| TEAM VETERAN LEADER ...MEDAL OF HONOR | |
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CITATION The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to Spec 5 John J. Kedenburg13
June 1968 UNITED
STATES ARMY for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Citation: SPECIALIST FIFTH CLASS JOHN J. KEDENBURG, UNITED STATES ARMY, Command and Control Detachment North, Forward Operating Base 2, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Studies and observations Group, distinguished himself on 13 June 1968, deep in enemy controlled territory, as an advisor to a long-range reconnaissance team of South Vietnamese irregular troops. The team was attacked and encircled by a battalion-sized North Vietnamese Army force. After the team managed to break out, Specialist Kedenburg conducted a gallant rear guard fight against the pursuing enemy. His withering fire against the enemy permitted the team to reach a landing zone with the loss of only one man, who was unaccounted for. Specialist Kedenburg and three other members of the team harnessed themselves to the sling of the second hovering helicopter. The South Vietnamese soldier, previously unaccounted for, appeared in the landing zone. Specialist Kedenburg unhesitatingly gave up his place in the sling to the man and directed the pilot to leave the area. He continued then to engage the enemy who were swarming into the landing zone, killing six enemy soldiers before he was overpowered. Specialist Kedenburg's inspiring leadership, consummate courage and willing self-sacrifice permitted his small team to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy while escaping almost certain annihilation. CRITERIA
FOR AWARD The
Medal of Honor, established by Joint Resolution of Congress 12 July 1862
(amended by Act of 9 July 1918 and Act of 25 July 1963) is awarded by
the President in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member of
the Armed Forces, distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life or her life above and
beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of
the United States, while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly
foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed
force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or
self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual
above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life.
Incontestable proof of the performance of service is exacted and
each recommendation for award of this decoration is considered on the
standard of extraordinary merit.
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