Harold Bascom 'Pinky' Durham, Jr.
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Second Lieutenant Harold Bascom Durham, Jr. (12 October 1942 - 17 October 1967) was a U.S. Army officer and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions in the Vietnam War.

Durham was born on 12 October 1942, at Rocky Mount, NC. He joined the Army from Atlanta, GA, in 1964, and on 17 October 1967 he was serving as a Second Lieutenant in Battery C, 6th Battalion, 15th Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day in the Republic of Vietnam, Durham repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire in order to direct artillery bombardment, even after being severely wounded. He was killed during the battle and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Medal of Honor

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.

Medals and Awards

Congressional Medal of Honor
Bronze Star Medal with Bronze V for Valor Device & Valor Bronze Oak Cluster,(2 awards)
Purple Heart Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The name of Harold Bascom Durham, Jr. is inscribed on Panel 28E - Line 20.

Death and Burial

Second Lieutenant Harold Bascom Durham, Jr. was killed in action on 17 October 1967. He is buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Tifton, GA.