DOANE, STEPHEN HOLDEN

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division

Place: Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 25 March 1969

Entered service at: Albany, New York

Born: 13 October 1947, Beverly, Massachusetts

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

1st Lt. Doane was serving as a platoon leader when his company, engaged in a tactical operation, abruptly contacted an enemy force concealed in protected bunkers and trenches. 3 of the leading soldiers were pinned down by enemy crossfire, one was seriously wounded. After efforts of 1 platoon to rescue these men had failed, it became obvious that only a small group could successfully move close enough to destroy the enemy position and rescue or relieve the trapped soldiers. 1st Lt. Doane, although fully aware of the danger of such an action, crawled to the nearest enemy bunker and silenced it. He was wounded but continued to advance to a second enemy bunker. As he prepared to throw a grenade, he was again wounded. Undaunted, he deliberately pulled the pin on the grenade and lunged with it into the enemy bunker, destroying this final obstacle. 1st Lt. Doane's supreme act enabled his company to rescue the trapped men without further casualties. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to his men and are in the highest traditions of the U.S.Army.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: DOANE

First name: STEPHEN HELDEN

Home of Record (official): WALTON

State (official): NY

Date of Birth: Monday, October 13, 1947

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Marital Status: Single

--- Military ---

Branch: Army

Rank: 1LT

Serial Number: O5353827

Component: Reserve

Pay grade: O2

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 1542

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Tuesday, January 7, 1969

Date of Casualty: Tuesday, March 25, 1969

Age at time of loss: 21

Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died

Reason: Other causes (Ground casualty)

Country: South VietNam

Province: Hoa Nghia

The Wall: Panel 28W - Row 034

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