THE WALL OF FACES

James Howard Monroe
Date of birth: October 17, 1944
Date of death: February 16, 1967
Burial location: Wheaton, Illinois
Place of Birth: Illinois, Aurora
Home of record: Chicago Illinois
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Medal of Honor


Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class James Howard Monroe (ASN: 54801435), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Bon Son, Hoai Nhon Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 February 1967. Private First Class Monroe's platoon was deployed in a night ambush when the position was suddenly subjected to an intense and accurate grenade attack, and one foxhole was hit immediately. Responding without hesitation to the calls for help from the wounded men Private First Class Monroe moved forward through heavy small-arms fire to the foxhole but found that all of the men had expired. He turned immediately and crawled back through the deadly hail of fire toward other calls for aid. He moved to the platoon sergeant's position where he found the radio operator bleeding profusely from fragmentation and bullet wounds. Ignoring the continuing enemy attack, Private First Class Monroe began treating the wounded man when he saw a live grenade fall directly in front of the position. He shouted a warning to all those nearby, pushed the wounded radio operator and the platoon sergeant to one side, and lunged forward to smother the grenade's blast with his body. Through his valorous actions, performed in a flash of inspired selflessness, Private First Class Monroe saved the lives of two of his comrades and prevented the probable injury of several others. His gallantry and intrepidity were in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 68 (November 5, 1968)

Action Date: February 16, 1967

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Headquarters & Headquarters Company

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 8th Cavalry Regiment

Division: 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor James.

Dear PFC James Howard Monroe, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

James is buried at Wheaton Cemetery,Wheaton,IL.

"An God said who shall we send.I answered I am here,send me."

Isaiah 6:8

Facta Non Verba
Laus Deo