| |
Harvey, Carmel Bernon, Jr. |
|
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Binh Dinh
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 21 June 1967. Entered service at:
Chicago, Ill. Born: 6 October 1946, Montgomery, W. Va.
Citation... For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty. Sp4c. Harvey distinguished himself as a fire team
leader with Company B, during combat operations. Ordered to secure a
downed helicopter, his platoon established a defensive perimeter
around the aircraft, but shortly thereafter a large enemy force
attacked the position from 3 sides. Sp4c. Harvey and 2 members of
his squad were in a position directly in the path of the enemy
onslaught, and their location received the brunt of the fire from an
enemy machine gun. |
 | |
In short order, both of his companions were wounded, but Sp4c. Harvey covered this loss by increasing his deliberate rifle fire at the foe. The enemy machine gun seemed to concentrate on him and the bullets struck the ground all around his position. One round hit and armed a grenade attached to his belt. Quickly, he tried to remove the grenade but was unsuccessful. Realizing the danger to his comrades if he remained and despite the hail of enemy fire, he jumped to his feet, shouted a challenge at the enemy, and raced toward the deadly machine gun. He nearly reached the enemy position when the grenade on his belt exploded, mortally wounding Sp4c. Harvey, and stunning the enemy machine gun crew. His final act caused a pause in the enemy fire, and the wounded men were moved from the danger area. Sp4c. Harvey's dedication to duty, high sense of responsibility, and heroic actions inspired the others in his platoon to decisively beat back the enemy attack. His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. | |
| |
|
|
