United States of America
Headstone of Milton Lee Olive
Headstone of Milton Lee Olive
U.S. Army · United States United States

Milton Lee Olive

Private First Class
1946 – 1965
Private First Class
Medal of Honor - Army
Purple HeartNational Defense Service MedalVietnam Service MedalRepublic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Wall · Panel 02E

PFC Milton Lee Olive III served the 173 AIRBORNE BDE. Milton served in the Vietnam War. Milton was 18 years old.

How He Died
Manner Combat Death
Cause Blast injury
Circumstance Killed in action
Keepsakes
Milton L Olive
Milton L Olive
Milton L Olive
Milton L Olive
Medal of Honor Recipient Milton L. Olive III
Medal of Honor Recipient Milton L. Olive III
Milton Lee Olive III
Milton Lee Olive III
Milton Lee Olive III
Milton Lee Olive III
Service Record
U.S. Army
11B1P: Infantryman (Airborne Qual)
INFANTRYMAN
CHICAGO, IL
1965
Pay grade E03. DCAS record DCAS-VN-038528.
Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
22 October 1965 · Phu Cuong, Republic of Vietnam · Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Private First Class Olive was a member of the 3d Platoon of Company B, as it moved through the jungle to find the Viet Cong operating in the area. Although the platoon was subjected to a heavy volume of enemy gunfire and pinned down temporarily, it retaliated by assaulting the Viet Cong positions, causing the enemy to flee. As the platoon pursued the insurgents, Private First Class Olive and 4 other soldiers were moving through the jungle together with a grenade was thrown into their midst. Private First Class Olive saw the grenade, and then saved the lives of his fellow soldiers at the sacrifice of his by grabbing the grenade in his hand and falling on it to absorb the blast with his body. Through his bravery, unhesitating actions, and complete disregard for his safety, he prevented additional loss of life or injury to the members of his platoon. Private First Class Olive's extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Awards & Decorations 5

For valor

Medal of Honor - Army posthumous October 22, 1965 · Phu Cuong, Republic of Vietnam · Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Private First Class Olive was a member of the 3d Platoon of Company B, as it moved through the jungle to find the Viet Cong operating in the area. Although the platoon was subjected to a heavy volume of enemy gunfire and pinned down temporarily, it retaliated by assaulting the Viet Cong positions, causing the enemy to flee. As the platoon pursued the insurgents, Private First Class Olive and 4 other soldiers were moving through the jungle together with a grenade was thrown into their midst. Private First Class Olive saw the grenade, and then saved the lives of his fellow soldiers at the sacrifice of his by grabbing the grenade in his hand and falling on it to absorb the blast with his body. Through his bravery, unhesitating actions, and complete disregard for his safety, he prevented additional loss of life or injury to the members of his platoon. Private First Class Olive's extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

For service and achievement

Purple Heart
Memorials
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Panel 02E · Line 131 cut as MILTON L OLIVE III
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krcpght8f8yqxtysts2fn817
Record added August 7, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated September 20, 2026

This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.

Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Milton. Claim this record.

Shadow Box
Milton Lee Olive
Private First Class
U.S. Army
- 1965
173 AIRBORNE BDE
Private First Class
Medal of Honor - Army
Purple Heart National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
503D INFANTRY REGIMENT - Distinctive Unit Insignia

Be the first to honor Milton.

Leave a Tribute