The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*FOURNET, DOUGLAS B.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant,
U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Place
and date: A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 4 May 1968. Entered service at:
New Orleans, La. Born: 7 May 1943, Lake Charles, La.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Fournet, Infantry, distinguished himself in action while
serving as rifle platoon leader of the 2d Platoon, Company B. While advancing uphill
against fortified enemy positions in the A Shau Valley, the platoon encountered intense
sniper fire, making movement very difficult. The right flank man suddenly discovered an
enemy claymore mine covering the route of advance and shouted a warning to his comrades.
Realizing that the enemy would also be alerted, 1st Lt. Fournet ordered his men to take
cover and ran uphill toward the mine, drawing a sheath knife as he approached it. With
complete disregard for his safety and realizing the imminent danger to members of his
command, he used his body as a shield in front of the mine as he attempted to slash the
control wires leading from the enemy positions to the mine. As he reached for the wire the
mine was detonated, killing him instantly. Five men nearest the mine were slightly
wounded, but 1st Lt. Fournet's heroic and unselfish act spared his men of serious injury
or death. His gallantry and willing self-sacrifice are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the U.S. Army.
|