Today in Medal of Honor History: Ingman and Kinsman

Today in Medal of Honor history:

Feb. 6, 1968: While on a reconnaisance-in-force mission near Vinh Long, Vietnam, Army Private First Class Thomas J. Kinsman dove on a grenade to shield his comrades from the blast. His actions saved seven of his teammates, and he was able to recover from his injuries.

Multiple servicemen have used their bodies to shield comrades from injuries in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and hardly any have been recognized with the Medal of Honor.

Feb. 6, 1951: When enemy fire pinned down the two leading squads of the company’s assault platoon in Maltari, Korea, Army Corporal Einar H. Ingman, Jr. reorganized the squads and led them on a charge against the enemy. He single-handedly charged two enemy machine gun positions, killing the enemy with grenades, rifle fire, and his bayonet before collapsing from his severe wounds. Ingman’s actions resulted in over 100 enemy troops fleeing the battle, and his squad went on to secure the objective.

Links to the Medal of Honor citations for both men are found by clicking their names above.