The Shadow
CORPORAL MICHAEL FLEMING FOLLAND
MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
Vietnam War – U.S. Army
Unit/Command: Weapons Platoon, Company D, 2D Battalion, 3D Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade
Medal of Honor action date: July 3, 1969
Medal of Honor action place: Long Khanh Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Cpl. Folland distinguished himself while serving as an ammunition bearer with the weapons platoon of Company D, during a reconnaissance patrol mission. As the patrol was moving through a dense jungle area, it was caught in an immense crossfire from heavily fortified and concealed enemy ambush positions. As the patrol reacted to neutralize the ambush, it became evident that the heavy weapons could not be used in the cramped fighting area. Cpl. Folland dropped his recoilless rifle ammunition, and ran forward to join his commander in an assault on the enemy bunkers. The assaulting force moved forward until it was pinned down directly in front of the heavily fortified bunkers by machine gun fire. Cpl. Folland stood up to draw enemy fire on himself and to place suppressive fire on the enemy position while his commander attempted to destroy the machine gun positions with grenades. Before the officer could throw a grenade, an enemy grenade landed in the position. Cpl Folland alerted his comrades and his commander hurled the grenade from the position. Cpl. Folland again shouted a warning to his fellow soldiers. Seeing that no one could reach the grenade and realizing that it was about to explode, Cpl. Folland, with complete disregard for his safety, threw himself on the grenade. By this dauntless courage, Cpl. Folland saved the lives of his comrades although he was mortally wounded by the explosion. Cpl. Folland’s extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Cpl. Folland’s Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously on December 16, 1971 at the Executive Office Building by Vice President Spiro T Agnew to his family.
Michael is buried Glendale National Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia
Medals:
MEDAL OF HONOR
Purple Heart
Combat Infantryman Badge
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Army Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Michael is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 21w, Line 51.
