Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Place and date: Phu Cuong,
Republic of Vietnam, 22 October 1965. Entered service at: Chicago,
Ill. Born: 7 November 1946, Chicago, Ill. C.O. No.: 18, 26 April
1966.
Citation... For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. Pfc. Olive was a member of the 3d Platoon of Company B, as it
moved through the jungle to find the Viet Cong operating in the
area. Although the platoon was subjected to a heavy volume of enemy
gunfire and pinned down temporarily, it retaliated by assaulting the
Viet Cong positions, causing the enemy to flee. As the platoon
pursued the insurgents, Pfc. Olive and 4 other soldiers were moving
through the jungle together with a grenade was thrown into their
midst. |
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Pfc. Olive saw the grenade, and then saved the lives of his fellow soldiers at the sacrifice of his by grabbing the grenade in his hand and falling on it to absorb the blast with his body. Through his bravery, unhesitating actions, and complete disregard for his safety, he prevented additional loss of life or injury to the members of his platoon. Pfc. Olive's extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country. |