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Bluebag Media
Dickey’s story will
continue to be told
By Ryan Berry
GREENVILLE – The ceremony unveiling Pfc. Douglas Dickey’s Medal of
Honor on Nov. 21 was more than an opportunity for visitors to get up
close and see the prestigious medal in person. It was a small glimpse
into what it takes to earn this medal. It was a chance to learn what is
meant by “going above and beyond the call of duty.” It was an
opportunity to discover the true meaning of love of country and fellow
man.
The story of Darke County’s only Vietnam era Medal of Honor will never
be lost thanks to the efforts Garst Museum and the individuals who put
the display together.
On March 26, 1967, at the age of 20, Pfc. Dickey was serving with
Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division during
Operation Beacon Hill in the Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. The radio man
was injured in the fight with Viet Cong forces and Dickey was called up
to replace him. Standing in a crater with the radio man, a corpsman and
a lieutenant, Dickey heard someone yell grenade. Those who witnessed
the valiant act all had the same recollection. Dickey looked at the
lieutenant and then at the injured radio man and corpsman. Without
hesitation placed his body over the grenade saving those around him
from injury or death.
Several of those who served alongside Pfc. Dickey in Company C were in
attendance for the unveiling ceremony, including an eye witness to
heroic act. Greg “Doc” Long, of Fairacres, NM was the corpsman in the
crater and was the last person Dickey saw before he jumped on...
Read the rest of the article at Bluebag Media
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