Harold “Pinky” Durham American Hero

Have you heard of Harold Pinky Durham? Well I met a relative of Mr. Durham while mailing a military care package last weekend at the Post Office. A lady named Genie was very nice to explain how the DAV.Org played a role in constructing a memorial in Tifton Ga for this home town Congressional Medal of Honor winner (posthumously). She went on to explain there is a website that gives details of how this hero help saved lives and won battles. Our nation is blessed to have many brave men and women like Mr. Durham. Please visit the following sites: Below the pictures is the Citation Mr. Durham

www.virtualwall.org/dd/DurhamHB01a.htm

http://ltpd.pinkydurham.com/Pinky_Durham/WELCOME.html

CITATION:

2LT Durham, Artillery, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the cost of his life above and beyond the call of duty while assigned to Battery C, 6th Battalion, 15th Artillery. 2LT Durham was serving as a forward observer with Company D, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry during a battalion reconnaissance-in-force mission. At approximately 1015 hours contact was made with an enemy force concealed in well-camouflaged positions and fortified bunkers. 2LT Durham immediately moved into an exposed position to adjust the supporting artillery fire onto the insurgents. During a brief lull in the battle he administered emergency first aid to the wounded in spite of heavy enemy sniper fire directed toward him. Moments later, as enemy units assaulted friendly positions, he learned that Company A, bearing the brunt of the attack, had lost its forward observer. While he was moving to replace the wounded observer, the enemy detonated a Claymore mine, severely wounding him in the head and impairing his vision. In spite of the intense pain, he continued to direct the supporting artillery fire and to employ his individual weapon in support of the hard pressed infantrymen. As the enemy pressed their attack, 2LT Durham called for supporting fire to be placed almost directly on his position. Twice the insurgents were driven back, leaving many dead and wounded behind. 2LT Durham was then taken to a secondary defensive position. Even in his extremely weakened condition, he continued to call artillery fire onto the enemy. He refused to seek cover and instead positioned himself in a small clearing which offered a better vantage point from which to adjust the fire. Suddenly, he was severely wounded a second time by enemy machinegun fire. As he lay on the ground near death, he saw two Viet Cong approaching, shooting the defenseless wounded men. With his last effort, 2LT Durham shouted a warning to a nearby soldier who immediately killed the insurgents. 2LT Durham died moments later, still grasping the radio handset. 2LT Durham’s gallant actions in close combat with an enemy force are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.