EVANS, DONALD W., JR.

Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12 Infantry, 4th Infantry Division

Place: Tri Tam, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 27 January 1967

Entered service at: Covina, California

Born: 23 July 1943, Covina, California

Citation:

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, Sp4c. 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, Sp4c. 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. Sp4c. 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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

--- General / Personal ---

Last name: EVANS

First name: DONALD WARD JR

Home of Record (official): COVINA

State (official): CA

Date of Birth: Friday, July 23, 1943

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Army

Rank: SP4

Serial Number: 56413728

Component: Selective Service

Pay grade: E4

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 91B20

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Thursday, September 22, 1966

Date of Casualty: Friday, January 27, 1967

Age at time of loss: 23

Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died

Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)

Country: South VietNam

Province: Binh Duong

The Wall: Panel 14E - Row 085

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to: Medal Of Honor Recipients