Stephen Holden Doane
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

First Lieutenant Stephen Holden Doane (13 October 1947 - 25 March 1969) was a U.S. Army officer that was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions in the Vietnam War.

Doane was born on 13 October 1947, in Beverly, MA. He joined the Army from Albany, NY, and on 25 March 1969 was serving as a First Lieutenant in Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. During a firefight in Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, that day, Doane destroyed an enemy bunker by carrying an activated hand grenade into it, sacrificing himself to take out the hostile position. For his self-sacrifice he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. First Lt. Doane was serving as a platoon leader when his company, engaged in a tactical operation, abruptly contacted an enemy force concealed in protected bunkers and trenches. Three of the leading soldiers were pinned down by enemy crossfire. One was seriously wounded. After efforts of 1 platoon to rescue these men had failed, it became obvious that only a small group could successfully move close enough to destroy the enemy position and rescue or relieve the trapped soldiers, 1st Lt. Doane, although fully aware of the danger of such an action, crawled to the nearest enemy bunker and silenced it. He was wounded but continued to advance to a second enemy bunker. As he prepared to throw a grenade, he was again wounded. Undaunted, he deliberately pulled the pin on the grenade and lunged with it into the enemy bunker, destroying this final obstacle. 1st Lt. Doane's supreme act enabled his company to rescue the trapped men without further casualties. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to his men and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Stephen Holden Doane's name is inscribed on Panel 28W, Line 034.

Death and Burial

First Lieutenant Stephen Holden Doane was killed in action on 25 March 1969. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.