Medal of Honor: Walter J. Marm Jr. – Vietnam War, November 14, 1965

Walter Joseph Marm Jr.
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Date of Action: November 14, 1965
Location: Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action:
In the choking heat of the Ia Drang Valley, where the tall elephant grass concealed death and the air pulsed with the crack of rifles and machine guns, First Lieutenant Walter J. Marm Jr. etched his name into history through raw courage and self-sacrifice.

On November 14, 1965 — the opening day of the first major battle between American troops and North Vietnamese regulars — Lt. Marm’s platoon was tasked with relieving a surrounded friendly unit under overwhelming enemy fire. Pinned down by a regimental-sized force, with his men in immediate danger of being encircled, Marm rose to meet the impossible.

When four enemy soldiers closed in on their position, Marm advanced alone under a hail of gunfire and eliminated them, buying his platoon precious seconds. Moments later, a well-hidden enemy machine gun nest unleashed devastating fire. Undeterred, Marm deliberately exposed himself to locate the source — drawing its aim so others might see it. He fired a LAW (Light Anti-Tank Weapon) but failed to silence the gun.

Then came the moment that defined him: charging 30 meters across open terrain through withering fire, he hurled grenades into the enemy position. Bleeding, his grenades exhausted, Marm pressed forward with only his rifle — finishing the fight at close range and eliminating the crew. Severely wounded and barely standing, he still refused evacuation until the position was secured.

His fearless assault not only saved lives — it shifted the momentum of the battle. For his valor, Lt. Marm was awarded the Medal of Honor — the first Army recipient of the Vietnam War. His legacy lives on not just in citation, but in every soldier who learned that one man’s courage can change the course of a battle.

Medal of Honor Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Marm distinguished himself while serving with Company A. His unit was moving through the Ia Drang Valley to relieve a friendly unit surrounded by a numerically superior enemy force. Encountering heavy fire from a concealed machinegun, he deployed his men and moved forward to locate and destroy the enemy position. Finding the fire too intense, he moved behind cover and attempted to destroy the position with an antitank weapon. Although this attempt failed, he continued to draw enemy fire to himself, allowing the rest of his platoon to advance. He then charged the position, hurling grenades, killing four enemy soldiers, and eliminating the machinegun fire. Severely wounded in the process, he refused evacuation until the position was secured and his men safely deployed. His selfless actions greatly inspired his men and provided the turning point in the battle. 1st Lt. Marm’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army."