Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Michael John Fitzmaurice
October 7, 2022
1. Michael John Fitzmaurice Marker
Inscription.
Michael John Fitzmaurice. .
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army Troop D, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, 23 March 1971 Born 9 March 1950, Jamestown, North Dakota Entered service at Jamestown, ND. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and three 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 three explosive charges which had been thrown into the bunker by the enemy. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, and complete disregard for his personal safety, he hurled two 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.
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Troop D, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division
Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, 23 March 1971
Born 9 March 1950, Jamestown, North Dakota
Entered service at Jamestown, ND
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and three 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 three explosive charges which had been thrown into the bunker by the enemy. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, and complete disregard for his personal safety, he hurled two 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
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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.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 23, 1971.
Location. 43° 33.666′ N, 96° 44.439′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. Marker can be reached from North Walts Avenue south of West Bailey Street, on the right when traveling south. Located in Veterans' Memorial Park in Sioux Falls. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1021 W Bailey St, Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Medal of Honor Garden (a few steps from this marker); Isaac N. Fry (a few steps from this marker); Willibald C. Bianchi (a few steps from this marker); Arlo L. Olson (a few steps from this marker);
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2022. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 16, 2022.
