FOURNET, DOUGLAS B.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Place: A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam
FOURNET, DOUGLAS B.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion,
7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Place: A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam
Date: 4 May 1968
Entered service at: New Orleans, Louisiana
Born: 7 May 1943, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty.
1st Lt. Fournet, Infantry, distinguished himself in action while serving as rifle platoon leader of the 2nd Platoon, Company B. While advancing uphill against fortified enemy positions in the A Shau Valley, the platoon encountered intense sniper fire, making movement very difficult. The right flank man suddenly discovered an enemy claymore mine covering the route of advance and shouted a warning to his comrades. Realizing that the enemy would also be alerted, 1st Lt. Fournet ordered his men to take cover and ran uphill toward the mine, drawing a sheath knife as he approached it. With complete disregard for his safety and realizing the imminent danger to members of his command, he used his body as a shield in front of the mine as he attempted to slash the control wires leading from the enemy positions to the mine. As he reached for the wire the mine was detonated, killing him instantly. 5 men nearest the mine were slightly wounded, but 1st Lt. Fournet's heroic and unselfish act spared his men of serious injury or death. His gallantry and willing self-sacrifice are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
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--- General / Personal ---
Last name: FOURNET
First name: DOUGLAS BERNARD
Home of Record (official): LAKE CHARLES
State (official): LA
Date of Birth: Friday, May 7, 1943
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Married
--- Military ---
Branch: Army
Rank: 1LT
Serial Number: O5338988
Component: Reserve
Pay grade: O2
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 1542
--- Action ---
Start of Tour: Saturday, March 23, 1968
Date of Casualty: Saturday, May 4, 1968
Age at time of loss: 24
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Other explosive device (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Thua Thien
The Wall: Panel 54E - Row 033
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