The First Green Beret to Receive the Medal of Honor

In the chaos of war, true heroes rise from the shadows. SSG Drew Dix was one such hero—a Green Beret whose extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War earned him the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military distinction. But his story is not just about bravery; it’s about sacrifice, brotherhood, and an unrelenting commitment to protect the innocent. And it all began on a fateful day in 1968…

On January 31, 1968, the Tet Offensive erupted like a storm, as North Vietnamese and Vietcong forces launched a massive, coordinated assault. The provincial capital of Châu Phú was quickly overwhelmed. With local defenses in shambles, a handful of soldiers struggled to hold off two entire enemy battalions. Meanwhile, terrified civilians found themselves trapped amidst the chaos, caught in deadly crossfires.

SSG Drew Dix, out on patrol with South Vietnamese partner forces, was urgently summoned back to the city. Upon arrival, he learned that a nurse was surrounded by enemy forces. Without hesitation, he assembled a rescue team, braved relentless gunfire, and safely evacuated her to the relative safety of a military base. But Dix didn’t stop there.

Courage Under Fire

With mortar shells raining down and the odds stacked against him, Dix launched two additional rescue missions into the embattled city center. Each time, he risked his life to pull civilians from the grip of death. On one such mission, as he approached a house under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, Dix charged in alone. He neutralized six Vietcong soldiers, freed two trapped civilians, and secured the area.

The following day, his bravery continued. Facing intense resistance, Dix led additional missions, eliminating at least 14 enemy combatants and rescuing 20 more civilians. His selfless actions under fire not only saved lives but also inspired those around him, embodying the unbreakable spirit of brotherhood that defines the Green Berets.

Honoring a Legacy of Brotherhood

A year later, SSG Drew Dix received the Medal of Honor for his heroism—a testament to his unwavering commitment to protecting the lives of others, even at the risk of his own. His story is a reminder that true strength lies in unity, sacrifice, and standing together in the face of adversity.