*HARVEY, CARMEL BERNON, JR. (WV)
RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).
PLACE AND DATE: Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 21 June 1967.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Chicago, Ill. Born: 6 October 1946, Montgomery, W. Va.
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Harvey distinguished himself as a
fire team leader with Company B, during combat operations. Ordered to secure a
downed helicopter, his platoon established a defensive perimeter around the
aircraft, but shortly thereafter a large enemy force attacked the position from
3 sides. Sp4c. Harvey and 2 members of his squad were in a position directly in
the path of the enemy onslaught, and their location received the brunt of the
fire from an enemy machinegun. In short order, both of his companions were
wounded, but Sp4c. Harvey covered this loss by increasing his deliberate rifle
fire at the foe. The enemy machinegun seemed to concentrate on him and the
bullets struck the ground all around his position. One round hit and armed a
grenade attached to his belt. Quickly, he tried to remove the grenade but was
unsuccessful. Realizing the danger to his comrades if he remained and despite
the hail of enemy fire, he jumped to his feet, shouted a challenge at the enemy,
and raced toward the deadly machinegun. He nearly reached the enemy position
when the grenade on his belt exploded, mortally wounding Sp4c. Harvey, and
stunning the enemy machinegun crew. His final act caused a pause in the enemy
fire, and the wounded men were moved from the danger area. Sp4c. Harvey's
dedication to duty, high sense of responsibility, and heroic actions inspired
the others in his platoon to decisively beat back the enemy attack. His acts are
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.