In 1967 on February 16, James Howard Monroe was killed in action during a night time fire fight in Bong Son, Hoai Nhon Province, Vietnam.
While treating the wounds of his platoon’s radio operator, an enemy grenade fell within their position. Without hesitation, Monroe “lunged forward to smother the grenade’s blast with his body” killing him instantly. He was just 22 years old.
Two years later, on what would have been his 24th birthday, Monroe’s family accepted the Medal of Honor on his behalf. The award was presented by Secretary of the Army Stanley Resor during a subdued ceremony held at the Pentagon.
Monroe was buried at Wheaton Cemetery in Illinois where as of 2000 both his parents now rest alongside him. The Monroe Middle School, also in Wheaton, was named in his honor and has his medal on permanent display as an example to students about selfless service.
Two years ago, I stumbled across a plaque dedicated to Monroe’s memory (2nd photo) at the Lee Chapel at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Monroe was a political science major at the university and although he left before graduating, the school rightfully chose to honor his memory.
I work to catalog such commemorations be it plaques, signs, monuments, etc. If you know of any in your area, it would be a great help in working to ensure recipient’s like Monroe are honored!
