2LT Harold "Pinky" Durham. A forward observer assigned to 6/15th Artillery and attached to the Black Lions, he was killed in action in the Battle of Ong Thanh. Lt. Durham was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his extreme heroism and self-sacrifice during the battle.

The President of the United States
in the name of the Congress of the United States
takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR

posthumously to
HAROLD BASCOM DURHAM
Second Lieutenant
United States Army

for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:

2LT Durham, Artillery, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the cost of his life above and beyond the call of duty while assigned to Battery C, 6th Battalion, 15th Artillery. 2LT Durham was serving as a forward observer with Company D, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry during a battalion reconnaissance-in-force mission. At approximately 1015 hours contact was made with an enemy force concealed in well-camouflaged positions and fortified bunkers. 2LT Durham immediately moved into an exposed position to adjust the supporting artillery fire onto the insurgents. During a brief lull in the battle he administered emergency first aid to the wounded in spite of heavy enemy sniper fire directed toward him. Moments later, as enemy units assaulted friendly positions, he learned that Company A, bearing the brunt of the attack, had lost its forward observer. While he was moving to replace the wounded observer, the enemy detonated a Claymore mine, severely wounding him in the head and impairing his vision. In spite of the intense pain, he continued to direct the supporting artillery fire and to employ his individual weapon in support of the hard pressed infantrymen. As the enemy pressed their attack, 2LT Durham called for supporting fire to be placed almost directly on his position. Twice the insurgents were driven back, leaving many dead and wounded behind. 2LT Durham was then taken to a secondary defensive position. Even in his extremely weakened condition, he continued to call artillery fire onto the enemy. He refused to seek cover and instead positioned himself in a small clearing which offered a better vantage point from which to adjust the fire. Suddenly, he was severely wounded a second time by enemy machinegun fire. As he lay on the ground near death, he saw two Viet Cong approaching, shooting the defenseless wounded men. With his last effort, 2LT Durham shouted a warning to a nearby soldier who immediately killed the insurgents. 2LT Durham died moments later, still grasping the radio handset. 2LT Durham's gallant actions in close combat with an enemy force are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.


You can read more information about Lt. Durham at the Virtual Wall http://www.virtualwall.org/dd/DurhamHB01a.htm