Michael J. Fitzmaurice was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in Vietnam on March 23, 1971.
by Duke Doering
Michael Fitzmaurice was wearing the Medal of Honor when he joined the South Dakota National Guard’s 153rd Engineer Battalion on March 10, 1973. Fitzmaurice served over 10 years in the 153rd Engineer Battalion, March 10, 1973 until September 12, 1983. He then took an inter-state transfer to Nevada. When he returned to South Dakota, TSgt Michael J. Fitzmaurice Sr. enlisted in the South Dakota Air National Guard on October 27, 1989. He was discharged from the 114th Civil Engineer Squadron on May 30, 1992.
Specialist Michael J.Fitzmaurice’s official Medal of Honor citation reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice, 3d Platoon, Troop D, distinguished himself at Khe Sanh. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and 3 fellow soldiers were occupying a bunker when a company of North Vietnamese sappers infiltrated the area. At the onset of the attack Sp4c. Fitzmaurice observed 3 explosive charges which had been thrown into the bunker by the enemy. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he hurled 2 of the charges out of the bunker. He then threw his flak vest and himself over the remaining charge. By this courageous act he absorbed the blast and shielded his fellow-soldiers.
“Although suffering from serious multiple wounds and partial loss of sight, he charged out of the bunker, and engaged the enemy until his rifle was damaged by the blast of an enemy hand grenade. While in search of another weapon, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice encountered and overcame an enemy sapper in hand-to-hand combat.
“Having obtained another weapon, he returned to his original fighting position and inflicted additional casualties on the attacking enemy. Although seriously wounded, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice refused to be medically evacuated, preferring to remain at his post. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice’s extraordinary heroism in action at the risk of his life contributed significantly to the successful defense of the position and resulted in saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. These acts of heroism go above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and the U.S. Army”.
On October 3, 1998 Governor William J. Janklow and The Adjutant General, Major General Philip Killey, dedicated the South Dakota Veterans Home at Hot Springs, SD to Medal of Honor Recipient “Michael J. Fitzmaurice.”
