Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Honolulu Hawaii, he entered the U.S. Army at Norfolk, Virginia and was a graduate of West Point. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while a prisoner of war during the period of 29 October 1963 to 26 September 1965 in the Republic of Vietnam. While accompanying a Civilian Irregular Defense Group patrol engaged in combat operations in Thoi Binh District, An Xuyen Province, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Versace and the CIDG assault force were caught in an ambush. Their position was overrun and he was severely wounded. He resisted capture with the last of his strength but was eventually taken prisoner by the Viet Cong. Versace demonstrated exceptional leadership to the tenets of the Code of Conduct from the time he entered into a prisoner of war status. Captain Versace assumed command of his fellow American prisoners and organized escape attempts. Versace scorned the enemy's exhaustive interrogation and indoctrination efforts, and inspired his fellow prisoners to resist as well. The last time that any of his fellow prisoners heard from him, Captain Versace was singing God Bless America at the top of his voice from his isolation box. Unable to break his indomitable will, Captain Versace was executed by the Viet Cong. His body was never recovered. Captain Versace’s Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously and accredited to the state of Virginia.
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Honolulu Hawaii, he entered the U.S. Army at Norfolk, Virginia and was a graduate of West Point. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while a prisoner of war during the period of 29 October 1963 to 26 September 1965 in the Republic of Vietnam. While accompanying a Civilian Irregular Defense Group patrol engaged in combat operations in Thoi Binh District, An Xuyen Province, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Versace and the CIDG assault force were caught in an ambush. Their position was overrun and he was severely wounded. He resisted capture with the last of his strength but was eventually taken prisoner by the Viet Cong. Versace demonstrated exceptional leadership to the tenets of the Code of Conduct from the time he entered into a prisoner of war status. Captain Versace assumed command of his fellow American prisoners and organized escape attempts. Versace scorned the enemy's exhaustive interrogation and indoctrination efforts, and inspired his fellow prisoners to resist as well. The last time that any of his fellow prisoners heard from him, Captain Versace was singing God Bless America at the top of his voice from his isolation box. Unable to break his indomitable will, Captain Versace was executed by the Viet Cong. His body was never recovered. Captain Versace’s Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously and accredited to the state of Virginia.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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