b. 14/02/1943 Logan, West Virginia. d. 20/05/1967 Pleiku Province, Vietnam.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 20/05/1967 Pleiku Province, Vietnam.
Frankie Z Molnar MOH
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant in Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam on May 20, 1967. He was killed in action. His posthumous Medal of Honor was presented to his family by President Richard M. Nixon on July 10, 1969 at The White House.
MOH CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Molnar distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader with Company B, during combat operations. Shortly after the battalion’s defensive perimeter was established, it was hit by intense mortar fire as the prelude to a massive enemy night attack. S/Sgt. Molnar immediately left his sheltered location to insure the readiness of his squad to meet the attack. As he crawled through the position, he discovered a group of enemy soldiers closing in on his squad area. His accurate rifle fire killed five of the enemy and forced the remainder to flee. When the mortar fire stopped, the enemy attacked in a human wave supported by grenades, rockets, automatic-weapons, and small-arms fire. After assisting to repel the first enemy assault, S/Sgt. Molnar found that his squad’s ammunition and grenade supply were nearly expended. Again leaving the relative safety of his position, he crawled through intense enemy fire to secure additional ammunition and distribute it to his squad. He rejoined his men to beat back the renewed enemy onslaught, and he moved about his area providing medical aid and assisting in the evacuation of the wounded. With the help of several men, he was preparing to move a severely wounded soldier when an enemy hand grenade was thrown into the group. The first to see the grenade, S/Sgt. Molnar threw himself on it and absorbed the deadly blast to save his comrades. His demonstrated selflessness and inspirational leadership on the battlefield were a major factor in the successful defense of the American position and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Army. S/Sgt. Molnar’s actions reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
BURIAL LOCATION: HIGHLAND MEMORIAL GARDENS, LOGAN, WEST VIRGINIA.
GARDEN OF EVERLASTING LIFE, SECTION 18B, GRAVE 2.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
