Biden Awards Medal of Honor to Vietnam Soldiers for ‘Incredible Heroism’

Dennis M. Fujii, an Army specialist, was a crew chief of a helicopter ambulance that was shot down in Laos in 1971, touchdown within the center of a firefight. Rescue helicopters had been unable to get to the wounded Mr. Fujii, who later waved off extra makes an attempt as too harmful, Mr. Biden advised the viewers on Tuesday. He stayed to have a tendency to different wounded troopers for two days, and when the rescue helicopter was lastly in a position to retrieve him, it too was shot down about 4 miles away, stranding him for two extra days.

“Specialist Fujii downplayed his own contributions and honored the skills of the Allied Vietnamese troops he fought with, simply saying, I quote, ‘I like my job. I like to help other people who need help out there,’” Mr. Biden mentioned after recounting his story. “It’s amazing.”

John J. Duffy, an Army main, repeatedly risked his life in 1972 to direct airstrikes towards the enemy throughout an assault on the eleventh Airborne Battalion, Mr. Biden mentioned. The president mentioned Mr. Duffy remained behind, preventing the enemy, as the bottom was overrun and was the final particular person to evacuate, saving one final soldier who was shot within the foot and had fallen out of a helicopter because it took off. Mr. Duffy jumped out and helped the soldier again onto the helicopter.

Mr. Biden mentioned Mr. Duffy served three excursions in Vietnam and later grew to become profitable writer, as soon as being nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his poetry.

“He is the definition of a warrior poet,” the president mentioned.

Mr. Biden mentioned the 4 awards on Tuesday had been the end result of a congressionally mandated evaluation of the actions of Asian Americans, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout the Korean and Vietnam wars.

“Honestly, it’s been a long journey to this day for those heroes and their families,” Mr. Biden mentioned. “And more than 50 years have passed — 50 years — since the jungles of Vietnam where as young men these soldiers first proved their mettle.”