*OLIVE, MILTON L. III
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne
Brigade. Place and Date: Phu Cuong, Republic of Vietnam, 22 October 1965.
Entered service at: Chicago, Ill. Born: 7 November 1946, Chicago, Ill. G.O.
No.: 18, 26 April 1966.
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.
