and three other soldiers were inside a bunker when three explosive charges landed at their feet. Without hesitation, he hurled two of the explosives out of the bunker, then threw his flak vest over the third and covered it with his own body. The blast tore into him, causing multiple severe injuries and partial blindness—but it saved the lives of the men around him.

Wounded and dazed, he still refused to back down. He fought his way out of the bunker, engaging the enemy until a grenade disabled his rifle. In a moment of raw grit, he killed a sapper in hand-to-hand combat, secured a new weapon, and returned to the fight.

Though gravely injured, Fitzmaurice refused medical evacuation and stayed with his unit to repel the assault. His actions were instrumental in saving lives and holding the line.

For his gallantry, Specialist Michael Fitzmaurice was awarded the Medal of Honor.

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.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more true stories of American military heroes.

Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Video/Photo Courtesy https://www.dvidshub.net/ *The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Copyright © 2025 Duty & Valor. All rights reserved.