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You want to read a true account of people who EARNED their metals, here it is:

"Mortar fire was coming into the LZ from the North and West. Lt. Grant got the 2nd and 1st Platoons in place in the West and North side of the LZ and immediately a "Human Wave" struck. Many of the men on the perimeter were wounded, but they held their ground and killed the PAVN as they came in. The small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire were intense. The 3rd Platoon, under Lt. O'Brian, was fighting its way back into the LZ. Capt. Boss moved back and forth through the fire getting people into position and coordinating the fires. Lt. O'Brian's Platoon was being hit by a company. He was all over the area shouting instructions and covering the wounded. Lt. Bainbridge was doing his best to keep the Platoon organized, and succeeded beautifully until he was hit in the back. His wound was massive, breaking the bones in his left scapula and shoulder.

Lt. Grant brought three people with him and carried Lt. Bainbridge back to a small fold in the ground. Lt. Bainbridge was lying on his stomach. When Lt. Grant reached him the fire was intense. Lt. Bainbridge showed the spirit of Alfa Army by telling Lt. Grant "If I'm going to die, don't turn me over. Let me die here with my men. Get somebody else out." But Lt. Grant pulled him out anyway. In doing this, Lt. Grant caught a round in the shoulder and was wounded in the leg. Capt. Boss and Lt. Grant moved back and forth across the area, keeping ammo distributed and giving encouragement and instructions. The small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire would not let up. Lt. Grant went out to bring in a wounded man and was pinned down by a well-placed machine gun. He took three men and some grenades up to the machine gun and personally destroyed it. Then he and his party dragged the wounded men into a covered position. Again, the incredible Lt. Grant took 5 men and went out to bring back Lt. O'Brian, who had been shot in both legs. The party reached Lt. O'Brian, who was fighting along with three other wounded men. They pulled them out and started back to the perimeter. Three or four mortar rounds landed directly on the group and killed all ten instantly. Lt. Riviere, Sergeant hatch, Sergeant Douglas, Sgt. Davis and all other leaders in the perimeter urged their men to hold, but the men of Alfa Army were rock steady and took more "Human Waves" from the North and West."

http://1-14th.com/Jnl13nov66.htm