Edward Allen Devore, Jr.

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Edward Allen Devore, Jr. (ASN: 56708983), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with Company B, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 17 March 1968, on a reconnaissance-in-force mission approximately five kilometers south of Saigon. Specialist Fourth Class DeVore's platoon, the company's lead element, abruptly came under intense fire from automatic weapons, Claymore mines, rockets and grenades from well-concealed bunkers in a nipa palm swamp. One man was killed and three wounded about 20 meters from the bunker complex. Specialist Fourth Class DeVore raced through a hail of fire to provide a base of fire with his machinegun, enabling the point element to move the wounded back to friendly lines. After supporting artillery, gunships and air strikes had been employed on the enemy positions, a squad was sent forward to retrieve their fallen comrades. Intense enemy frontal and enfilading automatic weapons fire pinned down this element in the kill zone. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Fourth Class DeVore assaulted the enemy positions. Hit in the shoulder and knocked down about 35 meters short of his objectives, Specialist Fourth Class DeVore, ignoring his pain and the warnings of his fellow soldiers, jumped to his feet and continued his assault under intense hostile fire. Although mortally wounded during this advance, he continued to place highly accurate suppressive fire upon the entrenched insurgents. By drawing the enemy fire upon himself, Specialist Fourth Class DeVore enabled the trapped squad to rejoin the platoon in safety. Specialist Fourth Class DeVore's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in close combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 39th Infantry, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 16 (April 23, 1970)

Action Date: March 17, 1968

Service: Army

Rank: Specialist Fourth Class

Company: Company B

Battalion: 4th Battalion

Regiment: 39th Infantry Regiment

Division: 9th Infantry Division