Frank A. Herda Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

SPECIALIST FOURTH CLASS

FRANK ALOYSIOUS HERDA

ARMY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Specialist Fourth Class [then Private First Class] Frank Aloysious Herda (ASN: US-51832564), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Dak To, Quang Trang Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 June 1968. Specialist Fourth Class Herda distinguished himself while serving as a grenadier with Company A. Company A was part of a battalion-size night defensive perimeter when a large enemy force initiated an attack on the friendly units. While other enemy elements provided diversionary fire and indirect weapons fire to the west, a sapper force of approximately 30 men armed with hand grenades and small charges attacked Company A’s perimeter from the east. As the sappers were making a last, violent assault, five of them charged the position defended by Specialist Fourth Class Herda and two comrades, one of whom was wounded and lay helpless in the bottom of the foxhole. Specialist Fourth Class Herda fired at the aggressors until they were within ten feet of his position and one of their grenades landed in the foxhole. He fired one last round from his grenade launcher, hitting one of the enemy soldiers in the head, and then, with no concern for his safety, Specialist Fourth Class Herda immediately covered the blast of the grenade with his body. The explosion wounded him grievously, but his selfless action prevented his two comrades from being seriously injured or killed and enabled the remaining defender to kill the other sappers. By his gallantry at the risk of his life in the highest traditions of the military service, Specialist Fourth Class Herda has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Born: 13 Sep 1947, Cleveland, Oh.