There are less than 80 living Medal of Honor recipients, and we lost one of the most remarkable March 5, when retired Col. Ola L. Mize, who earned his MOH in the Korean War as an NCO, before becoming a officer. Mize led Green Berets in combat and counter-insurgency operations in the Vietnam War.

Make the most of your day!

–RJL

Ola L. Mize

Rank: Corporal Organization: U.S. Army Company: Company K Division: 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division Born: August 28, 1931, Albertville, AL Departed: Yes (03/12/2014) Entered Service At: Gadsden, Ala. G.O. Number: 70 Date of Issue: 12/06/1966 Accredited To: Place / Date: Near Surang-ni, Korea, 10 to 11 June 1953

M/Sgt. Mize, a member of Company K, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Company K was committed to the defense of “Outpost Harry”, a strategically valuable position, when the enemy launched a heavy attack. Learning that a comrade on a friendly listening post had been wounded he moved through the intense barrage, accompanied by a medical aid man, and rescued the wounded soldier. On returning to the main position he established an effective defense system and inflicted heavy casualties against attacks from determined enemy assault forces which had penetrated into trenches within the outpost area. During his fearless actions he was blown down by artillery and grenade blasts 3 times but each time he dauntlessly returned to his position, tenaciously fighting and successfully repelling hostile attacks. When enemy onslaughts ceased he took his few men and moved from bunker to bunker, firing through apertures and throwing grenades at the foe, neutralizing their positions. When an enemy soldier stepped out behind a comrade, prepared to fire, M/Sgt. Mize killed him, saving the life of his fellow soldier. After rejoining the platoon, moving from man to man, distributing ammunition, and shouting words of encouragement he observed a friendly machine gun position overrun. He immediately fought his way to the position, killing 10 of the enemy and dispersing the remainder. Fighting back to the command post, and finding several friendly wounded there, he took a position to protect them. Later, securing a radio, he directed friendly artillery fire upon the attacking enemy’s routes of approach. At dawn he helped regroup for a counterattack which successfully drove the enemy from the outpost. M/Sgt. Mize’s valorous conduct and unflinching courage reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.