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1LT - O2 - Army - Reserve
Length of service 2 years His tour began on Jan 7, 1969 Casualty was on Mar 25, 1969 In HUA NGHIA, SOUTH VIETNAM HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY OTHER CAUSES Body was recovered Panel 28W - Line 34 More information on March 25th, 1969 |
The Highest Honor To Stephen H. Doane
Stephen Holden Doane (October 13, 1947 – March 25, 1969) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Born at Beverley, Massachusetts on October 13, 1947, he earned the Medal of Honor while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division at Hua Nghia Province on March 15, 1969.
He was first buried in the Walton (New York) Cemetery, but was moved to Section 59 of Arlington National Cemetery on July 11, 1980.
Doane joined the Army from Albany, New York, and by March 25, 1969 was serving as a first lieutenant in Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day, in Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, Doane destroyed an enemy bunker by carrying an activated hand grenade into it, sacrificing himself to take out the hostile position.
Born at Beverley, Massachusetts on October 13, 1947, he earned the Medal of Honor while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division at Hua Nghia Province on March 15, 1969.
He was first buried in the Walton (New York) Cemetery, but was moved to Section 59 of Arlington National Cemetery on July 11, 1980.
Doane joined the Army from Albany, New York, and by March 25, 1969 was serving as a first lieutenant in Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day, in Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, Doane destroyed an enemy bunker by carrying an activated hand grenade into it, sacrificing himself to take out the hostile position.
Medal of Honor Citation
STEPHEN HOLDEN DOANE
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and Date: Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, 25 March 1969.
Entered Service at: Albany, N.Y.
Born :13 October 1947, Beverely, Mass.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. First Lt. Doane was serving as a platoon leader when his company, engaged in a tactical operation, abruptly contacted an enemy force concealed in protected bunkers and trenches. Three of the leading soldiers were pinned down by enemy crossfire. One was seriously wounded. After efforts of 1 platoon to rescue these men had failed, it became obvious that only a small group could successfully move close enough to destroy the enemy position and rescue or relieve the trapped soldiers, 1st Lt. Doane, although fully aware of the danger of such an action, crawled to the nearest enemy bunker and silenced it. He was wounded but continued to advance to a second enemy bunker. As he prepared to throw a grenade, he was again wounded. Undaunted, he deliberately pulled the pin on the grenade and lunged with it into the enemy bunker, destroying this final obstacle. 1st Lt. Doane's supreme act enabled his company to rescue the trapped men without further casualties. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to his men and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army .
