Specialist Michael Reinert Blanchfield, A Soldier's Story
Specialist Michael Reinert Blanchfield, A Soldier's Story
Specialist Michael Reinert Blanchfield was born on January 4, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During his childhood, he and his family relocated to Wheeling, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, where he attended and graduated from Wheeling High School. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1967.
Following his training, Specialist Blanchfield was assigned to Company D, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He deployed to Vietnam and served in Binh Dinh Province, an area marked by frequent, intense combat during the war.
On July 3, 1969, Specialist Blanchfield’s unit was conducting a search-and-destroy mission when it came under sudden enemy attack. During the engagement, a Viet Cong soldier threw two grenades into the position occupied by members of his unit. Without hesitation and fully aware of the danger, Specialist Blanchfield threw himself onto one of the grenades, using his body to absorb the blast.
His actions saved the lives of several fellow soldiers. Specialist Michael Reinert Blanchfield was killed instantly by the explosion.
For his conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary courage, and selfless sacrifice at the cost of his own life, Specialist Blanchfield was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
He is laid to rest at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois. His name endures as a testament to the courage and devotion to comrades that define the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
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