Master Sergeant Charles Ernest Hosking Jr., a soldier in the U.S. Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for gallantry on March 21, 1967 in Don Luan District, Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. At the time he was serving with Detachment A-302, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Hosking was 42 years old.
Hosking was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. The medal was presented on May 23, 1969, 2 years after the action — the White House, presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his Widow.
Hosking was born on May 12, 1924 in Ramsey, Bergen County, New Jersey. His Medal of Honor is credited to Fort Dix, Mercer County, New Jersey. He is buried at Valleau Cemetery in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Hosking is one of 274 Medal of Honor recipients from the Vietnam War and one of 93 credited to New Jersey.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. M/Sgt. Hosking (then Sfc.), Detachment A-302, Company A, greatly distinguished himself while serving as company adviser in the III Corps Civilian Irregular Defense Group Reaction Battalion during combat operations in Don Luan District. A Viet Cong suspect was apprehended and subsequently identified as a Viet Cong sniper. While M/Sgt. Hosking was preparing the enemy for movement back to the base camp, the prisoner suddenly grabbed a hand grenade from M/Sgt. Hosking's belt, armed the grenade, and started running towards the company command group which consisted of two Americans and two Vietnamese who were standing a few feet away. Instantly realizing that the enemy intended to kill the other men, M/Sgt. Hosking immediately leaped upon the Viet Cong's back. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he grasped the Viet Cong in a "Bear Hug" forcing the grenade against the enemy soldier's chest. He then wrestled the Viet Cong to the ground and covered the enemy's body with his body until the grenade detonated. The blast instantly killed both M/Sgt. Hosking and the Viet Cong. By absorbing the full force of the exploding grenade with his body and that of the enemy, he saved the other members of his command group from death or serious injury. M/Sgt. Hosking's 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (March 21, 1967).
- Age at death: 42
- Resting place: Valleau Cemetery
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War II, Vietnam War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in New Jersey →
Timeline
- May 12, 1924Born in Ramsey, Bergen County, New Jersey
- March 21, 1967Act of valor — Don Luan District, Phuoc Long Province, Republic of VietnamAge 42. Detachment A-302, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces Killed in action.
- May 23, 1969Medal of Honor presented posthumouslyThe White House, presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his Widow
- Resting placeValleau CemeteryRidgewood, New Jersey
Biography
Charles Ernest Hosking Jr. (May 12, 1924 – March 21, 1967) was a United States Army Special Forces soldier who received the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the medal posthumously for holding a Viet Cong prisoner with a live grenade, taking the brunt of the blast rather than allowing the prisoner to reach several of his commanders.
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