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First Name: Donald

Last Name: Evans

Birthplace: Covina, CA, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Home of Record: Covina, CA
Middle Name: Ward



Date of Birth: 23 July 1943

Date of Death: 27 January 1967

Rank: Specialist 4

Years Served: 1965 - 1967
Donald Ward Evans, Jr.

   
Engagements:
•  Vietnam War (1960 - 1973)

Biography:

Donald Ward Evans, Jr.
Specialist Four, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Specialist Four Donald Ward Evans, Jr. (23 July 1943 - 27 January 1967) was a U.S. Army soldier and was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions in the Vietnam War.

Donald Ward Evans, Jr. was born on 23 July 1943, in Covina, CA; the same city where he joined the Army. On 27 January 1967, Evans was serving as a Specialist Four in Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. During a firefight that day, in Tri Tam, Republic of Vietnam, Evans repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to treat and evacuate wounded soldiers, even after he was seriously wounded. He was killed during the battle and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Medal of Honor

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. He left his position of relative safety with his platoon which had not yet been committed to the battle to answer the calls for medical aid from the wounded men of another platoon which was heavily engaged with the enemy force. Dashing across 100 meters of open area through a withering hail of enemy fire and exploding grenades, he administered lifesaving treatment to 1 individual and continued to expose himself to the deadly enemy fire as he moved to treat each of the other wounded men and to offer them encouragement. Realizing that the wounds of 1 man required immediate attention, Sp4 Evans dragged the injured soldier back across the dangerous fire-swept area, to a secure position from which he could be further evacuated. Miraculously escaping the enemy fusillade, Sp4 Evans returned to the forward location. As he continued the treatment of the wounded, he was struck by fragments from an enemy grenade. Despite his serious and painful injury he succeeded in evacuating another wounded comrade, rejoined his platoon as it was committed to battle and was soon treating other wounded soldiers. As he evacuated another wounded man across the fire covered field, he was severely wounded. Continuing to refuse medical attention and ignoring advice to remain behind, he managed with his waning strength to move yet another wounded comrade across the dangerous open area to safety. Disregarding his painful wounds and seriously weakened from profuse bleeding, he continued his lifesaving medical aid and was killed while treating another wounded comrade. Sp4 Evan's extraordinary valor, dedication and indomitable spirit saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers, served as an inspiration to the men of his company, were instrumental in the success of their mission, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Medals, Awards & Badges

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Medical Badge

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The name Donald Ward Evans, Jr. is inscribed on Panel 14E - Line 85.

Honors

The U.S. Army hospital at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO is named in his honor as Evans Army Community Hospital.

Death and Burial

Specialist Four Donald Ward Evans, Jr. was killed in action on 27 January 1967. He is buried at Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, California.



Honoree ID: 938   Created by: MHOH

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