While viewing the memorial for Harold B. Durham, Jr. (b. Oct.
12, 1942, d. Oct. 17, 1967) in the Oakridge Cemetery in Tifton, Georgia, I was immediately
struck by the use of Medal of Honor ribbon in lithochrome on the Georgia gray granite.
This is an excellent
use of lithochrome in memorialization. Second Lieutenant Harold B. Durham, Jr. served his
country proudly, and he paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
I do not remember what I was doing on Tuesday, October 17, 1967, but I was in my last year
of high school at Suwannee High in Live Oak, Florida. Night after night, I recall, during
my youth, watching Walter Cronkite as he would announce the high casualty figures during
the war.
I am thankful that the family or friends of 2nd Lt. Durham saw fit to memorialize his
sacrifice to remind all of us of his heroism. He was a mere 25 years and 5 days old at the
time of his passing, but he left a remarkable legacy to be shared with the world.
Thankfully, the Durham family, along with the power of the Internet, has left clues to the
life of Lt. Durham, which would have been unavailable without memorialization. Please
pause for a moment and read Lt. Durham’s citation as signed by President Nixon, and
thank God for the men and women who have been willing to fight and sacrifice all for this
great country of ours.
HAROLD BASCOM DURHAM, JR.
"Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Battery C, 6th Battalion, 15th
Artillery, 1st Infantry Division."
"Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 17 October 1967."
"Entered service at: Atlanta, Ga."
"Born: 12 October 1942, Rocky Mount, N.C."
"Citation: 2d Lt. Durham, Artillery, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the cost of his life above and beyond the call of duty while assigned
to Battery C. 2d Lt. Durham was serving as a forward observer with Company D, 2d
Battalion, 28th Infantry during a battalion reconnaissance-in-force mission. At
approximately 1015 hours contact was made with an enemy force concealed in
well-camouflaged positions and fortified bunkers. 2d Lt. Durham immediately moved into an
exposed position to adjust the supporting artillery fire onto the insurgents. During a
brief lull in the battle he administered emergency first aid to the wounded in spite of
heavy enemy sniper fire directed toward him. Moments later, as enemy units assaulted
friendly positions, he learned that Company A, bearing the brunt of the attack, had lost
its forward observer. While he was moving to replace the wounded observer, the enemy
detonated a Claymore mine, severely wounding him in the head and impairing his vision. In
spite of the intense pain, he continued to direct the supporting artillery fire and to
employ his individual weapon in support of the hard pressed infantrymen. As the enemy
pressed their attack, 2d Lt. Durham called for supporting fire to be placed almost
directly on his position. Twice the insurgents were driven back, leaving many dead and
wounded behind. 2d Lt. Durham was then taken to a secondary defensive position. Even in
his extremely weakened condition, he continued to call artillery fire onto the enemy. He
refused to seek cover and instead positioned himself in a small clearing which offered a
better vantage point from which to adjust the fire. Suddenly, he was severely wounded a
second time by enemy machine gun fire. As he lay on the ground near death, he saw two Viet
Cong approaching, shooting the defenseless wounded men. With his last effort, 2d Lt.
Durham shouted a warning to a nearby soldier who immediately killed the insurgents. 2d Lt.
Durham died moments later, still grasping the radio handset. 2d Lt. Durham's gallant
actions in close combat with an enemy force are in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S.
Army." Source: http://www.landscaper.net/durham.htm
Even as impressive as the Medal of Honor declaration is, there is much more to Lt.
Durham’s remarkable life told on the Internet. You can read that for yourself at the
site above, or by doing an Internet search.
Thank you, Lieutenant. You were an honor to our country!
use of lithochrome in memorialization. Second Lieutenant Harold B. Durham, Jr. served his
country proudly, and he paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.