OLIVE, MILTON L. III

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate)

Place: Phu Cuong, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 22 October 1965

Entered service at: Chicago, Illinois

Born: 7 November 1946, Chicago, Illinois

Citation:

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

Pfc. Olive was a member of the 3d Platoon of Company B, as it moved through the jungle to find the Viet Cong operating in the area. Although the platoon was subjected to a heavy volume of enemy gunfire and pinned down temporarily, it retaliated by assaulting the Viet Cong positions, causing the enemy to flee. As the platoon pursued the insurgents, Pfc. Olive and 4 other soldiers were moving through the jungle together when a grenade was thrown into their midst. Pfc. Olive saw the grenade, and then saved the lives of his fellow soldiers at the sacrifice of his by grabbing the grenade in his hand and falling on it to absorb the blast with his body. Through his bravery, unhesitating actions, and complete disregard for his safety, he prevented additional loss of life or injury to the members of his platoon. Pfc. Olive's extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: OLIVE
First name: MILTON LEE III
Home of Record (official): CHICAGO
State (official): IL
Date of Birth: Thursday, November 7, 1946
Sex: Male
Race: Negro
Marital Status: Single

--- Military ---

Branch: Army
Rank: PFC
Serial Number: 16810165
Component: Regular
Pay grade: E3
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B1P

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Saturday, June 5, 1965
Date of Casualty: Friday, October 22, 1965
Age at time of loss: 18
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Other explosive device (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Unknown/Not Reported
The Wall: Panel 02E - Row 131

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