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Donald Ward Evans Jr.

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Donald Ward Evans Jr. Famous memorial Veteran

Birth
Covina, Los Angeles County, California, USA
Death
27 Jan 1967 (aged 23)
Vietnam
Burial
Glendora, Los Angeles County, California, USA GPS-Latitude: 34.1122, Longitude: -117.8753
Memorial ID
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Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously (presented to his family) from Secretary of the Army Stanley A. Resor at the Pentagon on June 4, 1968, for his actions as a specialist four combat medic with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, US Army, on January 27, 1967, at Tri Tam, South Vietnam. He joined the US Army in 1965 and following his combat training, he was sent to South Vietnam where, on January 27, 1967, he was killed during a firefight when he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to treat and evacuate wounded soldiers, despite being seriously wounded himself. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. He left his position of relative safety with his platoon which had not yet been committed to the battle to answer the calls for medical aid from the wounded men of another platoon which was heavily engaged with the enemy force. Dashing across 100 meters of open area through a withering hail of enemy fire and exploding grenades, he administered lifesaving treatment to 1 individual and continued to expose himself to the deadly enemy fire as he moved to treat each of the other wounded men and to offer them encouragement. Realizing that the wounds of 1 man required immediate attention, Sp4 Evans dragged the injured soldier back across the dangerous fire-swept area, to a secure position from which he could be further evacuated. Miraculously escaping the enemy fusillade, Sp4 Evans returned to the forward location. As he continued the treatment of the wounded, he was struck by fragments from an enemy grenade. Despite his serious and painful injury he succeeded in evacuating another wounded comrade, rejoined his platoon as it was committed to battle and was soon treating other wounded soldiers. As he evacuated another wounded man across the fire covered field, he was severely wounded. Continuing to refuse medical attention and ignoring advice to remain behind, he managed with his waning strength to move yet another wounded comrade across the dangerous open area to safety. Disregarding his painful wounds and seriously weakened from profuse bleeding, he continued his lifesaving medical aid and was killed while treating another wounded comrade. Sp4 Evan's extraordinary valor, dedication and indomitable spirit saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers, served as an inspiration to the men of his company, were instrumental in the success of their mission, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country."
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously (presented to his family) from Secretary of the Army Stanley A. Resor at the Pentagon on June 4, 1968, for his actions as a specialist four combat medic with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, US Army, on January 27, 1967, at Tri Tam, South Vietnam. He joined the US Army in 1965 and following his combat training, he was sent to South Vietnam where, on January 27, 1967, he was killed during a firefight when he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to treat and evacuate wounded soldiers, despite being seriously wounded himself. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. He left his position of relative safety with his platoon which had not yet been committed to the battle to answer the calls for medical aid from the wounded men of another platoon which was heavily engaged with the enemy force. Dashing across 100 meters of open area through a withering hail of enemy fire and exploding grenades, he administered lifesaving treatment to 1 individual and continued to expose himself to the deadly enemy fire as he moved to treat each of the other wounded men and to offer them encouragement. Realizing that the wounds of 1 man required immediate attention, Sp4 Evans dragged the injured soldier back across the dangerous fire-swept area, to a secure position from which he could be further evacuated. Miraculously escaping the enemy fusillade, Sp4 Evans returned to the forward location. As he continued the treatment of the wounded, he was struck by fragments from an enemy grenade. Despite his serious and painful injury he succeeded in evacuating another wounded comrade, rejoined his platoon as it was committed to battle and was soon treating other wounded soldiers. As he evacuated another wounded man across the fire covered field, he was severely wounded. Continuing to refuse medical attention and ignoring advice to remain behind, he managed with his waning strength to move yet another wounded comrade across the dangerous open area to safety. Disregarding his painful wounds and seriously weakened from profuse bleeding, he continued his lifesaving medical aid and was killed while treating another wounded comrade. Sp4 Evan's extraordinary valor, dedication and indomitable spirit saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers, served as an inspiration to the men of his company, were instrumental in the success of their mission, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country."

Bio by: William Bjornstad


Inscription

Californa
SP 4 HHC 12 INF 4 INF Div
Vietnam
Medal of Honor - Purple Heart



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  • Maintained by: Find a Grave
  • Added: Dec 22, 2002
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7028121/donald_ward-evans: accessed ), memorial page for Donald Ward Evans Jr. (23 Jul 1943–27 Jan 1967), Find a Grave Memorial ID 7028121, citing Oakdale Memorial Park, Glendora, Los Angeles County, California, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.