Vietnam Medal of Honor Heroes: Expanded and Revised Edition

by Edward F. Murphy

More than 100 compelling, true stories of personal heroism and valor– in a special expanded edition honoring courage in the face of war

Here are dramatic accounts of the fearless actions that earned American soldiers in Vietnam our highest military distinction–the Medal of Honor. Edward F. Murphy, head of the Medal of Honor Historical Society, re-creates the heroic acts of individual soldiers from official documents, Medal of Honor citations, contemporary accounts, and, where possible, interviews with survivors.

Complete with a list of all Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients, this book offers a unique perspective on the war–from the early days of U.S. involvement through the return home of the last soldiers. It pays a fitting tribute to these patriotic, selfless souls.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 12, 1987

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

With his book Vietnam Medal of Honor Heroes, Edward F. Murphy pays homage to the soldiers who earned this prestigious award through their service in the Vietnam War. He also methodically chronicles the events that led to each stage of the war when these brave acts were accomplished. This book provides a broad summary of the Vietnam War timeline sprinkled with the detailed accounts of heroic bravery and selfless acts. It's quite a feat to cable so many short stories into one long narrative, but Murphy achieves that here. It is not light reading, but it is presented well and maintains a good pace. It's not a feel good story by far - though some of the honorees go on to have good lives and good careers, many more died in service of their country or struggled with life post-war. At times it is hard to continue to read about death after death, suffering piled on top of suffering.

The book includes a map of Vietnam in front, along with b&w pictures of the medals. Chapters are broken out in a logical manner and titles and subtitles break up the text nicely. There are appendixes that lay out the statistics and list the recipients and relevant information about them, as well as an index, at the back of the book.

This is a great tribute, put together by a man who truly respects his subjects. It is both inspiring and heart-breaking to learn of how willingly soldiers sacrificed themselves for each other and for their country. Many of these men died in their act of bravery; the author also takes the time to share the fate of those who survived. Take the time to read about these heroes and you'll walk away knowing that they deserved the honor bestowed upon them with the awarding of these medals.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The actions that these military members took are amazing and in many situations beyond comprehension how they could physically keep fighting the fight.

The layout of the book was difficult to understand as some Medal of Honor recipients' names were all in capital letters set off from the beginning of their heroic story, but other recipients' names were just in italics within a paragraph.

[Paul Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

untold accounts of heroes in Vietnam, their gallantry and selfless acts to save their buddies extremely interesting.

[Dewayne Stark · Rating 2 out of 5]

So sad but so many of these tragic story all seem the same.