Photo of Self Signed by Joseph R Kerrey Medal of Honor Winner Vietnam
1969
Coloured Photo 5 by 7 inches of Joseph R Kerrey.
Personally Signed by Lieutenant Junior Grade Joseph R Kerrey US Naval Reserve,
Sea, Air and Land Team ( SEAL) CMH Congressional Medal of Honor holder Place and Date 14 March 1969 Near Nha Trang Bay, Republic of Vietnam
CITATION
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving as a SEAL team leader during action
against enemy aggressor (Viet Cong) forces. Acting in response to reliable
intelligence, Lt. (j.g.) Kerrey led his SEAL team on a mission to capture
important members of the enemy's area political cadre known to be located on an
island in the bay of Nha Trang. In order to surprise the enemy, he and his team
scaled a 350-foot sheer cliff to place themselves above the ledge on which the
enemy was located. Splitting his team in two elements and coordinating both,
Lt. (j.g.) Kerrey led his men in the treacherous downward descent to the
enemy's camp. Just as they neared the end of their descent, intense enemy fire
was directed at them, and Lt. (j.g.) Kerrey received massive injuries from a
grenade which exploded at his feet and threw him backward on the jagged rocks.
Although bleeding profusely and suffering great pain, he displayed outstanding
courage and presence of mind in immediately directing his element's fire into
the heart of the enemy camp. Utilizing his radioman, Lt. (j.g.) Kerrey called
in a second element's fire support which caught the confused Viet Cong in a
devastating crossfire. After successfully suppressing the enemy's fire, and
although immobilized by his multiple wounds, he continued to maintain calm,
superlative control as he ordered his team to secure and defend an extraction
site. Lt. (j.g.) Kerrey resolutely directed his men, despite his
near-unconscious state, until he was eventually evacuated by helicopter. The
havoc brought to the enemy by this very successful mission cannot be
over-estimated. The enemy soldiers who were captured provided critical
intelligence to the allied effort. Lt. (j.g.) Kerrey's courageous and inspiring
leadership, valiant fighting spirit, and tenacious devotion to duty in the face
of almost overwhelming opposition sustain and enhance the finest traditions of
the U.S. Naval Service.
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