This Is Why We Stand: Donald W. Evans Jr.
On January 27, 1967, Specialist Four Donald Ward Evans Jr. committed himself to action near the hamlet of Tri Tram, Republic of Vietnam. The 23-year-old Army combat medic’s platoon had not yet been committed to battle, but Evans heeded the calls for medical aid from the wounded men of another platoon, which was heavily engaged against an enemy force. Exposing himself to a withering hail of enemy fire and exploding grenades, Evans charged across 100 meters of open area to reach six wounded comrades. In the midst of the danger, he rendered treatment and offered encouragement to the injured. In separate trips, Evans managed to move the two most seriously wounded soldiers to a more secure position where they could be evacuated.
Through his courageous efforts, Evans was seriously wounded himself after being struck by fragments from an enemy grenade. Despite his condition, the young medic rejoined his platoon as it was committed to battle and continued to treat the wounded. Evans successfully evacuated two more men out of the line of fire, suffering additional wounds in the process. Refusing medical aid and ignoring advice to remain behind, Specialist Four Evans used every ounce of his remaining strength to help those who were clinging to life on the battlefield. Unwilling to quit on his comrades, he was killed while treating another wounded soldier. Through his unwavering commitment, Evans saved the lives of many Americans.
For his extraordinary valor, Evans was posthumously awarded the United States military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. In the hearts and minds of his countrymen, Donald W. Evans Jr. will always be remembered as a true American hero.
Sources