Fearless heroism results in Medal of Honor

The tale takes place in the vicinity of the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam on Nov. 14, 1965.

Two months after arriving with the 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Lt. Walter Marm, serving as a platoon leader, was moving with his company through the valley to relieve a friendly unit surrounded by an enemy force estimated to be regimental in size.

Lt. Marm led his platoon through withering fire until they were forced to take cover. Realizing his platoon could not hold out much longer and seeing four enemy soldiers advancing, he moved quickly under fire and killed all four.

Soon after, his platoon came under machine gun fire. Lt. Marm exposed himself and attempted to destroy the position with an anti-tank weapon. Although he inflicted casualties, the enemy fire continued. Disregarding the intense fire directed at him and his platoon, he charged 30 meters across open ground and hurled grenades into the enemy position, killing about eight Viet Cong.

Severely wounded during the attack and out of grenades, Lt. Marm continued the assault with only his rifle, killing the remaining enemy soldiers. His selfless actions reduced the enemy fire on his platoon and broke the assault.

His gallantry on the battlefield, at great personal risk, is in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. For his heroism, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Roger Gregory served as captain in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. He is a Priest River businessman.