Robert Emmett O’Malley

Born: June 3, 1943

Sergeant Robert Emmett O’Malley is a United States Marine who was the first Marine Corps recipient of the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War for conspicuous gallantry in combat as a corporal in Vietnam on August 18, 1965.

What do you know about Robert E. O'Malley. Try this Vietnam History Made Easy Trivia quiz.

1. Where was Robert O'Malley born?

• Los Angeles, California
• Phoenix, Arizona
• New York City, New York

2. Who was the Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient, sadly posthumously, that O'Malley attended kindergarten with?

• Lance Corporal Thomas P. Noonan, Jr.
• Corporal Ira Hayes
• Sergeant Mark Reynolds

3. Enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, he completed recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. When did he enlist?

• October 11, 1961
• October 11, 1962
• October 11, 1963

4. Corporal O’Malley was transferred overseas again in 1965 and took part in combat in Vietnam while assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He was promoted to Sergeant in December 1965.

• True or False?

5. Sgt O'Malley was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the Federal Building in Austin, Texas. What was the date?

• December 6, 1966
• January 6, 1966
• February 6, 1966

6. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the communist forces at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Squad Leader in Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced). What was he location near?

• An Bong, South Vietnam
• An Cu'ong 2, South Vietnam
• Hue, South Vietnam

7. While leading his squad in the assault against a strongly entrenched enemy force, his unit came under intense small arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Corporal O'Malley raced across an open rice paddy to a trench line where the enemy forces were located. Jumping into the trench, he attacked the Viet Cong with his rifle and grenades. How many enemy did he kill?

• 2
• 6
• 8

8. He then led his squad to the assistance of an adjacent Marine unit which was suffering heavy casualties. Continuing to press forward, he reloaded his weapon and fired with telling effect into the enemy emplacement. He personally assisted in the evacuation of several wounded Marines, and again regrouping the remnants of his squad, he returned to the point of the heaviest fighting.

• True or False?

9. Ordered to an evacuation point by an officer, Corporal O'Malley gathered his besieged and badly wounded squad, and boldly led them under fire to a helicopter for withdrawal. How many times had he been wounded?

• 1
• 2
• 3

10. Facing imminent death from a fanatic and determined enemy, he steadfastly refused evacuation and continued to cover his squad's boarding of the helicopter while, from an exposed position, he delivered fire against the enemy until his wounded men were evacuated. Only then, with his last mission accomplished, did he permit himself to be removed from the battlefield.

• True or False?

Robert Emmett O’Malley Answers

1. New York City, New York

2. Lance Corporal Thomas P. Noonan, Jr.

3. October 11, 1961

4. True

5. December 6, 1966

6. An Cu'ong 2, South Vietnam

7. 8

8. True

9. 3

10. True