Ruppert L. Sargent-Hampton, VA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 37° 01.236 W 076° 20.118
18S E 381219 N 4097991
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient for action at Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam on March 15, 1967. He was killed in action. He is buried in Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton, VA in the Hampton Section F, Block 1, Site 7596.
Waymark Code: WMXTCC
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 02/24/2018
Views: 0
He was born on January 6, 1938 in Hampton, VA and died on March 15, 1967 in Vietnam. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *SARGENT, RUPPERT L.
• Rank and Organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
• Place and Date: Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 March 1967
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While leading a platoon of Company B, 1st Lt. Sargent was investigating a reported Viet Cong meeting house and weapons cache. A tunnel entrance which 1st Lt. Sargent observed was booby trapped. He tried to destroy the booby trap and blow the cover from the tunnel using hand grenades, but this attempt was not successful. He and his demolition man moved in to destroy the booby trap and cover which flushed a Viet Cong soldier from the tunnel, who was immediately killed by the nearby platoon sergeant. 1st Lt. Sargent, the platoon sergeant, and a forward observer moved toward the tunnel entrance. As they approached, another Viet Cong emerged and threw 2 hand grenades that landed in the midst of the group. 1st Lt. Sargent fired 3 shots at the enemy then turned and unhesitatingly threw himself over the 2 grenades. He was mortally wounded, and his 2 companions were lightly wounded when the grenades exploded. By his courageous and selfless act of exceptional heroism, he saved the lives of the platoon sergeant and forward observer and prevented the injury or death of several other nearby comrades. 1st Lt. Sargent's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services and reflect great credit upon himself 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.