Roy Mitchell Wheat

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Roy Mitchell Wheat

Birthdate:
Birthplace: Moselle, Mississippi, United States
Death: August 11, 1967 (20) (KIA)
Place of Burial: Eastabuchie, Jones, Mississippi, United States
Managed by: Shirley Marie Caulk
Last Updated:

About Roy Mitchell Wheat

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Roy Mitchell Wheat (MCSN: 2242728), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 11 August 1967, while serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force. Lance Corporal Wheat and two other Marines were assigned the mission of providing security for a Navy construction battalion crane and crew operating along Liberty Road in the vicinity of the Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province. After the Marines had set up security positions in a tree line adjacent to the work site, Lance Corporal Wheat reconnoitered the area to the rear of their location for the possible presence of guerrillas. He then returned to within ten feet of the friendly position, and here unintentionally triggered a well concealed, bounding type, antipersonnel mine. Immediately, a hissing sound was heard which was identified by the three Marines as that of a burning time fuse. Shouting a warning to his comrades, Lance Corporal Wheat in a valiant act of heroism hurled himself upon the mine, absorbing the tremendous impact of the explosion with his body. The inspirational personal heroism and extraordinary valor of his unselfish action saved his fellow Marines from certain injury and possible death, reflected great credit upon himself, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: 11-Aug-67

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Company: Company K

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 7th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

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Roy Mitchell Wheat's Timeline

1947
July 24, 1947
Moselle, Mississippi, United States
1967
August 11, 1967
Age 20
????
Eastabuchie Cemetery, Eastabuchie, Jones, Mississippi, United States