MOH Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez 5th S.F.
 

Even though it has been several years since Msgt.Benavidez went on to the high ground, but I thought that it would be a great tribute to Msgt. Benavidez to recognize him for his heroic accomplishments while serving with the 5th S.F. Group in Viet Nam. You will never be forgotten Msgt.Benavidez.

[url]http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3229/benavidez-roy-p.php[/url]

Lest we forget, here is the rest of the story:

~ Hall of Heroes ~

Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez

[url]http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2248230/posts[/url]



As the medevac chopper landed the wounded were examined one by one. Staff Sergeant Benavidez could only hear what was going on around him. He had over thirty seven puncture wounds. His intestines were exposed. He could not see as his eyes were caked in blood and unable to open. Neither could he speak, his jaw broken, clubbed by a North Vietnamese rifle. But he knew what was happening, and it was the scariest moment of his life, even more so than the earlier events of the day. He lay in a body bag, bathed in his own blood. Jerry Cottingham, a friend screamed "That's Benavidez. Get a doc". When the doctor arrived he placed his hand on Roy's chest to feel for a heartbeat. He pronounced him dead. The physician shook his head. "There's nothing I can do for him." As the doctor bent over to zip up the body bag. Benavidez did the only thing he could think of to let the doctor know that he was alive. He spit in the doctor's face. The surprised doctor reversed Roy's condition from dead to "He won't make it, but we'll try".
The 32-year-old son of a Texas sharecropper had just performed for six hours one of the most remarkable feats of the Vietnam War. Benavidez, part Yaqui Indian and part Mexican, was a seventh-grade dropout and an orphan who grew up taunted by the term "dumb Mexican." But, as Ronald Reagan noted, if the story of what he accomplished was made into a movie, no one would believe it really happened.

Roy Benavidez's ordeal began at Loc Ninh, a Green Beret outpost near the Cambodian border. It was 1:30 p.m., May 2, 1968. A chaplain was holding a prayer service around a jeep for the sergeant and several other soldiers. Suddenly, shouts rang out from a nearby short-wave radio. "Get us out of here!" someone screamed. "For God's sake, get us out!"
A 12-man team consisting of Sergeant First Class Leroy Wright, Staff Sergeant Lloyd "Frenchie" Mousseau, Specialist Four Brian O'Connor and nine Nung tribesmen monitoring enemy troop movements in the jungle had found itself surrounded by a North Vietnamese army battalion. With out orders, Benavidez volunteered so quickly that he didn't even bring his M-16 when he dashed for the helicopter preparing for a rescue attempt. The sole weapon he carried was a bowie knife on his belt. "I'm coming with you," he told the three crew members.

Airborne, they spotted the soldiers in a tight circle. A few hundred enemy troops surrounded them in the jungle, some within 25 yards of the Americans' position. The chopper dropped low, ran into withering fire and quickly retreated. Spotting a small clearing 75 yards away, Benavidez told the pilot, "Over there, over there."

The helicopter reached the clearing and hovered 10 feet off the ground. Benavidez made the sign of the cross, jumped out carrying a medic bag and began running the 75 yards towards the trapped men. Almost immediately, Benavidez was hit by an AK-47 slug in his right leg. He stumbled and fell, but got back up convincing himself that he'd only snagged a thorn bush and kept running to the brush pile where Wright's men lay. An exploding hand grenade knocked him down and ripped his face with shrapnel. He shouted prayers, got up again and staggered to the men.

Four of the soldiers were dead, the other eight wounded and pinned down in two groups. Benavidez bound their wounds, injected morphine and, ignoring NVA bullets and grenades, passed around ammunition that he had taken from several bodies and armed himself with an AK. Then Benavidez directed air strikes and called for the Huey helicopter to a landing near one group. While calling in support he was shot again in the right thigh, his second gunshot wound. He dragged the dead and wounded aboard. The chopper lifted a few feet off the ground and moved toward the second group, with Benavidez running beneath it, firing a rifle he had picked up. He spotted the body of the team leader Sergeant First Class Wright. Ordering the other soldiers to crawl toward the chopper, he retrieved a pouch dangling from the dead man's neck; in the pouch were classified papers with radio codes and call signs. As he shoved the papers into his shirt, a bullet struck his stomach and a grenade shattered his back. The helicopter, barely off the ground, suddenly crashed, its pilot shot dead.

Coughing blood, Benavidez made his way to the Huey and pulled the wounded from the wreckage, forming a small perimeter. As he passed out ammunition taken from the dead, the air support he had earlier radioed for arrived. Jets and helicopter gunships strafed threatening enemy soldiers while Benavidez tended the wounded. "Are you hurt bad, Sarge?" one soldier asked. "Hell, no," said Benavidez, about to collapse from blood loss. "I've been hit so many times I don't give a damn no more."

While mortar shells burst everywhere, Benavidez called in Phantoms "danger close". Enemy fire raked the perimeter. Several of the wounded were hit again, including Benavidez. By this time he had blood streaming down his face, blinding him. Still he called in air strikes, adjusting their targets by sound. Several times, pilots thought he was dead, but then his voice would come back on the radio, calling for closer strikes. Throughout the fighting, Benavidez, a devout Catholic, made the sign of the cross so many times, his arms were "were going like an airplane prop". But he never gave into fear.

Finally, a helicopter landed. "Pray and move out," Benavidez told the men as he helped each one aboard. As he carried a seriously wounded Frenchie Mousseau over his shoulder a fallen NVA soldier stood up, swung his rifle and clubbed Benavidez in the head. Benavidez fell, rolled over and got up just as the soldier lunged forward with his bayonet. Benavidez grabbed it, slashing his right hand, and pulled his attacker toward him. With his left hand, he drew his own bowie knife and stabbed the NVA but not before the bayonet poked completely through his left forearm. As Benavidez dragged Mousseau to the chopper, he saw two more NVA materialize out of the jungle. He snatched a fallen AK-47 rifle and shot both. Benavidez made one more trip to the clearing and came back with a Vietnamese interpreter. Only then did the sergeant let the others pull him aboard the helicopter.

Blood dripped from the door as the chopper lumbered into the air. Benavidez was holding in his intestines with his hand. Bleeding almost into unconsciousness, Benavidez lay against the badly wounded Mousseau and held his hand. Just before they landed at the Medevac hospital, "I felt his fingers dig into my palm," Benavidez recalled, "his arm twitching and jumping as if electric current was pouring through his body into mine" At Loc Ninh, Benavidez was so immobile they placed him with the dead. Even after he spit in the doctor's face and was taken from the body bag, Benavidez was considered a goner.

Benavidez spent almost a year in hospitals to recover from his injuries. He had seven major gunshot wounds, twenty-eight shrapnel holes and both arms had been slashed by a bayonet. Benavidez had shrapnel in his head, scalp, shoulder, buttocks, feet, and legs. His right lung was destroyed. He had injuries to his mouth and back of his head from being clubbed with a rifle butt. One of the AK-47 bullets had entered his back exiting just beneath his heart. He had won the battle and lived. When told his one man battle was awesome and extraordinary, Benavidez replied: "No, that's duty."

Wright and Mousseau were each awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. Although Master Sergeant Benavidez's commander felt that he deserved the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor in saving eight lives, he put Roy in for the Distinguished Service Cross. The process for awarding a Medal of Honor would have taken much longer, and he was sure Benavidez would die before he got it. The recommendation for the Distinguish Service Cross was rushed through approval channels and Master Sergeant Benavidez was presented the award by General William C. Westmoreland while he was recovering from his wounds at Fort Sam Houston's Hospital.
Years later, his former commander learned that Benavidez had survived the war. The officer also learned more details of the sergeant's mission and concluded that Benavidez merited a higher honor. Years of red tape followed until finally on February 24, 1981, President Reagan told White House reporters "you are going to hear something you would not believe if it were a script." Reagan then read Roy Benavidez's Citation for the Medal of Honor.

Benavidez however, did not regard himself as a hero. He said of his actions. "The real heroes are the ones who gave their lives for their country, I don't like to be called a hero. I just did what I was trained to do."

In addition to being a recipient of the Medal Of Honor, MSG Benavidez was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge for his Viet Nam war service, the Purple Heart Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Viet Nam Campaign Medal with 4 Battle Stars, Viet Nam Service Medal, Air Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Vietnamese Parachutist Badge, Republic of Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and other numerous decorations.


Roy P. Benavidez
Elementary School
Houston, Texas



Upon retirement Master Sergeant Benavidez lived in El Campo, Texas, with his wife, Lala, and three children, Noel,Yvette and Denise. He was a member of the: Medal of Honor Society, Legion of Valor, Veterans of Foreign War, Special Operations Association, Alamo Silver Wings Airborne Association, and Special Forces Association, The 82nd Airborne Association,West Point Honorary Alumni Association, and countless other organizations.

Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez died on November 29, 1998. Over 1,500 people attended his funeral to say goodbye. He is buried in the shade of a live oak tree at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, a fitting final resting place for someone who gave so much of himself to this great nation. In addition to his heroic actions in combat, he will also be remembered for his work with youths. He spoke at schools and colleges and even runaway shelters. He promoted patriotism, staying-in school, encouraged continuing education, and drug free programs for students. Vision Quest, an organization known for working with problem youths, named a youth boot camp Fort Roy P. Benavidez in Uvalde, Texas after him. Master Sergeant Benavidez was further recognized by the naming of the Roy P. Benavidez Elementary School in Houston, Texas.

In August 1999, the U.S. Army dedicated the $14 million Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez Special Operations Logistics Complex at Fort Bragg, NC.
On September 14, 2000, the U.S. Navy Secretary Richard Danzig announced that the U.S. Navy plans to name a new ship after Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez. The ship, scheduled to be christened next summer as the USNS Benavidez, will be the seventh in a class of large, medium speed roll-on/roll-off sealift ships. Army Secretary Louis Caldera made these remarks on the Navy's announcement:

"Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez was a true American hero, rising from humble origins in South Texas to become an Army legen. Wounded over 40 times as he saved the lives of eight fellow soldiers under heavy fire in Vietnam, he always said he was only doing his duty to his fellow soldiers and to the country he loved. The Navy's recognition of his selfless service is truly an appropriate tribute to Master Sgt. Benavidez's memory, and to the ideals of our nation that he epitomized."

If you would like to learn more about Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez's life, before, during and after the Vietnam War, then I recommend that you visit the Center for American History’s Institute for Studies in American Military History at The University of Texas at Austin where his papers were donated by his family. You can also learn more by reading his book, "Medal of Honor - A Vietnam Warrior's Story" co-authored with John R. Craig (Brassey's, Inc, 1995).

I met Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez in Martin Jr High,Austin Texas,he is the one to inspire me to the Rangers.So I did.best time of my life, and miss it daily..God Bless you Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez..RLTW

I lived in the El Campo area for a few years and my old unit was at the Roy P. Benavidez National Guard armory. I saw MSG Benavidez several times but never met him. Oddly enough, after he died I found out we have a family connection to him (someone from my wife's family is married to one of his sons). My father first told me about him when I was in junior high, and I read two of his books. He was an inspirational man.

Chris

Wow, that is absolutely incredible. Thanks for posting this.

Rest in Peace, Master Sergeant Benavidez!

Anytime. I'm always going to kick myself for not going out of my way to have a conversation with him when I had the chance.

Chris

Back in the mid '80s my ex and I had a desktop publishing company ("vanity press," if you must). A friend of ours was in the midst of working up a deal to co-author a bio of MSG Roy, but alas, the deal fell through and we never got to meet him. :(

But here in this part of Texas, he ranks up there with Audie Murphy in the pantheon of Texas heros (and only [I]slightly[/I] below the heros of the Alamo and Goliad).

¡Un hombre bueno!

My wife's father works and lives in San Antone and we have visited there often since we married to keep the kids tied to their Texas roots. I saw the MSG at a place called the Jump Zone which was a little bar and grill right outside of Fort Sam. A local family member who was an army troop recognized him. I didn't want to intrude on his lunch. Wish I had spoken with him. Not everyday you get to meet a legend.

RIP MSG

I had the pleasure of meeting MSG Benavidez at an Army Birthday celebration we held at Kelly AFB, TX for the Joint Command & Control Warfare Center (JC2WC) in 1997. MSG Benavidez was one of about 10 MOH winners we had at our Luncheon. It was an incredible experience to be in the presence of these Soldiers.

He was a legend outside of Texas and SF too, there is even a GI Joe action figure of him, and several books. I think The Three Wars was the one I read when it first came out in 1986, and remember when Reagan presented him with the award in 81. He was an inspiration and a personal hero of mine since I was in middle school, and I grew up in NY.

I know this is an older thread, but someone shared a link on ******** to a youtube vid of MSG Benavidez's receiving the MOH from President Reagan and a subsequent speech by the MSG.

Absolutely awe inspiring and I think it's appropriate to share. Mods will correct me if I am wrong.

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oUtJxE4sjs&feature=share[/url]

Cheers,

[QUOTE=Old_Starlight;1058088604]I know this is an older thread, but someone shared a link on ******** to a youtube vid of MSG Benavidez's receiving the MOH from President Reagan and a subsequent speech by the MSG.

Absolutely awe inspiring and I think it's appropriate to share. Mods will correct me if I am wrong.

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oUtJxE4sjs&feature=share[/url]

Cheers,[/QUOTE]

OS, that was incredible! Thank you for posting such an inspiring video. MSG RIP..I hope your legacy lives on forever.

RIP MSgt Roy Benavidez

Rest peacefully,

You deserve the seat seat the head of the table in Valhalla.

I was flying one of the 4 slicks supporting the B-56 team insert and extract. The mission purpose (now declassified) was recon of the HCM trail about 10-15 kliks into Cambodia, west of the Fishhook, in the area which was known by some as COSVN. I was honored to be present at Roy's MOH award ceremony at the Pentagon.

Thanks for posting this clip. I had never seen it.

[QUOTE=UH14B56;1058098891]I was flying one of the 4 slicks supporting the B-56 team insert and extract. The mission purpose (now declassified) was recon of the HCM trail about 10-15 kliks into Cambodia, west of the Fishhook, in the area which was known by some as COSVN. I was honored to be present at Roy's MOH award ceremony at the Pentagon.

Thanks for posting this clip. I had never seen it.[/QUOTE]

Thank you for your service.

I had the pleasure of meeting him when he visited our O&I class in 1994. Of course we all took pictures with him. I ran across that picture not too long ago.

RIP MSG Benavidez

Wow.

RIP MSgt Roy Benavidez

Wow. That is a truely incredible story. That man was a stud.

Wow. If that doesn't stir something inside your already dead

[QUOTE=UH14B56;1058098891]I was flying one of the 4 slicks supporting the B-56 team insert and extract. The mission purpose (now declassified) was recon of the HCM trail about 10-15 kliks into Cambodia, west of the Fishhook, in the area which was known by some as COSVN. I was honored to be present at Roy's MOH award ceremony at the Pentagon.

Thanks for posting this clip. I had never seen it.[/QUOTE]

Outstanding work from you guys as well. Thanks for your service from Downunder.

RIP MSG Benavidez, you are truly an inspiration and deserve the title Hero!

RIP, Master Sergeant Benavidez

Back in my Army days at PLDC I did a presentation on Mr Benavidez, researching about him I learned his incredible story. Although I respect and honor all our MOH recipients I noticed Mr. Benavidez's citation was hard to match, one of the most courageous acts of valor ever known too man. RIP Roy Benavidez

I met Roy several times. The last time was at an NCOA convention in San Antonio years ago.

Also there is a small tire repair place in Luling Tx. It is on 183 across the street from an auto parts store. On their wall in this shit hole of a shop is a Congressional Medal of Honor license plate issued by the State of Texas. I'm guessing it is Roy's. The guy at the tire store said he found it. I'm in A-stan so I cant do much about it but it seems to me that is should be in the possession of Roy's family.

Here is a video that describes the act that won TMM the MOH.

[URL]http://biggeekdad.com/2010/01/tango-mike-mike/[/URL]

[QUOTE=Old_Starlight;1058088604]I know this is an older thread, but someone shared a link on ******** to a youtube vid of MSG Benavidez's receiving the MOH from President Reagan and a subsequent speech by the MSG.

Absolutely awe inspiring and I think it's appropriate to share. Mods will correct me if I am wrong.

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oUtJxE4sjs&feature=share[/url]

Cheers,[/QUOTE]

What an incredible and awesome man. A true hero several times over.

RIP Warrior you will never be forgotten...your service is very sincerely appreciated.

Thank you for posting the link to this video. It was very moving and inspiring.

The Yaqui were known for their toughness. Even the Apache feared the Yaqui. Truly a hard man...

RIP

A hero to be certain. But even moreso, a clear example of the greatness of America. Truly a country where a man (and woman) can make it on merit, grit, hard work. When he made that crack about a 'mexican-american who speaks German with a southern accent', I thought how unlikely that would be in so many other countries. Not all become heroes, but indeed he is an example of so many who had nothing going for them and yet succeeded greatly in this country that makes such things possible. And the American military has also been the place where so many got a leg up.

I am deeply awed by this man; but I am also renewed in my respect for American society. America's enemies should take heed. MOH recipients are few; but the society that fosters them is great indeed.

Thanks for reviving this thread!

Used search. Epic revive of 11 years.
I listen to AM radio. They had the story of MSG Roy Benavidez on a replay from a Veterans’ Day program on tonight. It was the citation read by President Reagan followed by the MSG in his own words. I searched and read more about him, his tale, and his relentless courage. He was truly a man among men. Some of the headlines read, “The Green Beret that other Green Berets look up to.”
I came here, because well, I figured this the place for that kind of thing. This is a story that is almost, 50-60 years old. Yet, I only heard it tonight. I was disappointed and saddened to learned that he died over 20 years ago. His story is inspiring. His mission after retirement remained inspiring.
It is now something I must do, to visit his final resting place in TX and pay my respects. What a legend. May he never be forgotten for a debt that can never be repaid. I am sorry for the revive if anyone objects, but for this man, enduring gratitude is appropriate.