Michael J. Crescenz-Arlington, VA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 52.716 W 077° 03.882
18S E 320900 N 4305330
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient for action at Hiep Duc Valley area, Republic of Vietnam on November 20, 1968. He was killed in action. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 59, Site 3226.
Waymark Code: WMXJBH
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 01/18/2018
Views: 0
He was born on January 14, 1949 in Philadelphia PA and died on November 20, 1968 in Vietnam. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *CRESCENZ, MICHAEL J.
• Rank and Organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division
• Place and date: Hiep Duc Valley area, Republic of Vietnam, 20 November 1968
• Date of Issue: 04/07/1970
Citation: Cpl. Crescenz distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a rifleman with Company A. In the morning his unit engaged a large, well-entrenched force of the North Vietnamese Army whose initial burst of fire pinned down the lead squad and killed the 2 point men, halting the advance of Company A. Immediately, Cpl. Crescenz left the relative safety of his own position, seized a nearby machine gun and, with complete disregard for his safety, charged 100 meters up a slope toward the enemy's bunkers which he effectively silenced, killing the 2 occupants of each. Undaunted by the withering machine gun fire around him, Cpl. Crescenz courageously moved forward toward a third bunker which he also succeeded in silencing, killing 2 more of the enemy and momentarily clearing the route of advance for his comrades. Suddenly, intense machine gun fire erupted from an unseen, camouflaged bunker. Realizing the danger to his fellow soldiers, Cpl. Crescenz disregarded the barrage of hostile fire directed at him and daringly advanced toward the position. Assaulting with his machine gun, Cpl. Crescenz was within 5 meters of the bunker when he was mortally wounded by the fire from the enemy machine gun. As a direct result of his heroic actions, his company was able to maneuver freely with minimal danger and to complete its mission, defeating the enemy. Cpl. Crescenz's bravery and extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Armed Service: Army
|
Visit Instructions:
To properly log your find, post a photograph of the medal recipient's grave marker. Do not place anything on the grave when taking the photo. If you have more information about the recipient please include it in your log.