Veterans Roll of Honor: JOSEPH G. LAPOINTE, JR

Branch of Service: United States Army

Rank: Specialist 4th Class

Service history: Known to his family as "Guy", SP4 LaPointe was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. He was drafted in 1968 and declared himself a conscientious objector. He was trained as a combat medic and sent to Vietnam in November 1968 with the 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. On June 2nd, 1969, his unit air assualted on to Hill 376 in Quang Tin province. They came under heavy fire from entrenched enemy forces and suffered several casualties. SP4 LaPointe ran through the automatic weapons fire to reach two wounded men at the head of the patrol. He treated the soldiers and shielded them with his body, even after being twice wounded, until an enemy grenade killed all three men. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in January 1972.

Awards and Decorations:
Medal of Honor
Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Republic of Vietnam Military Merit Medal
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
National Defense Service Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Combat Medical Badge

Medal of Honor citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SPC4. LaPointe, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman during a combat helicopter assault mission. SPC4. LaPointe's patrol was advancing from the landing zone through an adjoining valley when it suddenly encountered heavy automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force entrenched in well fortified bunker positions. In the initial hail of fire, 2 soldiers in the formation vanguard were seriously wounded. Hearing a call for aid from 1 of the wounded, SPC4. LaPointe ran forward through heavy fire to assist his fallen comrades. To reach the wounded men, he was forced to crawl directly in view of an enemy bunker. As members of his unit attempted to provide covering fire, he administered first aid to 1 man, shielding the other with his body. He was hit by a burst of fire from the bunker while attending the wounded soldier. In spite of his painful wounds, SPC4. LaPointe continued his lifesaving duties until he was again wounded and knocked to the ground. Making strenuous efforts, he moved back again into a shielding position to continue administering first aid. An exploding enemy grenade mortally wounded all 3 men. SPC4. LaPointe's courageous actions at the cost of his life were an inspiration to his comrades. His gallantry and selflessness are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.