Michael John Fitzmaurice

Michael John Fitzmaurice (born March 9, 1950) is a former United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Biography
Fitzmaurice joined the Army from his birth city of Jamestown, North Dakota, and by March 23, 1971 was serving as a Specialist Four in Troop D, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

During a firefight on that day, in Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, Fitzmaurice smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown explosive charge with his flak vest and body to protect other soldiers. Seriously wounded and partially blinded by the blast, he then continued to fight the enemy. After his rifle was damaged by a second explosive blast, Fitzmaurice proceeded to acquire another rifle from a Viet Cong sapper, defeating him with his bare hands, and continued to fight, refusing medical evacuation.

He survived his wounds and was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Medal of Honor citation
Specialist Fitzmaurice's official Medal of Honor citation reads: